Today, a Monday, the start of the week on this 27th of August. I woke up early at 0600H getting myself ready for the day. Today will be a very busy day for me. I'll expect it to be extra busy and I am very jittery already.
Yesterday, I took a day off from my exercise at the gym. I sulked at my apartment the whole day, doing nothing. I am afraid to exert too much effort because my left ear is still draining sero-sanguinuous drainage. I stuffed the outer ear with cotton balls because I don't want the pillows to get wet with the drainage when I am sleeping. I can still feel the pressure and popping inside especially when I chew and eat so I kind of trying to avoid chewing and eating most of the time. Although Vicodin helps for the pain I still kind of refrain myself from taking it. See how stoical I am.
Today is the seventh day after my surgery and I am up to visit my ear doctor today scheduled at 0915H that's why I am up early to ready myself. I got up of bed and took a 100x sit-ups raising my legs and crossing them alternately. My tummy is still a little jiggly but I am not worried about it. It will take time to firm it up though. I also used the dumbbells to do a 15x - 3 reps shoulder shrugs. The exercises kind of fueled me this morning.
I then boiled some water for my coffee then prepared the batter for the pancakes. I decided to cook two fluffy pancakes and then ate them heartily drinking some warm and creamy coffee. After the breakfast I sat on the couch and played a little bit of scrabble from my iPhone application. At 0810H I went to the shower and prepared myself for my doctor's appointment. I scrubbed every nook of my body and shampooed my hair thoroughly. My God, I stayed 30 minutes at the shower.
I left the house at 0845H and drove to Sunset Boulevard going to Kaiser Medical Center and reported at my ENT doctor's office. I went to the sixth floor and registered at the receptionist and paid my copay. They upped the copay now to $25 which I usually paid for $20 two weeks ago. Everything now is expensive here in the United States. Health insurance is going down the drain already. I just don't know what will happen in five years time.
After paying my copay I was instructed to go to room 6B then the aide called me there and took my vital signs and weight. I weighed 174 lbs today compared to my 185 lbs two weeks ago. I lost 11 lbs in just two weeks after all those running, walking, and biking at the gym. It paid off. I am very happy. The aide was even surprised why I lost so much weight and I told her I am on a mission to lose weight by doing exercises at the gym. She warned me because I just had an operation and I just grinned at her. Hehehe.
She then transferred me to a room then my doctor came to check for me. I told him that I am bothered about the pressure in my ear and I told him that the ear was still draining serousy drainage. He went ahead and checked my left ear then he took the packing inside. The packing was so stubborn and was sticking and clinging well inside. He wet it with an antiseptic then soaked it for a minute and then took it out with a McGill forcep.
After that I felt that the popping and the pressure went away. He put an ear drop and then told me that it will still be draining for three days so I have to continue to plug my outer ear with a cotton ball. He also instructed me not to put the hearing aid for a week and then he wants to see me in a month for the audiology exam and the check-up. He prescribed me an ear drop and I filled it at the pharmacy on the first floor.
I left the doctor's office at 1030H and decided to go home because I need to pick up my mail for my payment to the IRS and will drop it later at the post office. I still have to wait for my dental appointment at 1200H so I stayed at home and watched a little bit of the TV Cooking Channel and continued playing the scrabble I left off earlier. The game had been amusing me all the time these days because I am winning most of the time. I learned a lot of strange words and the ones that's weird that I can remember is the word "gjetost". Weird huh!
I left the house at 1115H because I have to drive towards downtown Los Angeles because my dentist's clinic was located near the downtown and the traffic there by this time was very crowded. I arrived at the clinic ten minutes before my appointment and I logged in and they called me right away.
The dentist did two fillings on my front teeth then they did the teeth cleaning scraping the tartars that cling to my teeth. After the cleaning I paid my $20 copay then left at 1300H. My upper lips were still numbed and thick when I left the clinic because they have to anesthetized me during the filling placement. I drove straight home because I am planning to go to the gym later.
I arrived home at 1345H and saw my landlord outside lying on the hammock near his bedroom. I spoke to him for a little bit then I went up to my apartment and changed for my gym outfit. I left the house at 1400H and bade goodbye to my landlord still lying on the hammock flicking his iPhone.
The gym was not that far from the house and the traffic was not that bad. I passed by the Shell Station at Sunset Boulevard and Wilton Ave and gassed up then bought some Mega Lotto tickets for $3 for tomorrow's draw and then did my car wash there at the gasoline station. The machine operated car wash was very handy and voila my car looks new again.
After the car wash I went straight to the gym and stayed there to do my routines. I ran and jogged for 30 minutes and had a 10 minute cool down (I ran for 1.62 miles, lost 272 calories for 40 minutes), did the bike for 30 minutes (I biked for 5 miles for 18 minutes with the average of 102 rpm), and walked incline for 30 minutes and 10 minute cool down (I walked 2.24 miles at a 12 level incline and lost 431 calories for 40 minutes). I also did some slight pecs weight lift and did a lot of thigh presses to strengthen my legs from walking, running, and biking.
I felt more stronger now especially my biking which I did a 5 mile bike for less than 20 minutes (my target will be 15 minutes and I'm still have a long way to go). It was a progress each day and I was very very happy about it. Although it was painful at times still it's worth it. They say "no pain no gain" and that's how I believed it.
After three hours of exercises at the gym I went to the locker room and changed my drenched shirt with a dry one. I then left the gym and went to the bank to withdraw some money for my week's allowance then went to the post office and dropped my bill for the IRS. After that I went to the Vietnamese Restaurant I used to frequent (not very far from the post office) and ordered a hot and tasty Pho soup which is very therapeutic for my exercise. The soup was very delicious and good.
After that I went home, it was almost 0630H when I got home so I decided to do a little laundry of my work scrubs then planned to have a massage later at the corner Thai Massage Parlor near the house for me to get stretched and relaxed for tomorrow I am going back to work at school for a MAB conference.
My God, that was a very very busy day today. It was quite hot today but the weather didn't even intervene with all those errands and appointments I've had today. Oh what a very hectic day today!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Cooking Stuffed Peppers
Cooking for me is a past time and I am very good at it. I love cooking a lot and it helps me divert myself from boredom. It is a good past time as well as it enhanced my creativity in using ingredients that are affordable as well as the ones that are already in the fridge. It just take a little resourcefulness then a sumptuous meal will be ready soon.
Having learned cooking from my very meticulous father when I was little it is still reverberating in my senses some of the techniques he taught me on how to slice this vegetable, peel this kind of fruit, saute this kind of meat, or even braise this kind of fowl. He was very keen in every thing I do that's why I have to be careful in what I do in front of him. He's a sort of a perfectionist in a good way though.
Today I am preparing stuffed peppers. I am using the mildly spicy Anaheim Peppers instead of the usual sweet Poblano Peppers. Firstly, I have to grill three big Anaheim peppers (since I am the only one eating so I opted to cook three) until the skin is black and peeling. Then skin the pepper and set aside until clean. Wash with salt water then dry with paper towel.
Then open the middle part and remove the seeds inside then stuff the inner part with three light mozzarella sticks then dip in an egg batter with garlic salt and roll on a bread crumbs then fry until brown. Set aside in a paper towel to absorb all the oils then drizzle with a pinch of ground pepper and garlic salt.
Once dry, open the middle part again and stuff with shredded light cheddar cheese then pop the peppers in the oven for ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is melted and the pepper is crunchy. Then voila you've got the most tasty and delicious stuffed mildly spicy Anaheim peppers. It's a good and delicious menu everyone can afford and prepare. Not too heavy but very good to the body.
The capsaecin in the peppers helps stimulate appetite as well as it is a good antioxidant to the body. It also stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth thereby rehydrating the oral cavity all the time. Capsaecin also helps combat oral cancer, peptic ulcers, and colon and intestinal cancers.
Here is the picture of the stuffed peppers that I have cooked. Hope you all will like it. I really enjoyed eating one with ketchup and sautéed caramelized onions. Yum!
Cooking is a good outlet for me to unwind sometimes and I have to make sure that I am prepared with everything I need by planning out ahead of time what to cook and what to do. Sometimes if time won't permit and the ingredients are not readily available then I have to be resourceful to make things happen. There are some various alternatives sometimes and I have to take that way in order to realize what I am planning.
Sometimes cooking is just life. We have to plan and get ready for everything. Plans could be altered but we have to be flexible enough on what is readily available. It also allows us to be resourceful in every thing we do just like cooking. It's just amusing to me that in whatever I do I can associate life with it because what we do and what we accomplish entails a lot of planning and preparation just like when we are cooking and preparing food.
Hope you like this article just like the stuffed peppers I've cooked and prepared for you. Thank you for your kind patronage. Until next cooking!
Having learned cooking from my very meticulous father when I was little it is still reverberating in my senses some of the techniques he taught me on how to slice this vegetable, peel this kind of fruit, saute this kind of meat, or even braise this kind of fowl. He was very keen in every thing I do that's why I have to be careful in what I do in front of him. He's a sort of a perfectionist in a good way though.
Today I am preparing stuffed peppers. I am using the mildly spicy Anaheim Peppers instead of the usual sweet Poblano Peppers. Firstly, I have to grill three big Anaheim peppers (since I am the only one eating so I opted to cook three) until the skin is black and peeling. Then skin the pepper and set aside until clean. Wash with salt water then dry with paper towel.
Then open the middle part and remove the seeds inside then stuff the inner part with three light mozzarella sticks then dip in an egg batter with garlic salt and roll on a bread crumbs then fry until brown. Set aside in a paper towel to absorb all the oils then drizzle with a pinch of ground pepper and garlic salt.
Once dry, open the middle part again and stuff with shredded light cheddar cheese then pop the peppers in the oven for ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is melted and the pepper is crunchy. Then voila you've got the most tasty and delicious stuffed mildly spicy Anaheim peppers. It's a good and delicious menu everyone can afford and prepare. Not too heavy but very good to the body.
The capsaecin in the peppers helps stimulate appetite as well as it is a good antioxidant to the body. It also stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth thereby rehydrating the oral cavity all the time. Capsaecin also helps combat oral cancer, peptic ulcers, and colon and intestinal cancers.
Here is the picture of the stuffed peppers that I have cooked. Hope you all will like it. I really enjoyed eating one with ketchup and sautéed caramelized onions. Yum!
Cooking is a good outlet for me to unwind sometimes and I have to make sure that I am prepared with everything I need by planning out ahead of time what to cook and what to do. Sometimes if time won't permit and the ingredients are not readily available then I have to be resourceful to make things happen. There are some various alternatives sometimes and I have to take that way in order to realize what I am planning.
Sometimes cooking is just life. We have to plan and get ready for everything. Plans could be altered but we have to be flexible enough on what is readily available. It also allows us to be resourceful in every thing we do just like cooking. It's just amusing to me that in whatever I do I can associate life with it because what we do and what we accomplish entails a lot of planning and preparation just like when we are cooking and preparing food.
Hope you like this article just like the stuffed peppers I've cooked and prepared for you. Thank you for your kind patronage. Until next cooking!
The Benefits of Traveling Alone
This is an excerpt of the bog made by my favorite gay blogger author Davey Wavey. He emphasizes the advantages of traveling with family and by one self. It is a very interesting article which I wanted to share it here in my blog. Here's the article:
"In all the traveling that I’ve done, I’ve come to realize that even more important than the destinations you visit is with whom you’re able to share the experiences. Traveling with a close friend or loved one is a great way to amplify the experience.
Moreover, with a friend at your side, it’s much easier to laugh at your misfortunes or tribulations. A missed flight doesn’t seem so bad and culture shock just isn’t as shocking. And having a travel companion gives you an added sense of safety and security. You have a bit of the familiar even amidst the unfamiliar.
While I do prefer traveling with a friend or loved one, there are some unique aspects of traveling alone that I’ve come to appreciate and even crave. Indeed, solo traveling can have some unique advantages.
Most notably:
1. You can do it on your time. It’s hard enough to fit a vacation into one person’s busy schedule—let alone having to take two or three or more into account. In planning trips with friends, the back-and-forth of finding a good vacation date can paralyze your plans—or, at the very least, put them on the backburner. When you travel alone, on the other hand, you have the freedom to spontaneously book a trip without having to negotiate anyone else’s schedule.
2. You can do, see and eat what you want. As a child, I remember traveling with my family and having to see the sights that my mom, dad and sister wanted to experience—even if I was painfully uninterested. When you travel alone, you’re able to take the itinerary into your own hands and really do whatever you want to do. It’s very liberating!
3. You’re more likely to meet new people. When you’re traveling with a companion or friends, you have each other’s company to enjoy. But when you’re alone, you’re more open to meeting new people. In fact, you’ll probably make more of an effort to strike up a conversation or make acquaintances with the folks around you.
4. You can experience some romance. Let’s face it, traveling alone doesn’t mean you’ll always be alone. When you have a hotel room for yourself, you—at the very least—have the opportunity for a little vacation romance. It definitely counts for something! Just be careful. STDs don’t make for good souvenirs.
5. You get a sense of accomplishment. When you go to a faraway land and manage to not just survive, but to actually thrive, you’ll experience a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction. Prove to yourself that you can do it—and, along the way, you’ll probably learn a lot about yourself and you abilities. It’s a great way to both build confidence and discover of what you’re really made.
Sure, traveling with the people you love is great. But few things are as intoxicating as the personal freedom and sense of excitement you get from traveling alone. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you invite in the magic of a true adventure."
I hope you've enjoyed it just like I enjoyed it. This is most helpful to me especially at times when I am traveling alone. I like it.
"In all the traveling that I’ve done, I’ve come to realize that even more important than the destinations you visit is with whom you’re able to share the experiences. Traveling with a close friend or loved one is a great way to amplify the experience.
Moreover, with a friend at your side, it’s much easier to laugh at your misfortunes or tribulations. A missed flight doesn’t seem so bad and culture shock just isn’t as shocking. And having a travel companion gives you an added sense of safety and security. You have a bit of the familiar even amidst the unfamiliar.
While I do prefer traveling with a friend or loved one, there are some unique aspects of traveling alone that I’ve come to appreciate and even crave. Indeed, solo traveling can have some unique advantages.
Most notably:
1. You can do it on your time. It’s hard enough to fit a vacation into one person’s busy schedule—let alone having to take two or three or more into account. In planning trips with friends, the back-and-forth of finding a good vacation date can paralyze your plans—or, at the very least, put them on the backburner. When you travel alone, on the other hand, you have the freedom to spontaneously book a trip without having to negotiate anyone else’s schedule.
2. You can do, see and eat what you want. As a child, I remember traveling with my family and having to see the sights that my mom, dad and sister wanted to experience—even if I was painfully uninterested. When you travel alone, you’re able to take the itinerary into your own hands and really do whatever you want to do. It’s very liberating!
3. You’re more likely to meet new people. When you’re traveling with a companion or friends, you have each other’s company to enjoy. But when you’re alone, you’re more open to meeting new people. In fact, you’ll probably make more of an effort to strike up a conversation or make acquaintances with the folks around you.
4. You can experience some romance. Let’s face it, traveling alone doesn’t mean you’ll always be alone. When you have a hotel room for yourself, you—at the very least—have the opportunity for a little vacation romance. It definitely counts for something! Just be careful. STDs don’t make for good souvenirs.
5. You get a sense of accomplishment. When you go to a faraway land and manage to not just survive, but to actually thrive, you’ll experience a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction. Prove to yourself that you can do it—and, along the way, you’ll probably learn a lot about yourself and you abilities. It’s a great way to both build confidence and discover of what you’re really made.
Sure, traveling with the people you love is great. But few things are as intoxicating as the personal freedom and sense of excitement you get from traveling alone. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you invite in the magic of a true adventure."
I hope you've enjoyed it just like I enjoyed it. This is most helpful to me especially at times when I am traveling alone. I like it.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Second Day Post-op
Today was my second day post-operation day from a left tympanoplasty done by the best and amiable ENT surgeon I've known in Los Angeles. I felt better now compared to yesterday.
Yesterday was okay, too. Although I limit myself from chewing hard foods, sneezing and coughing hard, and lifting so much because my left ear is still bleeding heavily. As instructed I took off the bulky dressing that wrapped around my head and changed the packing that it plugged outside the pinna which is always drenched with red bloody drainage.
I only ate soft diet that I cannot chew so I decided to cook "champorado" in the morning and "arroz caldo" at dinner. My appetite was quite finicky because I can still taste bitter may due to the anesthesia that was given to me. I felt the same way during my first operation last April and it will be probably gone in two months just like the first one.
I can still hear the popping and ringing sounds every time I chew slightly inside my ear because of the drenched packing that's why I refrained my self from chewing or else my drainage will be profuse. I am just careful aggravating my ear so much because I don't want some complications later on. I'm hopeful there will be none. God bless me!
I was so bored yesterday that I almost decided doing some slight lifting like watering my potted plants outside the patio but I held my self from that so I decided to grab a good book and read the whole day while listening to some soothing music. I finished two novels by my favorite author Debbie MacComber under her Cedar Cove Series. I finished "16 Lighthouse Road" and "50 Harbor Street", both were poignant romantic love stories which rendered me crying my hearts out quenching my boredom with a good read. I enjoyed it actually!
I also tried to review my book for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program which I am renewing in September because I will be planning to go back doing registry now that they are calling me to help them out because a lot of hospitals are calling for placements now. I got sleepy reading the textbook compared to the novels I've read earlier. What a sleeping pill actually are these textbooks. I'm not just interested in studying right that time maybe.
The day yesterday was just spent staying at home doing nothing physical but just trying to refrain myself from straining hoping that my ear will not bleed a lot. I never ever took a Vicodin pill because the pain was just tolerable for me although there was some slight ringing but it doesn't even bother me.
I slept good also last night and went to sleep at 2200H after watching Olympic reruns. I woke up this morning very recharged and felt so much better. I drank two glasses of water after I woke up and decided to just water my potted plants at the patio which I last watered last Monday. My lemon grass, sampaguitas, and gardenias were already bushy and I am happy the way they grew despite of the hot summer but oh my they drank a lot of water every time I watered them. The soil gets dry after two days. The sun was also brightly shining right into my face so I soaked up myself under it for half an hour.
My plans today is to move a little bit so I decided to go to the gym to do some biking and walking. No weight lifting yet just doing cardio exercises maybe. I felt very inert the previous too days because I haven't been exercising. I last hiked at Hollywood Hills last week and I already missed it, but hopefully I will resume that in two weeks time after I can ask an okay permission from my surgeon on Monday during my first post-op visit.
Today, I will still continue to change the packing every 3 hours and possibly will took a very refreshing shower trying to be careful not to wet the operative ear. It was a hard process doing it during my first operation tilting my ear on the un-operative ear soaping and shampooing my hair as well as guarding the other ear not to get wet. It took me hours to do it last time but may be all will be well.
I am planning also to visit my students at Rosecrans Care Center today under the tutelage of my best friend Ms. Aguilar because I needed to pick up some important papers from her. I missed my students already and for sure they will be surprise seeing me there thinking that I am still recuperating. Of course, I am recuperating but I am recuperating fast.
Well, have to go now and start my second day right by going to the gym. Will update you more about my recuperation in the following days. Rest assure that I am okay and thanks for all your care, well wishes, good lucks, prayers, and most importantly your unconditional love vested on me. I am so lucky and grateful to have all you around thinking of me all the time. My heartfelt gratitude and love as always. God be with me today and to all of you forever. Bye for now!
Yesterday was okay, too. Although I limit myself from chewing hard foods, sneezing and coughing hard, and lifting so much because my left ear is still bleeding heavily. As instructed I took off the bulky dressing that wrapped around my head and changed the packing that it plugged outside the pinna which is always drenched with red bloody drainage.
I only ate soft diet that I cannot chew so I decided to cook "champorado" in the morning and "arroz caldo" at dinner. My appetite was quite finicky because I can still taste bitter may due to the anesthesia that was given to me. I felt the same way during my first operation last April and it will be probably gone in two months just like the first one.
I can still hear the popping and ringing sounds every time I chew slightly inside my ear because of the drenched packing that's why I refrained my self from chewing or else my drainage will be profuse. I am just careful aggravating my ear so much because I don't want some complications later on. I'm hopeful there will be none. God bless me!
I was so bored yesterday that I almost decided doing some slight lifting like watering my potted plants outside the patio but I held my self from that so I decided to grab a good book and read the whole day while listening to some soothing music. I finished two novels by my favorite author Debbie MacComber under her Cedar Cove Series. I finished "16 Lighthouse Road" and "50 Harbor Street", both were poignant romantic love stories which rendered me crying my hearts out quenching my boredom with a good read. I enjoyed it actually!
I also tried to review my book for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program which I am renewing in September because I will be planning to go back doing registry now that they are calling me to help them out because a lot of hospitals are calling for placements now. I got sleepy reading the textbook compared to the novels I've read earlier. What a sleeping pill actually are these textbooks. I'm not just interested in studying right that time maybe.
The day yesterday was just spent staying at home doing nothing physical but just trying to refrain myself from straining hoping that my ear will not bleed a lot. I never ever took a Vicodin pill because the pain was just tolerable for me although there was some slight ringing but it doesn't even bother me.
I slept good also last night and went to sleep at 2200H after watching Olympic reruns. I woke up this morning very recharged and felt so much better. I drank two glasses of water after I woke up and decided to just water my potted plants at the patio which I last watered last Monday. My lemon grass, sampaguitas, and gardenias were already bushy and I am happy the way they grew despite of the hot summer but oh my they drank a lot of water every time I watered them. The soil gets dry after two days. The sun was also brightly shining right into my face so I soaked up myself under it for half an hour.
My plans today is to move a little bit so I decided to go to the gym to do some biking and walking. No weight lifting yet just doing cardio exercises maybe. I felt very inert the previous too days because I haven't been exercising. I last hiked at Hollywood Hills last week and I already missed it, but hopefully I will resume that in two weeks time after I can ask an okay permission from my surgeon on Monday during my first post-op visit.
Today, I will still continue to change the packing every 3 hours and possibly will took a very refreshing shower trying to be careful not to wet the operative ear. It was a hard process doing it during my first operation tilting my ear on the un-operative ear soaping and shampooing my hair as well as guarding the other ear not to get wet. It took me hours to do it last time but may be all will be well.
I am planning also to visit my students at Rosecrans Care Center today under the tutelage of my best friend Ms. Aguilar because I needed to pick up some important papers from her. I missed my students already and for sure they will be surprise seeing me there thinking that I am still recuperating. Of course, I am recuperating but I am recuperating fast.
Well, have to go now and start my second day right by going to the gym. Will update you more about my recuperation in the following days. Rest assure that I am okay and thanks for all your care, well wishes, good lucks, prayers, and most importantly your unconditional love vested on me. I am so lucky and grateful to have all you around thinking of me all the time. My heartfelt gratitude and love as always. God be with me today and to all of you forever. Bye for now!
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
My Second Tympanoplasty Operation
Yesterday was the date of my second tympanoplasty surgery. My surgeon scheduled me to have it after the first successful operation I've had on my right ear. Now he will do my left ear.
The reason he will do it because I have a perforated ear drum which I have incurred when I was still little due to the chronic ear infections I've had. From then I've been suffering some bouts of hearing problems which some times is embarrassing. But because my parents couldn't afford to have it fixed I grew up with it. Despite having this handicap it didn't hinder me to finish college and become a successful nurse right now.
Although the curse of the handicap could not be ignored, I opted to have my ear checked and was recommended to have this operation. The first surgery I had last April was a very successful one and now I am up to my second operation and hopefully this will also be a success. Right now I am waiting to have it started.
I came in early for my preop despite being instructed to come at 1200H yet I came two hours early may be because I was excited to have it or may be I was anxious about it. I've waited there till 1200H and when it was time for me to be admitted I went to the admitting section and started to get my ID band.
From there they guided me to go to the preop room and them have me changed and interviewed me about my health history. After that the nurse started to place an intravenous line on me and started the intravenous fluids and the initial dose of the IV antibiotic. I stayed there and was told that the surgery will start at 1400H.
The wait seems like forever. I wanted to take a nap but I couldn't close my eyes because of my apprehensions. It was already 1400H but nobody came to pick me up. I was thinking may be that the current operation may be had went over their time that's why nobody had picked me up.
At 1430H my surgeon came and checked me out. He also marked my left ear to make a guide as well as it is a hospital protocol to do so. He bade good bye and told to see me later. I thanked him for coming by.
I've waited for another hour and finally I was picked up at 1630H then wheeled to the operating room. The anesthesiologist also came to inject me the sedation then after that I have no idea what had happened.
I woke up at the PACU very groggy and was greeted by this charming and funny African-American male nurse who is cracking up jokes at me. He asked me how am I doing and I told him I'm okay. I asked him what time it is and he told me it was 1920H. He then offered me two small cups of apple juice which I eagerly chugged down then he went to call my ride home to come and pick me up.
Half an hour later my landlord came to pick me up and drive me home. The nurse went ahead to discontinue my IV them I changed with my street clothes and get ready to leave. I felt a little dizzy and woozy so I sat down a little bit while the nurse was getting a wheelchair for me to use when going down the lobby of the building.
I left the hospital at 2010H via a wheelchair in good condition. I never realized it was already night time but the sun was still out outside. Oh my God it was a very long day for me but at least it was a very successful operation.
Upon arriving at my pad Julio helped me go up the stairs and then get settled on my bed. I took one tablet of Vicodin then went to sleep the whole night like a baby for I was very very tired that time. From there I just wanted to rest and couped up all my energy for another day's ordeal tomorrow. Thank you Lord for this successful day. Luv you forever!
The reason he will do it because I have a perforated ear drum which I have incurred when I was still little due to the chronic ear infections I've had. From then I've been suffering some bouts of hearing problems which some times is embarrassing. But because my parents couldn't afford to have it fixed I grew up with it. Despite having this handicap it didn't hinder me to finish college and become a successful nurse right now.
Although the curse of the handicap could not be ignored, I opted to have my ear checked and was recommended to have this operation. The first surgery I had last April was a very successful one and now I am up to my second operation and hopefully this will also be a success. Right now I am waiting to have it started.
I came in early for my preop despite being instructed to come at 1200H yet I came two hours early may be because I was excited to have it or may be I was anxious about it. I've waited there till 1200H and when it was time for me to be admitted I went to the admitting section and started to get my ID band.
From there they guided me to go to the preop room and them have me changed and interviewed me about my health history. After that the nurse started to place an intravenous line on me and started the intravenous fluids and the initial dose of the IV antibiotic. I stayed there and was told that the surgery will start at 1400H.
The wait seems like forever. I wanted to take a nap but I couldn't close my eyes because of my apprehensions. It was already 1400H but nobody came to pick me up. I was thinking may be that the current operation may be had went over their time that's why nobody had picked me up.
At 1430H my surgeon came and checked me out. He also marked my left ear to make a guide as well as it is a hospital protocol to do so. He bade good bye and told to see me later. I thanked him for coming by.
I've waited for another hour and finally I was picked up at 1630H then wheeled to the operating room. The anesthesiologist also came to inject me the sedation then after that I have no idea what had happened.
I woke up at the PACU very groggy and was greeted by this charming and funny African-American male nurse who is cracking up jokes at me. He asked me how am I doing and I told him I'm okay. I asked him what time it is and he told me it was 1920H. He then offered me two small cups of apple juice which I eagerly chugged down then he went to call my ride home to come and pick me up.
Half an hour later my landlord came to pick me up and drive me home. The nurse went ahead to discontinue my IV them I changed with my street clothes and get ready to leave. I felt a little dizzy and woozy so I sat down a little bit while the nurse was getting a wheelchair for me to use when going down the lobby of the building.
I left the hospital at 2010H via a wheelchair in good condition. I never realized it was already night time but the sun was still out outside. Oh my God it was a very long day for me but at least it was a very successful operation.
Upon arriving at my pad Julio helped me go up the stairs and then get settled on my bed. I took one tablet of Vicodin then went to sleep the whole night like a baby for I was very very tired that time. From there I just wanted to rest and couped up all my energy for another day's ordeal tomorrow. Thank you Lord for this successful day. Luv you forever!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Reporting For My Pre-op
Today will be the day for my second tympanoplasty at Kaiser Medical Center in Sunset Blvd. I am kind of scared but I know I will be okay. The feeling that I have right now is just a normal reaction to an impending stress.
I've been to this situation before and I know how it is. Therefore, I can't help being anxious right now. Although, I know I will be okay but there's still some thing that's always bothers me a lot. A lot of "what ifs" and unending questions stirring up my mind.
As a nurse, being knowledgeable of my surgery entails a lot of questions in my mind but I slowly brushed them up because I know I can trust my surgeon in this just like I trusted him during my first surgery last April.
In my apprehension or I may say excitement, I asked my landlord to drop me off at 1015H in front of the ambulatory surgery building. When I was at the reception area the handsome guy sitting in front doing admissions told me that I have to be admitted at 1200H for preop because my operation schedule was slated at 1400H. I can't do otherwise but to wait or go somewhere to spend time because I can't call my landlord to go back and pick me up. And besides if I will be admitted I can't go out the building anymore.
I decided to appease my anxiety by finding a more conducive place for me to spend my time alone. I have no options but to get out of the building and find that place. I knew the area so well but because I am prohibited not to eat and drink anything prior to surgery I decided to walk along Sunset Blvd. going east and hoping to find a more nicer and quiet place for me to unwind.
At the corner street I saw a cute teenager selling fruit slices but in as much as I wanted to buy and eat one I can't because of my surgery. Across the street was a Subway deli which also tempting me to invite to go inside to buy but again I held my composure not to eat because I am prohibited. It was really killing me at that moment because my last meal was last night at eight. My stomach was been growling and complaining right now.
I continued ambling down the straight biulevard until I saw the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles along Vermont Avenue. I was thinking intently where to go and I decided to probably go inside the hospital and check it out there. I've never been inside yet so may be this will be a nice time and chance to do it.
When I went inside it seems that the security was very tight so I decided not to go inside but I spotted the small lobby near the reception area which is only having few people sitting there so I decided to probably stay there until my time is up for my preop.
At the lobby, there was a lonely grand piano playing by itself at the corner (take note, without a pianist) which was very handy for me to listen to the soothing music it was playing. May be the music was already technically programmed by the computer. It was playing Disney Music and at the moment I sat at the leathered chair near it, it was tuning Ariel's "Out Of this World" then followed by Lion King's "Circle Of life" until it goes on and on with various cool instrumental music.
I stayed there listening to the cool music and started this blog as well as spend my time while ignoring my anxiety for my impending surgery. The throngs of people lining in front of the reception area had also distracted me from thinking about my surgery.
It can't be denied that I am scared but I know God will be with me despite of my extreme apprehensions and anxiety. The lobby at the Childrens Hospital was my temporary hiding place and refuge right now to nurse my fears as well as distract myself from thinking too much.
Good thing I had the opportunity to blog right now at least it calmed me down a little bit. Whatever will happen for me later I hope everything will be all right.
Good luck to me today. Lord please guide and help me today as I entrust myself to my surgeon and the whole surgical team in fixing my damaged eardrum. I hope it will be a successful operation. Thank you so much.
I've been to this situation before and I know how it is. Therefore, I can't help being anxious right now. Although, I know I will be okay but there's still some thing that's always bothers me a lot. A lot of "what ifs" and unending questions stirring up my mind.
As a nurse, being knowledgeable of my surgery entails a lot of questions in my mind but I slowly brushed them up because I know I can trust my surgeon in this just like I trusted him during my first surgery last April.
In my apprehension or I may say excitement, I asked my landlord to drop me off at 1015H in front of the ambulatory surgery building. When I was at the reception area the handsome guy sitting in front doing admissions told me that I have to be admitted at 1200H for preop because my operation schedule was slated at 1400H. I can't do otherwise but to wait or go somewhere to spend time because I can't call my landlord to go back and pick me up. And besides if I will be admitted I can't go out the building anymore.
I decided to appease my anxiety by finding a more conducive place for me to spend my time alone. I have no options but to get out of the building and find that place. I knew the area so well but because I am prohibited not to eat and drink anything prior to surgery I decided to walk along Sunset Blvd. going east and hoping to find a more nicer and quiet place for me to unwind.
At the corner street I saw a cute teenager selling fruit slices but in as much as I wanted to buy and eat one I can't because of my surgery. Across the street was a Subway deli which also tempting me to invite to go inside to buy but again I held my composure not to eat because I am prohibited. It was really killing me at that moment because my last meal was last night at eight. My stomach was been growling and complaining right now.
I continued ambling down the straight biulevard until I saw the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles along Vermont Avenue. I was thinking intently where to go and I decided to probably go inside the hospital and check it out there. I've never been inside yet so may be this will be a nice time and chance to do it.
When I went inside it seems that the security was very tight so I decided not to go inside but I spotted the small lobby near the reception area which is only having few people sitting there so I decided to probably stay there until my time is up for my preop.
At the lobby, there was a lonely grand piano playing by itself at the corner (take note, without a pianist) which was very handy for me to listen to the soothing music it was playing. May be the music was already technically programmed by the computer. It was playing Disney Music and at the moment I sat at the leathered chair near it, it was tuning Ariel's "Out Of this World" then followed by Lion King's "Circle Of life" until it goes on and on with various cool instrumental music.
I stayed there listening to the cool music and started this blog as well as spend my time while ignoring my anxiety for my impending surgery. The throngs of people lining in front of the reception area had also distracted me from thinking about my surgery.
It can't be denied that I am scared but I know God will be with me despite of my extreme apprehensions and anxiety. The lobby at the Childrens Hospital was my temporary hiding place and refuge right now to nurse my fears as well as distract myself from thinking too much.
Good thing I had the opportunity to blog right now at least it calmed me down a little bit. Whatever will happen for me later I hope everything will be all right.
Good luck to me today. Lord please guide and help me today as I entrust myself to my surgeon and the whole surgical team in fixing my damaged eardrum. I hope it will be a successful operation. Thank you so much.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Breaking The Habit
Yeah... I am so dedicated now to lose weight so I went back to the gym and had pushed myself to exercise. The gym was very beneficial for me to do my cardio exercises so that it will help me lose some of my weight which I accumulated for so many years of being lazy to exercise.
At first it is really hard to do it because of the pain and soreness I've got doing my exercises after the day. I've got a trick to dissipate the pain and soreness by taking Tylenol before doing the exercise and after that I can feel that I can do the exercises without even feeling the soreness. It works!
It's been two weeks now that I've been back to the gym and now I got the habit back to myself. My life was never been easier had I not decided to go back. I got the big realization when I noticed that I am extremely chunky and I noticed that I've put on a lot of pounds and I know it will be a big battle to lose thos stubborn fats.
I am extremely happy now that I will painstakingly see some results in a month or so rewarding me of my decision to go back to the gym. Gone are those days that I usually procrastinate exercising and I am so glad that I had started exercising again despite of a lot of hindering factors.
From now on I will dedicate myself going to the gym in order for me to acheive my goal. I know it will be a long journey and a big struggle but I am willing to compromise as long as I can break the habit.
In three months time I will assess the progress and will evaluate what else needed to be done in order to get the full potential of my goal. For now I have to double time and make sure that I have to do the job religiously and not falter. I know I can do it and I trust myself and God for it.
There is always power in perseverance and diligence. And in order to optimize the possibility of fulfilling my goal I have to endure a lot of pains along the way for if there is no pain there is no gain at all. And I am a firm believer for that true statement.
Breaking the habit of procrastination is not that easy. Sometimes it is haunting me especially when the pain is killing me, but the trick works and I will surely use it in order to benefit the full potential of my goal in starting this exercises in the first place. So help me God.
At first it is really hard to do it because of the pain and soreness I've got doing my exercises after the day. I've got a trick to dissipate the pain and soreness by taking Tylenol before doing the exercise and after that I can feel that I can do the exercises without even feeling the soreness. It works!
It's been two weeks now that I've been back to the gym and now I got the habit back to myself. My life was never been easier had I not decided to go back. I got the big realization when I noticed that I am extremely chunky and I noticed that I've put on a lot of pounds and I know it will be a big battle to lose thos stubborn fats.
I am extremely happy now that I will painstakingly see some results in a month or so rewarding me of my decision to go back to the gym. Gone are those days that I usually procrastinate exercising and I am so glad that I had started exercising again despite of a lot of hindering factors.
From now on I will dedicate myself going to the gym in order for me to acheive my goal. I know it will be a long journey and a big struggle but I am willing to compromise as long as I can break the habit.
In three months time I will assess the progress and will evaluate what else needed to be done in order to get the full potential of my goal. For now I have to double time and make sure that I have to do the job religiously and not falter. I know I can do it and I trust myself and God for it.
There is always power in perseverance and diligence. And in order to optimize the possibility of fulfilling my goal I have to endure a lot of pains along the way for if there is no pain there is no gain at all. And I am a firm believer for that true statement.
Breaking the habit of procrastination is not that easy. Sometimes it is haunting me especially when the pain is killing me, but the trick works and I will surely use it in order to benefit the full potential of my goal in starting this exercises in the first place. So help me God.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Slight Tremors In Los Angeles
Well, I was in my clinical class at Rosecrans Care Center when we were giving a G-tube meds at the resident in Room 3A when the news flashed that there was a 4.5 RS shakings an hour ago with the epicenter in Loma Linda which is just 8 miles from the facility we are at.
They say there was an earthquake last night also and the one that just happened was an aftershock. Honestly, to me I felt nothing. It seems tha I wasn't really focused at it that's why I did not felt it.
Ever since I was here in Los Angeles in 2000, I never felt any major one. They say that earthquake here in California is usual that's why people are ignoring the minor shakes just like what had happened to me. But the magnitude of 4.5 RS is already too strong to be felt and it seems that I wasn't to accustomed to it.
I know in the past that California has a widespread earthquake emergency drills and whatever will happen, California is already prepared because of those. It was very reassuring that the people are being prepared for any uninvited disasterrs or calamities and that the svope of the preparation was very extensive.
For me, I can say that I am not prepared whatever happens but I count that with the massive campaign of the state to prepare for these calamitiesI am also ready to help. What ever the odds are I will be there to helpnecsuse of my job and the nature of it.
I hope everything will be okay after this aftershocks and that people can go on with what they are doing. although it doesn't hurt to be prepared any time. Who knows. Que sera sera!
They say there was an earthquake last night also and the one that just happened was an aftershock. Honestly, to me I felt nothing. It seems tha I wasn't really focused at it that's why I did not felt it.
Ever since I was here in Los Angeles in 2000, I never felt any major one. They say that earthquake here in California is usual that's why people are ignoring the minor shakes just like what had happened to me. But the magnitude of 4.5 RS is already too strong to be felt and it seems that I wasn't to accustomed to it.
I know in the past that California has a widespread earthquake emergency drills and whatever will happen, California is already prepared because of those. It was very reassuring that the people are being prepared for any uninvited disasterrs or calamities and that the svope of the preparation was very extensive.
For me, I can say that I am not prepared whatever happens but I count that with the massive campaign of the state to prepare for these calamitiesI am also ready to help. What ever the odds are I will be there to helpnecsuse of my job and the nature of it.
I hope everything will be okay after this aftershocks and that people can go on with what they are doing. although it doesn't hurt to be prepared any time. Who knows. Que sera sera!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Poignant Stories From The London Olympics
As I was watching the XXX Summer Olympics currently held in London from my recapped shows from my DVR I couldn't deny the fact that there are very touching stories that real intrigued me. There are some few that I wanted to really high light here in my blog.
Firstly, the fall of my swimming hero Kosuke Kitajima who won gold medals back to back in 100m and 200m breast stroke in 2004 and 2008. He failed to defend both titles in London on his third Olympic. I was crashed about it since to me he is my best athlete in swimming and really had brought Japan to the heights of swimming. Despite he didn't won it he is still the best to me. I believe this is his last Olympic and he will retire after this but I know he is very active in his foundation and I admire him for doing it so well.
The other story that touched me was the story of Erick Barrondo a walkathon miler from Guatemela who won silver in the 50 km walkathon race in this London Olympic. His story was a very rare one because he won the very first Olympic medal for his Central American nation. He dedicated his win to the eradication of guns and violence in his native country and encourage the youths of his country to engage in sports rather than violence. It was a very touching dedication he had made.
Another poignant story to me was the retirement of Michael Phelps who bowed out for retirement after this London Olympics leaving a great mark in Olympic history as the Best Athlete of All Times and the one who win most medals and also in gold medals. He left a legacy that will probably be never matched and he is an epitome of a true sports.
One of the best story that touches me was the story of Oscar Pistorius a disabled athlete from South Africa who despite being an amputee received so much attention before this Olympic had started because he is the first 400m runner who will run with steel blade prosthesis and was an object of protest because of this kind of advantage. But the science proved that his blades is not a factor.
When I saw him at the semifinals running on the 400m race with the abled bodied athletes he did his best and had finished last. To him his dream of running with the abled bodied athletes in the Olympics was a dream come true and he was an inspiration to every one especially the players as well as the spectators.
Another touching scenario during the 400m semifinals was the exchange of name tags of Kirani James of Grenada and Oscar Pistorius. It was a very touching gesture of Kirani James and I admire his sportsmanship as well as cordiality with the fallen disabled athlete.
Later on in the finals Kirani James of Grenada, a 19-year-old representative of the spice island, had captured the gold medal and was been very humble about his winning. He also won the first gold medal and the first Olympic medal for his island nation who also celebrated for his winning after they watched him run in the television.
A 19-year-old boy bringing honor for his nation in the Olympics as well as showing compassion in his sports as he exchanged name tags with Oscar Pistorius during the semifinal run was a great class act for him. He was a true Olympian at that.
One of the most interesting story that I have seen was the winner of the 10,000m run which was usually dominated by the Ethiopians and the Kenyans. Now the winners were the partnership of a little less known British guy named Mo Farah who took the gold medal and his training American partner named Galen Rupp who sweep the silver respectively. They were trained under the umbrella of a Spanish coach and was successful in taking the two medals during this Olympic.
The poignant story was that amidst the rousing cheers of the British crowd inside the stadium Mo Farah and Galen Rupp rushed to the finish line defeating the long years monopoly of the Ethiopians and the Kenyans in this event. One of the Royalties who witnessed the event was Prince William and Kate Middleton whom the former was seen jumping up and down after Mo Farah got to the finish line.
During the awarding ceremony what was touching was that the two friends shared the podium for their victory under the tutelage of the same coach. It was a very touching ceremony and I was crying watching it from the television.
Another touching story was the win of Usain Bolt in the 100m race which he equalled the record of the great Carl Lewis winning back to back gold in the 100m race and still will make a mark in the 200m race in the following days. He just exemplifies the best characteristics of the fastest runner in the planet as well as he had grabbed the most hyped athlete for this Olympics.
Another poignant story that touched me was the performance of the two athlete from Dominican Republic. Felix Sanchez had won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles for his country Dominican Republic at the age 35. He defies age against winning the gold medal twice in this sport, one in 2004 in Athens and one right now in LOndon. He had proved that age has nothing to do with garnering or winning the gold in this very grueling sports of hurdles.
On the other hand the story of his 18-year-old compatriot Leguelin Santos was also a compelling story. Small but quick he easily ease out in the second spot winning the silver medal in the 400m race trailing against Kirani James and had brought the second Olympic medal for his country Dominican Republic. With his rivalry with Kirani there will be more stories about them in the near future.
The last story that I will leave in this blog was the story of the Chinese track star in the 110m hurdles. Liu Xiang had not only suffered the embarrassment from his 2008 Beijing Olympics failure but his fall in the 110m hurdles qualifying in London was very heartbreaking and also very touching. I twitched and had cried at the same time.
He fell when he jump at the first hurdle and was grimacing a lot. It was found out that he had torn his Achilles tendon again and probably will retire after this. Despite his rise in his sports proving in Daugue, Korea during the World Chanpionships he promised to be back in the Olympics but apparently it ended his career.
After the fall he almost turned his back by skipping towards the locker room but he turn around and went back to the track hopping with one leg towards the finish line and stopped at the last hurdle of his lane and kissed the hurdle for the last time signaling his end and his retirement then he went back to the sides and continued hopping.
He was picked up by his rivals and was assisted towards the finish line and to the stands to rest and get attended by the medics. It was a very touching scene I have witnessed on TV and was the greatest class act I've ever seen in the Olympics.
Well, too bad the games in the Olympics will be over in a week and there might be probably more poignant stories coming to our way but so far these are the most poignant ones that I can remember off and will be remembered as I open my blog. Hope you are touched too with these stories as it touched me so much.
Firstly, the fall of my swimming hero Kosuke Kitajima who won gold medals back to back in 100m and 200m breast stroke in 2004 and 2008. He failed to defend both titles in London on his third Olympic. I was crashed about it since to me he is my best athlete in swimming and really had brought Japan to the heights of swimming. Despite he didn't won it he is still the best to me. I believe this is his last Olympic and he will retire after this but I know he is very active in his foundation and I admire him for doing it so well.
The other story that touched me was the story of Erick Barrondo a walkathon miler from Guatemela who won silver in the 50 km walkathon race in this London Olympic. His story was a very rare one because he won the very first Olympic medal for his Central American nation. He dedicated his win to the eradication of guns and violence in his native country and encourage the youths of his country to engage in sports rather than violence. It was a very touching dedication he had made.
Another poignant story to me was the retirement of Michael Phelps who bowed out for retirement after this London Olympics leaving a great mark in Olympic history as the Best Athlete of All Times and the one who win most medals and also in gold medals. He left a legacy that will probably be never matched and he is an epitome of a true sports.
One of the best story that touches me was the story of Oscar Pistorius a disabled athlete from South Africa who despite being an amputee received so much attention before this Olympic had started because he is the first 400m runner who will run with steel blade prosthesis and was an object of protest because of this kind of advantage. But the science proved that his blades is not a factor.
When I saw him at the semifinals running on the 400m race with the abled bodied athletes he did his best and had finished last. To him his dream of running with the abled bodied athletes in the Olympics was a dream come true and he was an inspiration to every one especially the players as well as the spectators.
Another touching scenario during the 400m semifinals was the exchange of name tags of Kirani James of Grenada and Oscar Pistorius. It was a very touching gesture of Kirani James and I admire his sportsmanship as well as cordiality with the fallen disabled athlete.
Later on in the finals Kirani James of Grenada, a 19-year-old representative of the spice island, had captured the gold medal and was been very humble about his winning. He also won the first gold medal and the first Olympic medal for his island nation who also celebrated for his winning after they watched him run in the television.
A 19-year-old boy bringing honor for his nation in the Olympics as well as showing compassion in his sports as he exchanged name tags with Oscar Pistorius during the semifinal run was a great class act for him. He was a true Olympian at that.
One of the most interesting story that I have seen was the winner of the 10,000m run which was usually dominated by the Ethiopians and the Kenyans. Now the winners were the partnership of a little less known British guy named Mo Farah who took the gold medal and his training American partner named Galen Rupp who sweep the silver respectively. They were trained under the umbrella of a Spanish coach and was successful in taking the two medals during this Olympic.
The poignant story was that amidst the rousing cheers of the British crowd inside the stadium Mo Farah and Galen Rupp rushed to the finish line defeating the long years monopoly of the Ethiopians and the Kenyans in this event. One of the Royalties who witnessed the event was Prince William and Kate Middleton whom the former was seen jumping up and down after Mo Farah got to the finish line.
During the awarding ceremony what was touching was that the two friends shared the podium for their victory under the tutelage of the same coach. It was a very touching ceremony and I was crying watching it from the television.
Another touching story was the win of Usain Bolt in the 100m race which he equalled the record of the great Carl Lewis winning back to back gold in the 100m race and still will make a mark in the 200m race in the following days. He just exemplifies the best characteristics of the fastest runner in the planet as well as he had grabbed the most hyped athlete for this Olympics.
Another poignant story that touched me was the performance of the two athlete from Dominican Republic. Felix Sanchez had won the gold medal in the 400m hurdles for his country Dominican Republic at the age 35. He defies age against winning the gold medal twice in this sport, one in 2004 in Athens and one right now in LOndon. He had proved that age has nothing to do with garnering or winning the gold in this very grueling sports of hurdles.
On the other hand the story of his 18-year-old compatriot Leguelin Santos was also a compelling story. Small but quick he easily ease out in the second spot winning the silver medal in the 400m race trailing against Kirani James and had brought the second Olympic medal for his country Dominican Republic. With his rivalry with Kirani there will be more stories about them in the near future.
The last story that I will leave in this blog was the story of the Chinese track star in the 110m hurdles. Liu Xiang had not only suffered the embarrassment from his 2008 Beijing Olympics failure but his fall in the 110m hurdles qualifying in London was very heartbreaking and also very touching. I twitched and had cried at the same time.
He fell when he jump at the first hurdle and was grimacing a lot. It was found out that he had torn his Achilles tendon again and probably will retire after this. Despite his rise in his sports proving in Daugue, Korea during the World Chanpionships he promised to be back in the Olympics but apparently it ended his career.
After the fall he almost turned his back by skipping towards the locker room but he turn around and went back to the track hopping with one leg towards the finish line and stopped at the last hurdle of his lane and kissed the hurdle for the last time signaling his end and his retirement then he went back to the sides and continued hopping.
He was picked up by his rivals and was assisted towards the finish line and to the stands to rest and get attended by the medics. It was a very touching scene I have witnessed on TV and was the greatest class act I've ever seen in the Olympics.
Well, too bad the games in the Olympics will be over in a week and there might be probably more poignant stories coming to our way but so far these are the most poignant ones that I can remember off and will be remembered as I open my blog. Hope you are touched too with these stories as it touched me so much.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Things That Worries Me
I just can't seem to think well today. So many things I have to think of that I feel scared what might happen in the future. My financial woes was a lot harder this year.
Starting with my problem with the IRS my big mistake of paying off my tax next year was a big misunderstanding on my part that my accountant did not explain to me. Now I am on a promisory note to pay my tax for two grand each month which really had to make me shore out a lot from my paycheck. Well, hopefully next year I will be okay because I already paid my tax next year for almost the full of it.
Another one problem I am really worried is my state tax. Although I have paid two thousand dollars monthly for five months I am still wary about it. Good thing I am nearing paying it off for two months more still it worries me a lot.
My siblings in the Philippines kept bugging me about financial support yet they don't know my huge problem right now financially. Even though I explained to them yet they will not understand because to them I am better off here because I am earning dollars. They just don't know my current situations. I am going crazy because of them.
Especially my big brother whom I helped sending all his four children to a private school. He doesn't even realized how hard it is for me to keep myself up front with the children's tuition fees and miscelllaneous fees. He was demanding me to give him a two thousand pesos allowance monthly. I told him get a job and fed your children. That is your responsibility and not mine. The only thing I am concerned for them is their education and that's the only thing I can help you.He really stressed me out a lot.
My other problem is the two condominiums I am paying in the Philippines. Monthly, I have to shel out about fifteen hundred dollars just to pay the monthly mortgage. I am afraid next month I will be short because I will be off without pay because of my second ear operation. I am just crossing my fingers I can cover it next month.
I woke up really worried this afternoon because of all these problems that really bothers me. I can't think at work well although I am performing my duties with slight caution yet I can't help thinking what might happento me next month. Hopefully things will be all right for me.
If it's not really working then I have to do something, an alternative may be. I am planning to go back registry next month if it's not working. I am trying to renew my PALS and NRP so that I can work again as a Pediatric Nurse when I am going to work registry. Hopefully it will help me with my financial woes.
I am kinda stress about this things that had happened to me lately. I didn't see it coming. I hope I can surpass it. I believe that God won't leave me in times of my big burden. I just have to trust to myself that I can do it and that I can make the right decision to help myself. Hopefully, every thing will be all right with God's guidance.
I felt so bad with all of this problem woes. All I needed to do is to swallow it and just do whatever I have to do to help myself. I know there's no problems that's cannot be solve and I have to take it slowly until I can do it alone. Bless me oh Lord as I struggle along the way.
Starting with my problem with the IRS my big mistake of paying off my tax next year was a big misunderstanding on my part that my accountant did not explain to me. Now I am on a promisory note to pay my tax for two grand each month which really had to make me shore out a lot from my paycheck. Well, hopefully next year I will be okay because I already paid my tax next year for almost the full of it.
Another one problem I am really worried is my state tax. Although I have paid two thousand dollars monthly for five months I am still wary about it. Good thing I am nearing paying it off for two months more still it worries me a lot.
My siblings in the Philippines kept bugging me about financial support yet they don't know my huge problem right now financially. Even though I explained to them yet they will not understand because to them I am better off here because I am earning dollars. They just don't know my current situations. I am going crazy because of them.
Especially my big brother whom I helped sending all his four children to a private school. He doesn't even realized how hard it is for me to keep myself up front with the children's tuition fees and miscelllaneous fees. He was demanding me to give him a two thousand pesos allowance monthly. I told him get a job and fed your children. That is your responsibility and not mine. The only thing I am concerned for them is their education and that's the only thing I can help you.He really stressed me out a lot.
My other problem is the two condominiums I am paying in the Philippines. Monthly, I have to shel out about fifteen hundred dollars just to pay the monthly mortgage. I am afraid next month I will be short because I will be off without pay because of my second ear operation. I am just crossing my fingers I can cover it next month.
I woke up really worried this afternoon because of all these problems that really bothers me. I can't think at work well although I am performing my duties with slight caution yet I can't help thinking what might happento me next month. Hopefully things will be all right for me.
If it's not really working then I have to do something, an alternative may be. I am planning to go back registry next month if it's not working. I am trying to renew my PALS and NRP so that I can work again as a Pediatric Nurse when I am going to work registry. Hopefully it will help me with my financial woes.
I am kinda stress about this things that had happened to me lately. I didn't see it coming. I hope I can surpass it. I believe that God won't leave me in times of my big burden. I just have to trust to myself that I can do it and that I can make the right decision to help myself. Hopefully, every thing will be all right with God's guidance.
I felt so bad with all of this problem woes. All I needed to do is to swallow it and just do whatever I have to do to help myself. I know there's no problems that's cannot be solve and I have to take it slowly until I can do it alone. Bless me oh Lord as I struggle along the way.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Humor At Work
Yeah.... sometimes work can wear me out especially when I have double back-to-back admissions. Most of the time, in a very hectic night amidst the busy hours at work I can tell you that humor sometimes pops up and it can really break the ice in some way. Oh, I just love that when it happens.
Life can be boring without humor. We have to have those winning and grand moments that we can cherish even in the heights of our busy job's works. I sometimes enjoyed recalling those little itty-bitty tiny snippets I have experienced and just robbed my time and myself some of those little treats cherishing the humor of such circumstances.
One time I was in a middle of a huddle and explained some of the things needed to be done by my certified nurses. After the huddle one of my Hispanic certified nurses asked me what was been tackled. Instead of getting mad at her I just smiled at myself and repeated to her slowly what was been discussed. It all turned out that she could not understand me in between explanations because she could not grasp English that well for the fact that she's Spanish speaking.
Sometimes it got me irritated having to explain it to her because I thought she was not listening to me. I just knew and found out at that time that she has limited English comprehension so I tried my best explaining it to her in broken Spanish. When I was explaining to her alone in Spanish what was been discussed she was also laughing at me because I look like a trying hard ass talking to her in an awkward way but at least I tried to do it for her to understand. Fortunately, she did somehow and now I got to explain it to her in that way.
Sometimes when I remember those awkward moments I just smile at myself and cherish it. It helps sometimes to ease the stress of a busy night at work. Life can be cruel sometimes but humor tries to buffer the grueling momentum of the day.
One time I was making my rounds and I was very sleepy and I just can't stop yawning and yawning. As I walked the hallway towards the other station at the other end of the building I passed by the vending machine to buy some chips. I felt a little hungry that time so I decided to buy some chips from the machine.
After I put two singles to the money inlet I punched the number of the chips that I wanted. I was so excited waiting for it and suddenly the chips didn't drop from the row that I chosed. It got stuck at the spring that held it. I was so desperate to have it but since it got stuck from the spring I decided to shake the machine. The machine was heavy and I cannot shake it up.
Thinking for another means to get the chips another idea had come up into my mind. Since the chips got stuck on the spring then maybe if I put another money in the machine and chose the same row then maybe the second chips in line might push the first one then both will drop down.
I went ahead and placed two singles again inside the money inlet then waited patiently. Holy crap!.... both chips didn't drop down. Extremely desperate I tried to thud the machine for eating up my four singles and didn't even gave me the chips that I wanted. It was very irritating and frustrating but I held my cool pretending nothing had happened. I probably look crazy there during that time waiting for my prize but I did not get it. Hahaha.
I left the vending machine without having what I wanted. I was so upset and frustrated but what could I do. I couldn't even shake that heavy damn vending machine. In order to cover the embarrassment I kept the situation all to myself and didn't told anybody not until now that I am writing it. It sometimes amused me when I remember those awkward moments. Hahahaha.
The next morning I waited for the guy who supplied the machine because he always comes every Monday to renew and re-stock the machine. I told him about what had happened he previous night and he cordially handed me the two chips that got stuck from the same row. Finally, I got the chips but the struggle I did last night was incomparable to all my experiences in the past.
Yeah.... without humor life can be boring and I always cherished those every time I remember it and had learned from them at the same time. Sometimes we need some spices in our every day life and humor just can fill in sometimes to spice it up. Have a nice day and thanks for your time. Ciao!
Life can be boring without humor. We have to have those winning and grand moments that we can cherish even in the heights of our busy job's works. I sometimes enjoyed recalling those little itty-bitty tiny snippets I have experienced and just robbed my time and myself some of those little treats cherishing the humor of such circumstances.
One time I was in a middle of a huddle and explained some of the things needed to be done by my certified nurses. After the huddle one of my Hispanic certified nurses asked me what was been tackled. Instead of getting mad at her I just smiled at myself and repeated to her slowly what was been discussed. It all turned out that she could not understand me in between explanations because she could not grasp English that well for the fact that she's Spanish speaking.
Sometimes it got me irritated having to explain it to her because I thought she was not listening to me. I just knew and found out at that time that she has limited English comprehension so I tried my best explaining it to her in broken Spanish. When I was explaining to her alone in Spanish what was been discussed she was also laughing at me because I look like a trying hard ass talking to her in an awkward way but at least I tried to do it for her to understand. Fortunately, she did somehow and now I got to explain it to her in that way.
Sometimes when I remember those awkward moments I just smile at myself and cherish it. It helps sometimes to ease the stress of a busy night at work. Life can be cruel sometimes but humor tries to buffer the grueling momentum of the day.
One time I was making my rounds and I was very sleepy and I just can't stop yawning and yawning. As I walked the hallway towards the other station at the other end of the building I passed by the vending machine to buy some chips. I felt a little hungry that time so I decided to buy some chips from the machine.
After I put two singles to the money inlet I punched the number of the chips that I wanted. I was so excited waiting for it and suddenly the chips didn't drop from the row that I chosed. It got stuck at the spring that held it. I was so desperate to have it but since it got stuck from the spring I decided to shake the machine. The machine was heavy and I cannot shake it up.
Thinking for another means to get the chips another idea had come up into my mind. Since the chips got stuck on the spring then maybe if I put another money in the machine and chose the same row then maybe the second chips in line might push the first one then both will drop down.
I went ahead and placed two singles again inside the money inlet then waited patiently. Holy crap!.... both chips didn't drop down. Extremely desperate I tried to thud the machine for eating up my four singles and didn't even gave me the chips that I wanted. It was very irritating and frustrating but I held my cool pretending nothing had happened. I probably look crazy there during that time waiting for my prize but I did not get it. Hahaha.
I left the vending machine without having what I wanted. I was so upset and frustrated but what could I do. I couldn't even shake that heavy damn vending machine. In order to cover the embarrassment I kept the situation all to myself and didn't told anybody not until now that I am writing it. It sometimes amused me when I remember those awkward moments. Hahahaha.
The next morning I waited for the guy who supplied the machine because he always comes every Monday to renew and re-stock the machine. I told him about what had happened he previous night and he cordially handed me the two chips that got stuck from the same row. Finally, I got the chips but the struggle I did last night was incomparable to all my experiences in the past.
Yeah.... without humor life can be boring and I always cherished those every time I remember it and had learned from them at the same time. Sometimes we need some spices in our every day life and humor just can fill in sometimes to spice it up. Have a nice day and thanks for your time. Ciao!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
New Way Of Clocking Hours
Well, it's been a long time that the management in the school I am teaching were been struggling to caught truant instructors especially in the clinical areas. There were no ways to just pin them down coming late to work and sending students home early or sometimes go to the clinical area meet up with the students and send them home early after creating some nonsense alibi that sometimes not caught by the higher officials in school.
This is tantamount to cheating the students of their hours as well as the management of the school for money paying them the whole eight hours where in they really didn't work actually. Ad it's a disgrace to have known those kind of professional nurses who chose to be an educator yet not setting a goal example to the students.
It is also unfair for me who was busting my ass teaching the students the right way and the tough way to become promising nurses of the future. Whereas these colleagues were not even teaching these students the right way. But for it's their loss because no matter what happens God knows what they were doing. And there were instructors who got fired for this because students had secretly evaluated them every after clinical rotations and there are some students who really demanded the worth of their tuition they are paying.
In order to curtail this really offensive practices the management in school acquired several cell phones that has a GPS application wherein it can track instructors whether they are in the clinical area or not. There were instructors in the past that does their clinicals at their own homes because they don't have caretakers or nannies for their grandchildren. This is already a violation of the board regulations.
On the cell phone the student and instructors needs to email their attendance to the school generalized email and a secretary will tally those times in the matrix at 0900H for the morning rotation and 1700H for the evening rotation. Then after that will have to turn on the GPS afterwards until the rotation ends at 1530H for the AM shift and 2330H for the evening shift.Quite sleek but there are some loopholes.
I hope this will work for the school management and that the instructors won't abuse it. As professionals they should have set an example for the students as well as will uphold the standards of the school if teaching to them is their passion. It would be a great idea to curtail those manipulative students who really nags instructors to release the group early.
For me it works really to keep this student grounded and that to instill to them the value of integrity rather than degradation of their profession as well as will give them more time to learn a lot in the clinical settings by grabbing the opportunity to observe procedures and perform necessary skills they still needed to imp roe all throughout their student life to prepare them to be a more confident future nurses especially enhancing their memory of medication's properties and also their disorders pathophysiology.
Today, really was a promising day because we started the cell phone attendance and it helped buffer those fussy students who really pushed instructors as well as bully them to dismiss them early. Now there were no escape because anything they do for sure the school will know it eventually and they will get investigated as well as punished accordingly.
Well, in my observation this process of jotting down the attendance will eventually work as long as the instructors will not connive with students. If they will do so, it's just that they have sold their soul to the demons which will eventually be judge. For I always believe in a firm belief that every bad deed will sow a circumstance or consequences thereby this consequences will lead to their fall in the end.
Only the good will be rewarded with praise and prestige and that their integrity will be imitated by their subordinates. Kudos to the management for doing such a bold move to curtail the reign of evil. Now chaos will gone and an organized system will be gradually adapted eventually. It's always the good who will end up as victors in the end. And I can fell it already.
This is tantamount to cheating the students of their hours as well as the management of the school for money paying them the whole eight hours where in they really didn't work actually. Ad it's a disgrace to have known those kind of professional nurses who chose to be an educator yet not setting a goal example to the students.
It is also unfair for me who was busting my ass teaching the students the right way and the tough way to become promising nurses of the future. Whereas these colleagues were not even teaching these students the right way. But for it's their loss because no matter what happens God knows what they were doing. And there were instructors who got fired for this because students had secretly evaluated them every after clinical rotations and there are some students who really demanded the worth of their tuition they are paying.
In order to curtail this really offensive practices the management in school acquired several cell phones that has a GPS application wherein it can track instructors whether they are in the clinical area or not. There were instructors in the past that does their clinicals at their own homes because they don't have caretakers or nannies for their grandchildren. This is already a violation of the board regulations.
On the cell phone the student and instructors needs to email their attendance to the school generalized email and a secretary will tally those times in the matrix at 0900H for the morning rotation and 1700H for the evening rotation. Then after that will have to turn on the GPS afterwards until the rotation ends at 1530H for the AM shift and 2330H for the evening shift.Quite sleek but there are some loopholes.
I hope this will work for the school management and that the instructors won't abuse it. As professionals they should have set an example for the students as well as will uphold the standards of the school if teaching to them is their passion. It would be a great idea to curtail those manipulative students who really nags instructors to release the group early.
For me it works really to keep this student grounded and that to instill to them the value of integrity rather than degradation of their profession as well as will give them more time to learn a lot in the clinical settings by grabbing the opportunity to observe procedures and perform necessary skills they still needed to imp roe all throughout their student life to prepare them to be a more confident future nurses especially enhancing their memory of medication's properties and also their disorders pathophysiology.
Today, really was a promising day because we started the cell phone attendance and it helped buffer those fussy students who really pushed instructors as well as bully them to dismiss them early. Now there were no escape because anything they do for sure the school will know it eventually and they will get investigated as well as punished accordingly.
Well, in my observation this process of jotting down the attendance will eventually work as long as the instructors will not connive with students. If they will do so, it's just that they have sold their soul to the demons which will eventually be judge. For I always believe in a firm belief that every bad deed will sow a circumstance or consequences thereby this consequences will lead to their fall in the end.
Only the good will be rewarded with praise and prestige and that their integrity will be imitated by their subordinates. Kudos to the management for doing such a bold move to curtail the reign of evil. Now chaos will gone and an organized system will be gradually adapted eventually. It's always the good who will end up as victors in the end. And I can fell it already.
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