happy fiesta, tacloban

Too bad I won't be able to go home. :(

I finished my IVT training last June 22-24, and I'll be doing my completion on August 23-25, because I can't do it this July. I can't wait to do my completion. I love sticking needles into people - IM, ID and SQ injections. But this, oh, IV insertions are just awesome. I'm really better off as a doctor, but that's neither here nor there. I also met new people, and after the three-day stint, I have found new friends. 3 days may not be enough for us to know each other that well, but we bonded, and we still keep in touch, thanks to modern technology, a.k.a. Facebook.

I started my Critical Care Course last Monday. It's first day all over again, and I was a bit anxious because I don't know anyone. But I was positive, because I didn't know anyone when I had my IVT training, too, and I came out with 5 new friends, and more acquaintances. I was happy when I saw familiar faces from the IVT training. Now, the three of us are always together. We talk about almost anything and everything, it's like we've known each other a long time. I guess friendship is a lot like love - when you know, you know. :)

june blues

I never really liked June. It signifies the end of summer vacation, the start of classes, and Christmas is still a long time away. This June, I decided to make the most of it.

Last Sunday, we went to Subic's Treetop Adventures. For the first time ever, I finally introduced my boyfriend to my family (except my Mom and Dad, because they already know him). We all had an awesome time. We enjoyed all the rides (if I could call them that) - Superman, Canopy Ride, Silver Surfer, Interactive Free Fall, but for us, the best was the Tree Drop. You get to choose if you want to rapel down, go head first, or just free fall. It's great for adrenaline junkies who are not into too extreme stuffs.

On a different note, I could have been a student again this month, if it weren't for my meddling aunt (yes, I'm still bitter). I don't usually hold grudes, but this time, she'd gone too far. I envy two of my friends, Cha and Cess, for they got to enroll and are now Med students. *sigh* So as of now, I'm stuck at Cavite playing Farmville and eating Kraft Easy Mac (it's currently my favorite instant food), drinking lotsa iced tea, and playing the Plants VS. Zombies game that my nephew installed when they were still here.

Yesterday, I went to Heart for my Critical Care Course exam and interview. The interview was easy as pie (they asked me to define a critically ill patient, name gadgets found at the ICU and give their uses, and they asked me if a person is critically ill if, although ambulatory, he is admitted at the ICU) but the exam stumped me. I had no trouble with the cardio and ECG questions and all - but dang, I'm usually good at Math and computations, but their questions left me scratching my head and thinking why I never learned anything at school. Yes - it was that hard. But, oh well.

I start my IV Therapy Training this June 22, and I can't wait! I'm so excited to finish it and get my IV card and have the right to be poking other people's veins (for therapeutic purposes). *evil grin* I know, I'm morbid. Lots of people told me so.

I got out of bed this morning excited to watch Game 7 between the LA Lakers and the Boston Celtics. I don't support either team, but I've always hated the Lakers (no offense to fans, but I just don't like Kobe) so I gave my support to the Celtics. Imagine my disappointment (yes, I was very disappointed) when the Lakers won. Boo hoo. But it was an awesome game, one that had me gripping the edge of my seat and shouting for the Celtics (eventhough I'm watching it alone). And although the Celtics didn't win the finals, at least they played their best.

One of these days, when I'm not too lazy, I'll ask some of my friends out. Maybe we can get together over coffee or something. But as of now, I'm perfectly content being a homebuddy. =)

Captivating Coron

I may be living in a third world country, but we sure as hell have wonders that only the Philippines can offer. We may not have much economy-wise, but we sure can offer things that money can't buy. I've been to a lot of places, but as of now, nothing compares to the beauty offered by Coron, Palawan.

I ain't promoting tourism to the Philippines, but I sure hope you get to visit this place, too. =)

A jellyfish, but it doesn't sting.
A Kalachuchi tree. Kinda like Japan's Cherry Blossoms, isn't it?

The Sleeping Giant.
Sea urchins, baby.
Lotsa sea urchins.
Starfish!
My leg accidentally brushed on that, and I freaked out! It's spongy.
Pretty pink coral =)
Clear blue waters. So inviting.
Joy to the fishes in the deep, blue sea. Joy to you and me. ^^

outlining my whole summer

April

• 24 - Arrived at Manila, ate breakfast at Pancake House, went to my cousin's apartment, slept, ate dinner at Kimono Ken.
• 25 - Went to MoA and watched Shutter Is. We all thought it was a horror movie. LOL Ate dinner at President's.
• 26, 27, 28 - Stayed at home at Cavite, while my cousin and Kuya R both went to work.
• 29 - En route to Busuanga via Zest Air. Damn flight was late for more than 2 hours, and the airline didn't even had the decency to offer us lunch. Arrived at the Coron Village Lodge 3 hours past our schedule. Went trekking at Mt. Tapyas (climbed approximately 700 steps). Relaxed at Maquinit Hot Springs before eating dinner at Kawayanan Grill Station.
• 30 - Rode a pumboat to Siete Pecados to do some snorkeling, then to Blue Lagoon, trekked to see Kayangan Lake, proceeded to see the Skeleton Ship, and then went to Twin Lagoon. Ate dinner at Kawayanan again.

May

• 1 - 2-hour boat ride to Banul Beach, where we ate lunch. Went to Coral Garden to see some amazing corals, then to the Japanese WWII Skeleton Wreck. Back to the lodge for dinner and rest after a long day.
• 2 - Arrived at Manila in the afternoon. Went directly to MoA to watch Iron Man 2. Scarlet Johansson was hot!
• 3-7 - Stayed at Cavite. Spent our days sleeping, eating, surfing the net, playing PS3.
• 8-9 - Went to Laiya, Batangas for the weekend. Joined PHC's NeuroICU staff during their outing. Played games, went swimming and Jetskiing. Lotsa fun. Made new friends, too!
• 10 - Went to Trinoma. Ate at Conti's. Went to my aunt's house to rest awhile, then went to SM Centerpoint for some grocery shopping. Then we ate dinner at Pizza Hut.
• 11 - Went to Robinson's. Ate at Icebergs.
• 12 - Spent the day at Balete. Went to Red Palace for an early birthday celebration for my Aunt, where we had a spat (more on this on another blog).
• 13 - Spent the day at Cavite.
• 14-17 - Went to Kuys R's hometown in Antique. Learned how to play Mahjong. Went swimming, snorkeling, fish feeding.
• 18-19 - Back in Cavite.
• 20 Went to MoA. Supposed to buy clothes for interview, but shopping with 4 males in tow is no help. Watched Robin Hood instead at the Director's Club (where they had La-Z-Boys instead of the normal cinema seats). Awesome.
• 21 - Went to Lung Center, the ANSAP office was located there. Went to Trinoma where Ate M helped me with my shopping. Ate dinner at the Golden Bay.
• 22 - Stayed at Cavite.
• 23 - Went to Festival Mall to get the TV we sent in for repair. Ate at Icebergs at Timog. Then went to PHC, because my cousin did her rounds, while we waited for her at the Neuro ICU. Went to the apartment, then went home to Cavite that night.
• 24 - My exam and interview at PHC's HR Department. Wasn't so bad after all. The HR personnel said I was open, honest and sincere, but I gotta work on my communication skills, though.
• 25 - Clinical exam for the Nursing department at PHC. A bit hard.
• 26 - Saw heart surgeries. A PDA closure on an 8-month old infant. Saw a beating heart from a man on bypass. Saw an AVH for a CABG surgery. Soooo cool
• 27 - Stayed at Cavite.
• 28 - Went to Trinoma to watch Prince of Persia. Hot damn, I love love love Princess Tamina!
• 29 - Back home to Tacloban =)
  

back with a vengeance

I'm finally home, after a month-long vacation. Gads, I miss blogging, and I miss reading all your blogs!

I'll just have to go to PRC to get my license (finally!), then meet up with friends and watch Prince of Persia (this will be the second time for me, but I don't mind). And after that, I'll be spending a lot of time in front of my laptop updating myself. =)

droppin by my blog

It's been a while, and I do miss blogging. But as of now I have to be contented with dropping by once in a while because my nephews and I share 1 PC. I can't use my laptop because SmartBro's signal is so slow, and we don't have WiFi here.

Anyway, quick updates.

I've only seen my Aunt once since we came here, and now she's making noises about how we're not texting, calling or visiting her. We (my nephews and I) should feel guilty, right? But we don't. It's not that we don't like her, but she can be too egoistic and condescending. Plus I'm still bitter over what she did to me. I usually don't hold grudes, but this is too much. I know that while I'm not able to pursue my Med plans, I was still given an awesome opportunity to work at Heart, but still. I hate it when people (aside from my parents) interfere with my life. I used to make excuses for her actions before, like how she's only looking our for me, how she has my best interests at heart, but I got so pissed at hear. Irrevocably, terribly pissed.

God, she infuriates me. Happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts.

So anyway, we went to Palawan, and we all loved it. Definitely way, way better than Boracay. Clear seas, white sands, awesome corals and fishes - what more could I ask? Oh, and great company too. The Heart Center people are just great, as always. That's why I have no qualms about working there (fingers crossed, my exams and interview at their HRD is on May 24-25), because of the people who were once just my cousin's colleagues, but are now my friends. There were 18 of us - an awesome blend of doctors, nurses, with me and my nephews (my nephews and I are always part of their outings, because my cousin - their aunt - always takes us with them).

We took a lot of pictures, and I mean a lot. I already uploaded some on Facebook.

I'll leave you with this sneak preview, though.

Heaven on earth. That's paradise, dude. Top view of the Blue Lagoon =)

on hiatus from blogging

I'm officially on vacation for a month. And I'm taking a break from blogging, because it's hard to get privacy from my nephews, and I do like my private moments when writing a blog.

So.. It'll be a quiet month of May. I might sneak in one or two blogs, but maybe that'll be all.

Have a fun summer guys! =)

Clash of the Titans

Synopsis: "The Clash of the Titans" is set in the Greek city of Argos where a war is about to explode between man and the gods. Perseus (Sam Worthington) raised as a fisherman, but is actually a demi-god. Perseus is the son of Zeus (Liam Neeson) who is about to take on the gods after the death of his family. Zeus' brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes) was the one who killed his family, and Perseus wants to kill him. However, it is Perseus's destiny to rescue the city of Argos from the ruthless rage of Hades and his Kraken monster. With nothing to lose, Perseus leads a band of soldiers on a quest to defeat the Kraken. In doing this, Perseus will prevent Hades from overthrowing Zeus and in turn destroying mankind.

Rating: 4.5/5

Comments: Excellent effects.. But one thing kept bugging me all throughout the movie, and til after I watched it.. Where the hell were the Titans? If the clash was about Zeus and Hades.. They're Olympians, for crap's sake! Don't you people know your mythology?

RELEASE THE KRAKEN!! )

allergic rhinitis

..makes me keep on sneezing all day, since yesterday.

And I got a bit paranoid since I've read that "Back injuries are one of the most common "side effects" of sneezing and coughing. A vigorous coughing or sneezing attack can leave you with upper or lower back pain (or spasms) because of their forceful nature, not only on your entire torso but also on your abdomen. This pressure is so intense that it can actually herniate a weakened spinal disc."

Also, I read on Men's Health yesterday (coincidence, or what?) that sexual fantasies make you sneeze. They think this is caused by some connection in the autonomic nervous system, the subconscious area of the brain which controls the heart rate and the dilation of our pupils.

This made me laugh, though. Since there was no way I am thinking sexual thoughts, I was so focused on the food I was eating.

And since we're on the topic (of sex and sneezing, I mean), I also heard from The Doctors that sex can actually decrease the incidence of flu. And now I was thinking, does that include the Swine Flu? If so, then maybe the pandemic could be avoided, right? Or not. Whatever.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary:

The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -- one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

The Sea of Monsters
After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the Greek gods, Percy Jackson's seventh grade school year seems unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson -- a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any "normal" friends. But things don't stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half Blood: the magical borders that protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia. Only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name . . . The Bermuda Triangle. Percy must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family -- one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

The Titan's Curse
When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped.And now it's up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. Who is powerful enough to kidnap a goddess? They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared -- a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.

The Battle of the Labyrinth
Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse. In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth'"a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this latest audiobook promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.

The Last Olympian
Kronos and his vast armies of monsters and minor gods finally launch their assault on Mt. Olympus, which means attacking the island of Manhattan. Because the gods are away dealing with Typhon -- the worst monster of all time, who's escaped from his prison under Mt. St. Helens -- it is left to the vastly overmatched and outnumbered demigods, led by Percy, to protect New York and Olympus.

Comments: First, wizards (Harry Potter). Then vampires (Twilight). And now, demigods. I must say, I never expected to like the books this much. Rick Riordan did an amazing job with the story using Greek Mythology. It's no Harry Potter, of course. I mean, who can compete with J.K. Rowling, right? And heck, I gotta stop comparing every fantasy novel with the HP series. But I just couldn't resist saying that the series was way, way better than Twilight (sorry Twilight fans, but I'm an HP fan through and through - and, by the looks of it, a new PJ fan).

I saw the movie adaptation, but it brought no justice to the first book. I liked the movie when I first saw it, but that was before I read the book. And now, after reading, I could see there were a lot of scenes that were either deleted or edited which were important in the succeeding books.

I was sad that the series ended, but I take comfort in the knowledge that Rick Riordan may be writing a new series about Camp-Half Blood, hopefully to be released sometime this year. I just can't wait.

Rating: 5/5