Deciphering Myself

my very bad experience at the SM Mall of Asia

2008-08-27T14:51:00.008+08:00

I left my son, yaya, and our companion (some sort of bodyguard) idling at one of the side entrances of the Mall of Asia between 1:50 and 1:58pm. When I got down, the valet asked if I was going to park my car and I shook my head because all I wanted was to pick up the book I had reserved at Powerbooks. There was no sign that I couldn't leave my car there just to idle. What irked me the most is that one of the valet drivers was rude to my companion--giving him confusing instructions (first to back up, which was done and then to go around the mall even after his instructions were already done) when we were assured by another guard at the mall that it was allowed to idle, just to not leave the ride behind. The most belligerent (and the most rude) of the three valet people actually removed his uniform in the form of a taunt to my companion--an employee actually picking a fight with my party, what sort of conduct is that for someone who is supposed to be a professional? If this is the sort of people SM hires--people who are rude and unprofessional, it gives their company a bad name. Just because they outnumbered my companion does not mean that what they did was the right thing--they were addressed politely and these valet people had no right to respond in the ways I mentioned above. I think the valet was just out for money and when I refused his services, the valet people then bullied my bodyguard by telling him to back up, go around, etc. probably hoping my companion would be forced to have my ride parked by them instead. It is such a bad experience that I am sure to spread the word and tell my friends about it.

my son's green Ninja Turtle bike

2008-08-23T21:33:00.007+08:00

I bought my son a bicycle today. I told myself that if the iPod that I wanted wasn't going to be available at the store, then I might as well buy my son something that I know he likes. He may be just 2 years and 5 months old but he can sure ride a bike real fast. He first started borrowing his second-cousin's bike and it made me feel a little guilty at seeing him riding a Barbie bike. Why guilty? It's because I didn't have any money then. My husband didn't have any money either so I waited until I had some cash to buy him his own bike--one that's obviously not a Barbie pink bike. Settled for a green ninja turtle bike instead and I could tell that my son liked it too.

I may have lost a part of my iPod fund to buy the bike but seeing the smile and pleasure on my son's face while he pedals towards me makes the money I spent so much worth it. I love you Baby Boo!

my first "mooch"

2008-08-21T09:43:00.000+08:00

Ever since I joined BookMooch, I was surprised at the immediate response that I got from people who want the books I listed in my inventory. I've sent one to Singapore today and I have two more to send when the nearest courier opens. I'm also waiting for a response from another member in Japan. If the condition of her book is ok, I'll go ahead and mooch it. Ces was right. This is starting to be addicting :)

getting back into shape

2008-08-17T17:49:00.000+08:00

Went back to Fitness First today and unfroze my account. Figured that I could use my extra time just go to the gym and get back into shape. Hate being hypertensive. Good thing is, Dad will be shouldering the cost of the monthly dues starting next month. That's a load off my back. Will shoulder the gas going to MOA instead. Not bad. Hope my former trainer doesn't get mad when she sees me next week. I probably gained back all the weight I lost during our sessions together ;)

Saturday and squidballs

2008-08-16T17:47:00.003+08:00

Was ordered to stay home today to watch over the compound. It was pretty boring and the weather wasn't helping us lift our spirits much. I had an idea to cook squidballs for merienda for my grandma, aunt, cousin, etc. It wasn't much but we did have fun reminiscing about the old days (even if my cousin and I weren't that old yet) where we used to bike around the driveway every afternoon or play hide and seek before lunch. Those were carefree days... Now, we're both married and with kids. How time flies so fast. I wish we could have more moments like this. I love talking about those happy times when we were younger. Hopefully next time the food will be even better ;)

farewell Bernie Mac

2008-08-10T08:23:00.001+08:00

Though not one of my favorite actors, I loved his portrayal of Bosley in Full Throttle, his short comedic role in Transformers, the Ocean's Eleven series, and Guess Who with Ashton Kutcher). Bernie Mac died of complications due to pneumonia. He has also been suffering from sarcoidosis. I agree with his former co-stars when they say that the world got a little less funny now that he isn't around... Rest in peace Mr. Bernie. You will be missed.

my two weaknesses

2008-08-09T18:26:00.000+08:00

Today is the first day of the medical boards and though I wasn't able to take it (damn Tweet and CHED to hell), I felt a twinge of sadness when I woke up. I could have been there taking it along with my friends. But then I'm not and so I'll move on and stop my whining right then and there. Now am just thinking that if I did take it I would have failed Anatomy outright. One of my partners told me that majority of the questions in Anatomy centered on extremities--and Anatomy is one of my poorest subjects. I doubt I could have answered those questions on extremities because I could never memorize those compartments in the first place. Oh well... am ill prepared in Anatomy and one of the good things I learned while I reviewed at Topnotch Board Prep are to concentrate on my weaknesses: Anatomy and Pathology.

I hope and pray that my friends make it, most especially those who have taken it more than once. As my best friend once said, "it is one exam I don't ever want to have to take again".

what to do in my spare time

2008-08-03T09:46:00.003+08:00

I've got such an open schedule next week that I feel guilty not to have anything planned. I feel as if my life is going nowhere primarily because my original plans were squashed. I mean, I studied for the August boards only to find out that I can't take it--stupid school wasn't able to pass all of my papers last 2006 and so I got delayed more when I didn't get the Special Order number for my transcript of records. It sucks I know but as everybody keeps on saying, God probably has a reason for delaying my plans or maybe the August boards is not meant for me.

Will work on making a schedule as planned. So at least I'll have some guide to follow...

bored on a rainy day

2008-08-01T11:14:00.003+08:00

I actually painted my nails out of boredom this morning. It's raining outside and for once, I don't have to go anywhere or drive my mom somewhere. I'm too lazy to go to the bank and even drive to the gas station to fill up my ride. Though I'll have to do the latter later because the prices of diesel will be increased again tonight. Oh well... What a life. I don't know what I want these days... Probably because I don't want to spend so I'd rather stay at home. I wish there were some cheap thrills around... but there are none *sigh*

If only my Naruto Shippuuden would already finish downloading, then I'd have something to do ;)

nothing to be alarmed at

2008-07-28T15:18:00.004+08:00

In my last entry, my son was sick with diarrhea and vomiting that I had to seek consult with his pediatrician. Before doing that, three doctors of different fields examined my son. Though active and had an appetite, they all found nothing to be alarmed on. I even had a fecalysis done to rule out an infection in his stools. There were none signifying that his diarrhea was of viral origin. My dad even did an ultrasound on him to check his kidneys, liver, gallbladder, etc. Then came the pediatrician who saw nothing alarming in him too. I guess, you might say we all we paranoid with my son's condition. After all, who wouldn't be when he kept vomiting and having diarrhea all day? I am just glad that his episodes of diarrhea and vomiting are both over.

Thank you God for hearing all of our prayers out.

was a worried mama today

2008-07-26T21:41:00.003+08:00

I was a worried mama to my son today. Brought him to the pediatrician because he's had 4 days of diarrhea and vomiting. His skin has become dry and he has slightly sunken eyeballs. Although my son is active and has an appetite to drink his milk, he has already lost 1.5kg--a sign that he is already mild-moderately dehydrated. I decided to be bring him to his pediatrician for consultation before his dehydration would become worse. My mom and I actually breathed a sigh of relief when the doctor did not suggest that we have him confined at the nearest hospital for rehydration. I felt more at ease when he started having some appetite--he normally perks up at the sight of Cheetos and any other meal we have at the dinner table but it was only until tonight that he actually some of the Pringles I keep at our bedside.

I thank God for looking after my son. It's so hard for kids to get sick these days.

cooking Bicol express

2008-07-23T20:58:00.003+08:00

I confess that I was quite pleased to finally cook some Bicol express. Ever since I tasted this at the Espiritu Place dormitory, I vowed to research for the main ingredients of the dish and make one of my own. Am not fond of eating spicy dishes so I sought just to make this one mildly spicy. It was a smashing success as far as my parents were concerned and I was very happy because my Dad can be such a tough judge when it comes to food (he doesn't like experimenting much and he just likes ordinary dishes for lunch and dinner). I feel so inspired that I might try cooking other dishes soon :)

so much for August, hello to Feb

2008-07-22T08:51:00.000+08:00

You read right. I wasn't able to get my transcript of records yesterday and I missed the PRC deadline for application filing. It's the Feb boards for me. Oh well... God probably has a reason for this. Am just finally relieved from all of those weeks of waiting. Now, I plan to go back to the gym and lose all that gained from staying at Espiritu place, spend all of my other time with my big baby boy, and continue reviewing. Life goes on...

August or bust

2008-07-20T20:10:00.004+08:00

Well, not exactly bust. If I don't get my transcript of records tomorrow, it just means that I can't take the August physician licensure exam and that I'll be able to take the next one in February. Oh well... I've been given plenty of advice from concerned friends--that I ought to sue the school for being late, etc. Am still not sure whether I should. For one, it's going to be expensive and it will take a lot of time. Will just wait for the transcript tomorrow. Wish me luck.

we love Crocs

2008-07-18T06:24:00.003+08:00

Mom bought my son a new pair of Crocs the other day. The first pair I bought for him during our trip to Guam was so worn out that Mom couldn't resist buying him new ones. We made Marcu choose--one pair of black and red Mickey Crocs and another in blue and green (I already have both colors in my size, Jene has the exact same one too). Marcu ended up choosing the same color. Although Crocs are expensive, I'd say that they're well worth the price--being comfortable and durable at the same time (Mom and Dad have joined in too--both having Athens. Jene has a pair of Sobek's which I got him last Christmas. My Patra's at the dorm...).

I can't take the bloody boards!

2008-07-16T15:50:00.000+08:00

Of all the weeks of stressing about my transcript, it's down to 3 working days before the PRC deadline on the 21st, I don't think I'll get my transcript on time and it's sad that my momentum reviewing at Topnotch Board Prep will be laid to waste if I don't get to apply on Monday. Oh well... Maybe it isn't meant for me. It's just sad because I was eager to take it for the first time. God knows how much I have been already looking forward to it... I've been delayed long enough and I guess I will be delayed yet again.

It's a long story. Basically, the former secretary for the college of medicine was pocketing funds to herself and she didn't update my grades during clerkship as well as getting the 18,000 I paid for my Ob-Gyne rotation. She also neglected to pass my papers to CHED along with the batch so when my school found out about it, they were only able to pass my papers on July 7, 2008 (when I graduated in 2006!). Another thing is that the papers they passed at CHED seem to be missing for more than a week now. Though I still have technically 2 days left I doubt my school will receive the special order number needed on my transcript. Oh well... wish me luck.

got to get my groove back

2008-07-08T06:21:00.002+08:00

That is, my study groove. I feel sluggish these days, of all the times why now, when the boards are a month away. Maybe I feel bad about not getting my transcript yet when the deadline for filing is less than two weeks away. It's hard to study when you're not sure that you can take the boards. What a situation. So for now, I have to force myself to study until the time comes that it's certain whether or not I can take the boards in August. Good luck to me.

this is not how I want to live my life

2008-06-30T20:05:00.000+08:00

I've come across three great women--one in the field of Pediatrics and two in Obstetrics and Gynecology during the lectures at the review center that I'm in. Though they belong in different fields of medicine, one common thing was obvious among them. They were all single. I know that it isn't a bad thing to be single--in fact, it might be one's choice to stay that way. However, what made me sad for them is that they are both in the fields where there are babies, children, couples, and families for that matter. The obstetrician went as much as to say that if you can't handle stress and if you aren't willing to give your time even if you're sick or have had no sleep yet, then ob-gyne is not for you. I've heard horror stories of how the consultant wasn't even able to attend the graduation of her son to residents and consultants who can't get pregnant (maybe due to their age, etc.). Though I do not want to be stage mom, I still want to see my son grow up. I don't want to live my life not knowing how my child grew up while I'm training. Oh well... until the time comes that I have to choose which residency training program to go into, obstetrics and gynecolgy as well as pediatrics are at the bottom of my list.

my mini break at Starbucks

2008-06-25T20:07:00.002+08:00

It was literally a mini break with me just sipping a cup of coffee from Starbucks. Had some cafe mocha with hazelnut syrup--I usually just order their hot chocolate but I tried experimenting on something else. Not really new since I've been drinking hazelnut flavored coffee for ages now. Also looked at their tumblers and vowed to go look for better designed ones at their other branches. My black tumbler fell from my side table at home and it broke in the process. Though I doubt I'll ever be able to buy the same one... Apparently it was a limited edition one sometime ago. Anyways, I stayed for like less than an hour there. I was supposed to study but decided not to because it was too noisy for me. Oh well...

Am looking forward to going home on Monday :) can't wait to see my son. Hope to have a longer break by then too.

splurging on a new cellphone

2008-06-17T19:46:00.003+08:00

Here I go again... after paying part of my credit card bill, I go on and charge using my other new card *sigh* good thing I'll be finished paying for my iPod in August so that'll be a bit of a load off the bills that I'm paying.

Anyways, on to more happier news... I bought a Nokia N82! I just love the Xenon flash :) Between the SE K850 and the N82, I chose the Nokia in terms of user friendliness. Also, I've never been lucky in getting a Sony Ericsson phone (I always get the buggy type) so I might as well stick to the brand I'm already used to. Dad bought my N73 music edition in like 5 minutes and so I'm fine with the price that he sold it for. All is good for now :) I just hope this good luck lasts until the end of the year (or until August) hehehe

ümobile

2008-06-14T20:15:00.002+08:00

I finally got to blog properly at my dorm's internet station. I got to check my email and I was happy to see that I was finally approved to receive a umobile sim card. I can't wait to receive and test it out. It will be somewhat of a breath of fresh air here, although somewhat because Smart recently bought it. It would have been nicer if a new player actually maintained and joined in the competition. Still, it has some attractive new features to look forward to and competitive prices at that. Besides, it's always good to test something out while it's new :) More reviews of this when I get my sim and try it out.

Under Stress

2008-06-13T17:59:00.000+08:00

I have been under stress lately. With finishing Anatomy (one of my worst subjects from med school) and then starting Pharmacology. Now we're in Pathology--also one of the subjects I hate. I think I need a break...

I've got bigger eye bags now and I've also noticed that my hair is somewhat thinning. Hair loss is not a good sign. I do think that it's time to relax a bit, at least before July comes around. We have roughly 57 or 58 days before the boards and I have to cope well with the present as well as incoming stress...

Anyways, any suggestions on what to do to relax and unwind are most welcome. Preferably something I can just do in one day Ü

Fruits of Labor

2008-06-10T10:03:00.000+08:00

I finally got the last of my collectibles from pro-blogging today. Am happy that I can now withdraw the money from Paypal and use it to pay my credit card bill.

I miss pro-blogging. Will most likely continue this after taking the boards Ü

recharging myself at home

2008-06-07T19:46:00.000+08:00

The past few days at the dorm has been stressful for me and I welcome this weekend as a means to recharge my burnt out self at home. We've had a battery of exams last week and studying anatomy has been so tiring, not to mention th fact that I had to go all the way to Pasig just to talk to CHED because the previous secretary at Perpetual failed to update my grades during clerkship and now it looked as if I didn't complete them at all. Oh well... Karma to her (she's facing several cases because she has been stealing funds from the college of medicine for years). Had to go to Perpetual yesterday right after I got home to talk to the college secretary too. At least everything has been explained to me and I've already passed all the documents they required (because what they had were either lost or falsified).

I love the time I'm spending with my son. God knows how home sick I was these past few days that I just wanted a break from it all. I am thankful for the two day break and although I have to go back to the dorm tomorrow, I feel much better knowing that my son still recognizes me and he cries when I tell him that I'm going back to Fairview. I hope I have more breaks like this because it is so hard to study when you're stressed or worrying about some other things.

my daily routine

2008-06-05T06:40:00.000+08:00

I've been living in a dorm for almost a month now and I've pretty much established a daily routine. I usually get up at 4:30am or 5:30am to take a bath, eat breakfast, and drink coffee. Then I go upstairs to the penthouse to get my favorite seat in the room (great view plus it's at the T zone). The lecture starts at 8 or 9 (we start at 7 if there's an exam) and then we end at 12nn for lunch. The lectures resume at 1 and end either at 4pm or 5pm (the worst is when it ends at 7pm or 8pm). I eat dinner and take a bath then study on my own.

Sounds dull doesn't it? This is my medical board review life where every study minute counts. At least this weekend I'll have some time to unwind... Will go home and see my son tomorrow. Now that's something everyone at the dorm is looking forward to: going home for the weekend Ü