Sixty-seventh: Bittersweet

Well tonight was bittersweet!!! :( Really! It breaks my heart that two of my close coworkers were transferred to another department and another one senior coworker is resigning by the end of the month. That's only two days from now! :( We've already formed a strong bond with each other, that we sometimes miss one another when one has to take a day off. It bugs me why someone has to leave or why good bye was created, to begin with. Why couldn't we just be with the people we like? :/

On a positive note, we had a huge serving of pizza (enough to feed fifteen people), cola, ice cream, and some fruits as a despedida for those leaving. We took pictures, laughed out loud, and basically raised our voices because we can hardly hear from too much music and silly banters. We exchanged stories and jokes as if it were last. It felt like it was because that was the only time our rotation was complete, err almost, save for one. We were very happy. We had to stop ourselves from thinking other than what's positive.
Saying good bye to someone has got to be one of the toughest feats in life. You have to but you wouldn't want to YET you need to. You're torn apart because your mind says LEAVE but your heart says STAY A LITTLE BIT LONGER. Oh, the uncertainties in life. But one thing will always be sure, that the next time we see each other, it will be one filled with laughter and stories to fill in the long stretch of absence. I can only hope for the best for my colleagues as we go on, seek, and live out the meaning of our profession. :)

 

Because a friend means you NEVER have to be alone...

Sixty-sixth: Full

I don't know how much more interesting this week can go but I just have to get this off my system by saying tonight has got to be the highlight of my entire week! :)

I started my duty with several squeaks of laughter, here and there. It's always fun going to work with the kind of people I have for coworkers. I had two patients discharged from my care-- both improved and in the best of their health. How fulfilling! :)

In the middle of my duty, I was given several food from my patient and coworkers-- moron, a local delicacy of sweet choco-filled, nuts and cheese in glutinous rice, baby back ribs, siopao or steamed bun with meat, blueberry cheesecake, polvoron or a concoction made of sweetened flour, banana cue, and chocolate cookies. Boy was I full! :)

The nicest of them all would have to be sitting AND having a meal with my crush. I have been secretly eyeing this guy, who's actually my friend for a long time now. I would subtlety stare at him from a distance, making extra sure I wouldn't be caught red-handed. Sometimes, he'd give me this wide grin and it would make my day. I get nervous when we'd exchange conversation for a number of reasons. I cannot even look him in the eye on SEVERAL occasions! It can get really weird at times. My friends and I think it's crazy! Le sigh

So yes, I might have done something good for all these wonderful things. Thank you, Lord, for constantly surprising me with  turnabouts of events.

Sixty-fifth: It Came As a Surprise

I think one of the simple joys life offers is when you talk with an old friend with whom you haven't had contact with for a long time now. I've known Eds since my first year in college. She's funny, witty and would boldly give you a piece of her head when an event calls for it. I loved her like that. We've exchanged numerous text messages and it really warms my heart to know that when she gives a compliment or an advice, I could never go wrong with them because she looks out for my well-being despite the long hiatus in our friendship.

Tonight, after long hours at work for three consecutive nights of duty, I feel well rested and happy. My ex-patient's mom, who has convincingly tricked me into giving her my number, gave me a call. Of course, I was surprised because her daughter was discharged from the hospital for days now. It was nice hearing from them-- how her daughter has physically improved from the last time that she was bedridden and confined with I.V. fluids attached to her arm. She asked me to come meet her as she was planning to give me something. I politely declined the offer, not because I was already tucked in bed and going back to the hospital is COMPLETELY out of my own desire but because it's my personal choice. I think it was very nice of them to acknowledge my patient care. It was more than enough that they have expressed their genuine appreciation through thank yous and warm smiles.

What is funny, as I go on with this post, is the fact that I am a shallow person (in a good way). 

God has blessed me with so MANY things that to look for the negative in any given situation is an insult to His goodness.

Sixty-fourth: Psyched

I am being completely honest when I say that I'm very possessive of the friends I've made over the years. Sure there are a number of people you call friends, mostly because you share the same interests and hobbies as them. I can only name a few friends whom I look forward to seeing every chance I could get. I met two of these people when colorful hard candies and pollypockets were the coolest thing to own way back in grade school, circa 90s. We were so close that it was hard for one to go out without the other, and by out I meant recess or Friday activities (tree planting, volleyball, etc). We sadly drifted apart in high school because we all got into different classes, but the friendship we've had has always been so special to me. I guess it's mainly because GS days were our formative years and a good chunk of my memory consisted of the times we were happily making one.

Van is a smart and silent girl. We were total opposites. I'd laugh hard and loud  even in front of a crowd, but she'd meekly cover her mouth and suppress the laughter instead. I don't think a lot of people know the history behind our closeness. I get giddy when we were together! Plus, I used to tease her with R so much that she'd almost always throw a punch my way! Come high school, the times we spent together lessened. I'd see her with new friends but that didn't really hurt me because our bond was UNBREAKABLE! Hah, top that!

Race came into the picture during our fourth grade. She was this pretty, dark-skinned girl who was so shy to make new friends. I don't know how exactly we got her into our circle but we spent our lunch and breaks together since then.

The last two days with them was great! You could just imagine how psyched I am to see them both after six long years! I don't know what took us that long to see each other-- maybe time, distance or because we got into different universities for college-- but it was sheer joy reminiscing over the good old days. We had long walks in the park where I took them right after our dinner. We kept laughing. We traded secrets. We were literally  making up for the lost years. Gawd, that felt good!

I wrote them both a letter before they left, and I asked them to save up so we can travel together to some place where music fills the air and our laughter will blend so harmoniously with it. Nothing like a friendship tested and made strong with time. :)

Sixty-third: Of Warm Gestures and Wide Smiles...

I'm up and I can't tell you how much inner strength and force it took me get up from my very comfortable bed! I slept really late because I chose to watch a cute Korean drama series, My Fair Lady. That said, it amazes me how I'm also looking forward to going on duty! IT'S AN IMPROVEMENT, I tell you! Where before, I'd wish I wouldn't have to leave for work, now I kind of want to go to work! The feeling of fulfillment despite the long hours of work still overrules.

Two days ago, my patient who is to be discharged on my day off (of all days), held my hand and gave me the sweetest, most genuine smile! It really warmed my heart!!! :) I know chances are slim that we will see each other anytime soon but the world is too small for two people not to meet again! She told me I was the only nurse who took the time to talk to her despite my patients' load. Why, that's a nice thing to hear! :)

So on days that I wish I were just home instead of at work, I think of the times that I won't be hearing my patients' laughter, funny stories, and warm gestures that I'll let by. :)

Sixty-second: Humble Yourself Before Him

Today, the priest gave a very sincere and heartwarming homily. I'm happy I chose to hear mass at St. Joseph's, one of the local parish churches in the city.

Jesus humbled Himself among the crowd when He heard the woman's plea. During His time, the Jews, knowing they were the chosen ones, were very boastful. Then, a woman, who's of other race, asked Jesus for help. He did not ridicule her when He put her on the spot but to continually humble her and the people around (because being the chosen ones doesn't mean salvation is doomed for the others). The woman remained ever steadfast to her faith that Jesus will look upon her with mercy. He did and in so doing, she humbled Him too.

Jesus, being the Son of God, has been humble many many times. It's amazing to know that He does that on several occasions, especially when the call to act the opposite is strong.

I am truly moved by the words of the priest. There are times that I give in to the will of my body-- to go against Jesus' teachings. I may not do it on a regular basis but I know it hurts Him twice as much when I do it. When my prayers are not answered for reasons God knows best, I try to question Him. :( I know it's wrong so I pray for a stronger faith, like that of the woman, discernment and humility. I slowly develop in me the habit to continually hold onto my faith because that's the only thing that will keep me going. I shall humble myself before Him no matter the adversaries. God is good all the time, that's a fact that has and will stand the tests of times.

"Because You will it, it is best. Because You will it, we are blest."

Sixty-first: SOON!!!! :)

I find myself still awake after that past-five-in-the-morning call from the office saying I will be put on a day off instead of having an AM shift. It means two things-- more rest BUT less pay. Oh well, I'd choose the former over the latter ANY DAY. While tossing and turning on the bed a while back (the effort to sleep is futile), thoughts of wanting to travel to places I kept daydreaming about started kicking in. I wish money and time weren't really a factor nor an issue. If I had huge amount of savings like those of local celebrities, you would probably find my bags packed and ready to take on a trek in the beautiful ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru on a glorious Monday morning or off to bask under the sun in Thailand's Phi Phi Island. I would do that in an instant, of course with an obvious disregard for money & time spent. I could only keep on dreaming about the world's wonderful places but the will to fulfill my promise to myself to one day visit them is great.

Last night, I chatted with my friend who's now based in the US. We made the conscious pact of going to Spain when we have saved enough. Of course, being the gallant guy that he is, he promised to pay for my round-trip fare. YAY to that! Now, all I have to do is save up for the trip (which is years from now) AND my visa. He kept bugging me as to how much money I've already put aside for the trip. I think the seriousness in the tone of our conversation is evident. I tell him then, "If I earn fifteen thousand a month, three-fourths of it will go to my travel fund. But you're smart enough to know reality from illusion." He gets my sarcasm. Life, when will you  let it be?

So to satisfy my travel itch, here are pictures I will content myself with for the time being. :)

http://images.search.yahoo.com

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/18745688.jpg

http://www.allthaianswer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/phiphiIsland.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Peru_Machu_Picchu_Sunset-2.jpg

http://www.cuscomaravilloso.com/galeriaimg/img620/100-machu-picchu-peru.jpg

The last week of July and the first few days of August have been very marvelous! My Lord God's grace is ever sufficient as I make my way through each day. :)

HELLO AUGUST! :) 

Welcome and may you bring good and lasting memories. :)

Fiftieth: Hold Your Tongue!

Yesterday, during the afternoon nursing rounds, I've witness an obvious abuse of power and authority when one of my senior coworkers shouted at another employee for an innocent mistake. I personally think that bashing a person in front of a crowd when you can just talk gently, if not in a civilized way, is like adding salt to a wound. I'm not saying that the mistake done shouldn't be corrected. My point here is that there are BETTER ways of handling the situation. How can you call yourself a professional when your manner of speaking shows otherwise? You shout like you hail from the slums. Que horor!

I feel for those whose voices aren't heard. I feel for those who can't voice out their thoughts mainly because of fear. I have felt that way many times, too. These people who act way too superior are pathetic! It's as if you always have to please them to get on their good grace. It's a pity how they think they're the darling of the crowd!

If telling my thoughts out loud is a crime, shoot me now.