Ninety-one: Speak.

Today has been one of the busiest days. What is supposed to be an eight-hour duty turned out to be a nine or so. I am really tired. My feet are sore, my hands are aching, and my stomach is rumbling (and my hair is disheveled, not that I care). But what frustrates me is how some people can be very insensitive. I have been working my ass off. I am giving my best. I don't care if you don't notice it because you choose to turn a blind eye about it, but at least cut me some slack. The last thing I need is when you shrug your shoulders when I ask an important question or relay an information. What do you want me to do? Split my body into half? Would that bring out the professionalism in you? Would that please you? Goodness, I don't read minds! Speak out so you'll get your point across.

I don't usually lose my cool because I always try to lengthen my patience as much as I could, but tonight, as I type, I am irked. I hope people try to put themselves in the shoes of another, or better yet walk a mile in them. If you woke up at the wrong side of the bed, don't bring your dour mood to your workplace. Leave it where it should be-- in the waste bin.

Sorry, I just had to let that out.

Eighty-ninth: So close

Today, I had a very close encounter with one of nature's disasters. I was in the hospital preparing the noon medications of my patients when a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the city. I thought I was just imagining it until I saw some of the things moving. We all hid under the table. It was so scary because I thought we would never see the end of it! It took us quite a while before we gauged that the worse is over. After the quake, everyone panicked. Some of my patients wanted to go out of their rooms thinking they would be safer elsewhere. People were shouting, crying, and some were hugging each other. I immediately went to check on my patients, especially the one who's non-ambulatory and is in slightly critical condiiton.

The moment I was under the table, I had a lot of things going on in my mind. I wasn't ready for anything that serious. I don't even know how to swim. How could I save my life and that of the others? :/

Seeing how chaotic the situation in the hospital was, I knew I had to remain calm. Worrying will not do me any good. I had to put the safety of my patients before mine. Their well-being was our primary concern. But of course, I had to also make sure I was out of imminent danger.

A few more aftershocks happened from then til now, as I type. I am with my sisters. We are in the safety and comforts of our home. We're praying that everything will be alright especially for those who are near the coastal area.

Thank You Lord for being our great comforter despite the storm that we are in. You said that all these shall also pass and we hold onto those words. Please protect and cover us with Your holy mantle.

Life, so far this year, is very good to me. My personal relationship with my work and my coworkers is good. My family is still ever supportive of the things I do. My friends remind me that life is even more beautiful with them in it.

I know I've slacked on my blog on more than a hundred occasion. I wish I could make good with my promise to write very often. With that in mind, I'd like to write down my thoughts.

First, I don't understand the reason behind some of my friends' absence. I try to make time but they always come up with excuses (and they're good). So I told myself, I will not waste my time and effort on people who don't even appreciate the things you do in the name of friendship. I mean, why would I bother, right?

Eighty-seventh: Winner. Loser.

This post is NOT a good read nor a nice post to start the new year in my blog.

I have been irked for more than three occasions by the same patient in a span of eight hours. He managed doing that just by lying on his back. His words were harsh and his eyes were cold and piercing. I kept wanting to delay talking to him but that would not do us any good and it would only give him an impression that I, as his nurse, don't have a sense of urgency to all his medical complaints.

First, pain is subjective. What may be painful for him may not be painful for me. A prick of a needle may warrant a pain score of 5/10 for a certain individual, while another may see it as only a very mild discomfort. It varies. I understand the pain he was going through. I did. But PLEASE don't tell me that I don't care simply because you see me able and well, while you lie in pain. Do not shout at me because while being sick can give you a reason to be a snob or a brat, that can only go for a short while. I've been in pain, too.

Second, I hope you realize that pushing your wrong belief into my system will not get you anywhere. I will not bend. If you want a fast recovery, you should be the obedient patient you are expected to be. Why would you prefer drinking milk (or any milk product) over tea? That will upset the stomach even more and may cause loose bowel movements. Earth to mister, knocking!

Third, what is with money and the impression "Thou shall hurry and prioritize me because I am paying you." that most patients have?! That's ridiculous and very low. I hope he also understood that I was trying my best there to give him the quality of care he deserves.

I am a very patient nurse (I always try to keep my calm) and while you're sorry for treating me that way, I wish my eyes also sent you the message that I want us to never cross path again because you disgust me. I was grossed out with your attitude. You're old. You have some serious growing up to do.

With all these written, goodbye negative vibes. :)

Today has got to be one of the busiest shifts at work EVER!!! This is all because of a dislodged IVF on a newborn. That was the only time I wished I could split my body, not only in half but into four.

Eighty-fifth: Alleluia! The Savior is born.

December is finally here!!! :) Hurray!!! :) I can never contain how happy I am because I have been eagerly waiting for this month to come. This is really the happiest and jolliest time of the year. I am always set in a good mood. I see myself kinder, more giving and considerate, and even more hopeful for beautiful things to come and happen. :)

Just last week, I went gift shopping for my family, relatives and friends. You know this is the moment when money spent never matters because the joy you receive from the wide beams of the people around you are priceless. I love the many times you get together with your family and friends, catching up over finger foods while exchanging holiday stories and laughter. Everyone's just really happy. And the MOST important thing, above all, is that my, your, our Savior is born. It's amazing how people of different race, gender, and culture have an equal denominator-- Jesus is born to redeem the world. No matter how contrasting your beliefs are with people from another country, one thing stands true: We all rejoice for Jesus's birth. Our knees bend and our hands lifted in prayer and thanks for this universal fact. :)

Our tree theme: red and blue.

Eighty-sixth: The Year That Was I

Truly, there is NEVER a dull moment when my ONLY nephew is around. :) His laughter and energy is contagious. He is full of ideas, all amazing and weird rolled together. I am so happy for the times he is around. :)