Some drivers really get the worst of me. There are those imbecile drivers who honestly should go back to school because simple rules like staying on your lane cannot even be followed. And they call themselves drivers! Excessive honking to remind them to stay on their lane just won't do-- either they're dumb or they play deaf. Please excuse my language. I always try to keep my cool but today got me so mad.

One-hundredth: Honor

Today, before leaving the hospital, I had to learn the importance of keeping a promise; and that to always do good with the words you say no matter what. My patient, who has just recently lost his wife in a fatal plane crash, had to be the one to remind me that you just don't commit something to someone without the intention of fulfilling it. In the middle of our interesting conversation about grieving, loss, hope, acceptance, and faith, I had to excuse myself for a while because I had to attend to my other patients. I told him I will be back as soon as I can. The moment I told these words, he instantly lit up. Little did I know, I will be gone for a long while because something came up. When I went back to his room, his lights were on and the bed was unmade but no sign of him. I waited for a few minutes knowing he'd be back anytime soon. Seeing as I'm again running out of time to wait, I gave up. Hours went by and I forgot about the talk we were to have. To make the long story short, he called out my name and like the dear old man that he was, he scolded me for not keeping my promise. To say he was up all night waiting for me was understatement. And I've never felt so bad in a long while. I could have eased his frustrations in life had I only made good with my words. I could have listened to his worries, one of which is that his son lies in a critical situation in the I.C.U. He could use a friend right that moment and I could have been one. I feel so awful. I hate myself. :(

Ninety-ninth: KONY 2012

This short film that aims to raise awareness on the true and current situation of our world today has moved and left me in tears. While I live my life in peace and happiness, there are thousands of Ugandan children living in fear and injustice. While I have finished acquiring my college degree, there are thousands of Ugandan children who are forced instead to learn the perils of holding a gun. Had I been in Jacobs's situation and waking up everyday knowing I've lost my dear brother because of the brutality of another person and wishing nothing else but to die, I would've already lost my sanity. It is such a horrible, ugly situation to be in.

I would like to be a part of this very important campaign. And while I am not as active and as hands-on as those youth and people seen in this video, I would like to contribute by sharing this video to the global community. It may not do much but it certainly accounts for something.

The arrest of Kony means a stop to cruelty and its domain (including but not limited to sex slave, mutilation, and murder). His arrest means the people in the world we live do not tolerate any form of barbarity or inhumane treatment and we stand up and take action against it. We do not just shrug our shoulders nor play blind or mute to the cries and woes of those gravely affected; so that in the next five to ten years any likes of Kony will seem to be a less likely imminence.

Ninety-eight: Unwritten

Little things get me-- most especially when I'm awake in the wee hours of the morning then I stare into blank space, and think of things seemingly unfit. 

• Driving home after a having a hearty meal with my coworkers, I couldn't help but gush and thank the Lord for all the blessings coming my way. I may earn so little from my work but the satisfaction and self-growth I get back in return is priceless. 
• I got to listen to some of my favorite songs over a four-hour lazy stretch during the shift. I sang more than a few lines from each and every song played. Who knew my knowledge in most of the songs' lyrics were right all along? I didn't doubt myself for a minute there, simply because I was so engrossed I actually didn't care.
• I continually accept, after many series of similar events, that I don't mind being alone or not having someone to talk to. They say no man is an island and I concur that. But there are days when being alone and getting lost in my thoughts is the wisest idea. It's good not having to please anybody.
• I begin to wonder how some people can be increasingly inconsiderate of others' mistakes. How can someone be so quick to judge? Unless you've walked a few miles in another person's shoes, I don't think we  understand the entirety of a person's action/attitude. So what if she doesn't always wear a smile, that doesn't make her a snob. So what if she doesn't join in our group conversation, that doesn't give you the right to shun her in future gatherings. Seriously, WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Can't we all just get by?
• My sisters, whom I am with 24/7, is a light after that long tunnel of uncertainties. I can never go a day without thinking of them. My inner desire is that all the little things they secretly ask for be granted.

Thank you, dear Lord, for being my constant ally. :)

Ninety-seventh: Beyond skin-deep

I went to work and had an amazing time at work with my coworkers, all of whom have the same humor as mine. I then went to have a late-night snack with some friends and I had a grand time as well. Well, this should definitely count as doing something extraordinary on a leap year. :) I will be in my late 20s when the next leap year happens. The topics we've talked about over dessert were fun and insightful. This totally erased the encounter I've had with my patient at work (but this should be in a different post).

As I grow older everyday, I find myself wiser and more mature. I can fully differentiate reality from what's reel. I value what's beyond the surface rather than those that are skin-deep or trivial. Life is really what we make it, and although there are things/places/ambitions/aspirations that we strive to have/go to/aim for, today or the present is truly what's of essence.

Ninety-sixth: Another chapter, another blessing

*Texts to follow. :)

Ninety-fifth: Willpower

I didn't realize last night was Friday, although I kept asking my workmates the date many times. It slipped my mind until I was typing and my mind went point-blank about things I wish to give up for Lent. Yes, I ate a lot and I had more than enough serving of beef in my diet. All I wanted was to eat because my head was spinning from hunger and fatigue. I kid you not.

So today, until the Lent season is over (and possibly, even after), I decided to give up a number of things for sacrifice. It will take a whole lot of determination, self-control and willingness, but these I shall conquer and succeed. These are on my list: ice cream, pork, and cut down on my internet hours and the money I spend (although I'm very thrifty to begin with). I'd choose ice cream and buying books any day so it's going to be tough but the will to prioritize selflessness is greater. People will say giving up something as a sacrifice just because it's Lent is ridiculous and a tad closer to hypocrisy. But, I beg to disagree. Things that we are used to or routines are very hard to break, so putting a halt to some of these is going to be very hard. It doesn't take a genius to know that. Every ounce of resoluteness and self-discipline is necessary, and that takes sacrifice to a different level. I do it for myself because there are only a number of things very valuable in life. Even travelers have a say on this: If you can fit your entire life into a bag pack, then you know what's important. Or something like that. The gist of the matter is there. :)