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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 03 July 2009 |
Music to my ear... err.. a pleasant note for my eyes!
I placed my next order at Artscow.com a few minutes before midnight last night and received a confirmation in less than a minute that my order was being processed. After some 5 or 10 minutes, I received an email that they've shipped my order. I wuv Artscow! Not only for the free print-outs of my photo LOs but also for their fast service.
I had my South Beach and my Day 12: Manhattan LOs printed in 12x18 last time. Now I have placed two more, plus four more 8x10s. Sending everything to my mom once I've completed all of my LOs for the past couple of months. Uh-huh! My first balikbayan box would be in a tube-case! Hah-hah! Gotta think of something to fill-in the hollow. But of course I need to do a month's task to get by. I need to write. Really, write! *wink*
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 |
My friend, he was wearing a ring-- a wedding band. And her? Well, they met a month after his wedding. She knew. He was honest with her.
"She loves me, I need her," that's all he has told her about when she asked him about the marriage. And so their story goes.
I will never forget the day that they parted-- his lady was coming to town.
He was crying. It was the first time that I saw him cry.
"Whatda... you're crying because your lady is coming to town?!"
Love. Has it really hit him bulls eye? Ahhh... I will always have a heavy heart for such forbidden love. My sympathy goes to him, being my friend. And for the lady, my heart then was bleeding.
Later on, I had the chance to hear the third side of the story. He was right, his lady loves him and I knew that it was only because of his needs that he is sticking around; needs that I fully understand now.
"I miss her..." he said crying. I felt sorry but I don't think I will ever tolerate that.
It's over.
It should be over.
"Dude, buhusan na lang kita ng ice, you want? But then again, I am no longer there to do that, so ganito na lang... iligo mo na lang yan!"
Seriously, enough is enough.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Wednesday, 01 July 2009 |
Those were the three things that I had in mind last night. Those were my goals for today.
It's been a month since I last did some brisk walking and ran by the lake; and God knows when the last time was, that I drove around the block here. Today, I was given the opportunity to do everything. I walked. I ran. I drove.
(oppss! I haven't mentioned that I am back in NJ now, have I? After more than three weeks in NY, I took my usual train rides to NJ last Thursday).
[ Canon PowerShot S3 IS ]
Today, I drove Kuya's car from South Plainfield to Edison and back. It was my first time to go farther than our block here. Of course it was frightening. But fear is good sometimes.
 It was a fun day of working out on every aspect of my being. I walked, I ran, I drooled over some kids playing some tennis and (lawn) badminton, I watched the guys play basketball, familiarized myself with the place (it's not the usual park that I go for a run, eh), did some photo op, and got to the next level of my driving lessons. I still suck in parking (man! it's not even parallel parking!), I still keep on forgetting not to let go of the gas when turning, and I still think that I was driving the lawn mower truck. *ugh!* So, to cool down, I did drive the lawn mower truck today. 
I walked. I ran. I drove. Today.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009 |
I have been trying to finish two of my articles for a couple of days now but I always end up staring at my drafts. This has never happened to me, or maybe it has but never this long. Benjamin Franklin said, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. I'm sorry Pareng Ben, this is not the first time that I have disappointed you but my fingers really wanted to tap on GreenApple's keyboard tonight hence the babbling.
Fact is, my head is swirling with ideas for The Writer Within. Problem is, I'm not sure where to start. Kung nagtatae ang utak, malamang nagtatae na ang utak ko sa halo-halong laman nito. *argh!* I have to walk or run outside to get my focus back. I have to because I cannot afford to stop writing.
On the sensible side...
I loved my free 12x18 layout prints and some 8x10 from ArtsCow.com. The 12x18s came in tube case. Pretty cool! You gotta try it! Well, I'm doing some more soon. I think I'm going to try their photobook next time (and all I need is time). But first, let me hit the sack and pray for a good weather on the morrow. 
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Uncle Sam's (2008 - present)
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Saturday, 27 June 2009 |
Click the image for a larger view.
See the rest of the photos on my Friendster or Facebook accounts.
Album name: Family - Kuya Nomer
For the digiscrap album (The Little Story), click here.
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Saturday, 27 June 2009 |
"In New York, people think nobody cares anymore. But look at that lady. She's just waiting for her train ride and she did what she can to help the man..." says a black lady sitting next to me at the NY Pennsylvania station last Thursday, when a man had a seizure.
Just a few weeks ago, a grandma at the NY Presbyterian Hospital said the opposite of those words.
Do we lose hope as we grow older?
Should we cease believing that no matter how bad a place is, good people still exist?
The world may be in chaos, but my answer is No.
It is not where we are; it is who we are wherever we are.
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My Digiscrapbook
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Friday, 26 June 2009 |
[credits: embelishments and papers from ShabbyPrincess.com; text: Lithos Pro, Bickham Script Pro]
[RGB print: 4inX5in]
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Wednesday, 24 June 2009 |
Scissors, tape dispensers, all kinds of adhesives (I used to buy duct tapes, lately I am into adhesive magnetic sheets), punchers, staplers, cutter, paper, etc.. These are a few of my favorite stuffs. You can say I would enjoy wandering inside some stores such as Staples, Office Warehouse, and the like. Really, I would.
... and these, a 6-inch personal rotary trimmer (for cutting my photos) and a one-hole punch, together with some double-sided tapes, are my first toys here (courtesy of Kuya Cris and Ate Pam). I say "toy" because I am going to play with it and the result you will see soon, and the reason you will know, too! I'm excited!
Speaking of photos, Kuya Cris has introduced me to Walgreen's Photo Center. Not bad! The quality of their paper is good and the service, too. I submitted my orders online last night and we picked it up this afternoon. Too bad they don't have PayPal but it's good that they would allow you to pay when you pick up your prints. Ahh.. You'll see them all soon. *wink*
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Tuesday, 23 June 2009 |
Nothing can suppress my excitement whenever I see, hear, or think of the word Amtrak. It may not be the only ride that I haven't tried yet here in the east coast, as I still have the AirTrain to try, but Amtrak is the only ride that I haven't tried at the NY Pennsylvania Station.
You see, I frequent the NY Penn station and I can't help but be amazed by the many rail tracks the station has. NJ Transit, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Amtrak, and Subways A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 converge here. Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH), on the other hand, is just a few blocks away from the station.
NJ Transit provides train service from multiple points in NJ to NY Penn Station.* It's been my ride from Metuchen going to Jersey City and Manhattan.
LIRR provides train service from multiple points in Long Island to NY Penn Station.* This is my recent joy ride since I am in Long Island, NY for a few weeks now.
PATH provides transit link between Manhattan and neighboring NJ urban communities and suburban railroads.* This is my ride from Newark Penn Station to Journal Square in Jersey City.
Subways can bring you to a lot of places in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. You can go from one end to another with your $2 Metrocard.
Amtrak provides train service all over the US and Canada to NY Penn Station.* This could take me from this coast to the other. And Canada via Amtrak? Hmmm... let me get settled first.
For someone who loves to write, take photos, and for someone who loves train rides (Ehemm... Me?), not to mention the adventure of traveling, Amtrak is a dream! I am telling you, ever since I set foot here in the US, for no apparent reason at all (except that it's my dream), I visit their website once in a while and play with the schedule and fare finder (as if I have the fund to plunge in, noh?!). Boy! Airfare is much cheaper and it's more than a hundred percent! But have you seen Amtrak's amenities? One time I took a peek on an Amtrak train at the NY Penn and saw its dining car. Interesting! Which leads me to the question, why would you not consider it when you haven't really tried it? If you have the time and the money, why not try it? Found this good site (vacations by rail), although my plan is to stop over at any state where I have friends to visit. Uh-huh! That'll be fun and kewl!
Well, there are things in this world that we ought to try at least once, right? And traveling via Amtrak is on my list (while I still have ample of time) whether I take a stop on some state or go straight to the other end. (Kanya-kanyang trip lang yan eh. hehe)
One-way on Amtrak is all I wish for but since I can't afford it, let me just stick to the saying, beggars can't be choosers, for now. Another Dream-on-Mae moment here. I know I will have my chance soon (if not someday). All in His time, remember? So instead of feeling frustrated, I've thought of something else to try. Something cheaper-- the trolleybus! But of course I have to get to the west coast to try the real ones.
Wait 'till I get there via any ride. For me, any ride is a joy ride, anyway.
* http://www.infofornyc.com
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 |
 I need a Polaroid instant film camera for my next project. All right, let me change my choice of words, I WANT a Polaroid 600 OneStep (instant film) camera, plus, of course some packs of Polaroid Spectra (Image) films. Argh! Drooling every time I Google Polaroid! I can only wipe the drool off my face and shout, Dream on, Mae!
I know we're deep into the digital realm. Polaroid has even released (they said it's going to be this June) PoGo Instant Digital Camera this year (that's a camera and printer combo). It prints 2x3" full-color on sticky-back photo-paper. But... uhh... all right, I couldn't think of anything else to explain why I am drooling over the classic Polaroid camera except for... I like it the same way that I like Lomo cameras, except that lomo is not instant. Classic photography. Me, like it!
Wala lang... I wish I can have a Polaroid camera before the company ceases production. *sigh* Somebody should save the classic Polaroid!
[photo from www.bizrate.com]
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 |
Him: Hindi ko matyempuhan si D. Mukhang busy sa BF nya.
Me: Huwow! May BF na si D? Buti pa sya!
Him: Oo nga.
Me: Ba't ikaw ba? Ba't wala pa?
Him: Walang pumapatol eh.
Me: Eh baka wala kang pinapatulan!
Him: May gusto man ako, di ko naman masabi.
Me: Namfotek! Bad trip yang ganyan. Ganto na lang... humanap ka na lang ng babaeng manghuhula para di mo na kailangang magsalita pa. Alam na niya agad gusto mo sabihin sa kanya!
Him: Alam ko naman na ayaw nya ako.
Me: Paano mo nalaman?
Him: Pakiramdam ko lang wala siyang interest sa akin.
Me: Pakiramdam? Pakiramdam lang?
Him: Isa lang akong langaw sa kanya.
Me: Kung isa kang langaw at dinapuan mo siya, ano siya? TAE?!
Yup! Never belittle yourself 'coz when you do, you belittle others, too.
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The Writer Within
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Friday, 19 June 2009 |
She wears her sweat shirt as she roams around the hospital. I know she is a patient there. She has a tag and a small peripheral venous catheter (PVC) on her wrist.
"Are you a patient here?" someone asked her. She said she's not. I looked at her and smiled. I was actually looking forward to seeing her each time I visit the hospital. She's one witty grandma. Although I know she does not remember me (she keeps on telling me the same lines), still I loved talking to her.
"Are you waiting for your meal?" she asked me one lunch time when I was at the lounge reading a book. I said no.
"Yesterday, they asked me what I want to have for today's meals. Problem is, my appetite yesterday is different from my appetite today." I know what she meant, I told her, then I asked her what she's having.
"Alpo!" she replied.
I see her everywhere. At the lounge, at the nurses' station, sometimes just walking along the hallway. No one seems to be bothered by her presence. In fact, no one seems to notice her. I told her one time that it's good that they allow her to just wander like that when she's supposed to be in her room, resting and recuperating from whatever illness she has.
"Oh! They don't know I am a patient here. Or maybe they just don't care. People here don't even say hello. Nobody seems to care nowadays. Not like the old days. In here, you're lucky if they change your bedding every week! I walk around because I am trying to find my way to escape." She said.
Not just once that she's told me that she tried going to the other floor to check on the vending machine. She loves popcorn but it's always out of stock. Not just once that I thought of bringing her a bag of popcorn but I hesitated. What if she's allergic to that? I dismissed the idea and fought back the urge to give her anything every time I see her holding a cup of...
"Ice." she said as she nibbled on the last piece of ice from her cup. Then she opened a room and got her supply of ice. She's not supposed to go in there but she's right, no one seems to care.
"Be careful nowadays. People are generous especially those with the flu. They're willing to give it to you." she told me and Ate Pam one time. "When I got here it was like a party. A Halloween party! Everyone in the ER is wearing a mask. That's funny. I had to join them of course."
She was admitted for some blood transfusion on a Thursday. "People here want me to take some pills. Hey! I said don't give me pills. I am trying to stay alive!" She said she hates pills.
She said she was brought there by his son and that she told her children not to visit her. "They have their own lives. What are they gonna do here?" she told me when I asked her if any of her relatives visit her.
"It's good that your friend got here on Monday. Doctors don't come here on weekends." she said so I asked her how her weekends are if that is the case.
"I just stare at the window and wonder where the doctors are!"
Our conversation became constant but as I have said, she couldn't remember me. There are days that she'd think I was a patient there, and there are days that she'd think right, that I am just a visitor.
"So, who did the procedure to your friend? The chef?" she was kidding when I told her about Kuya Cris.
She's a cool grandma. She has a dog, some 12-year-old yellow Labrador. She said, one time her dog-walker brought the yellow lab home, drunk! "They gave my dog, beer!"
We were both enjoying that conversation when Rev. Fr. Melchor F. found me. We were both talking about her dog and waiting for Oprah. She left when I had to entertain the priest. And that was the last time that I saw her. She never came back for Oprah.
I guess she was discharged on Thursday. During our last few days at the hospital, I've missed her. Whenever I sit at my favorite sofa in the waiting room, where she complains about how cold in there, I wander my eyes and check if she's just there walking, bothering the nurses who hate to be bothered. I was tempted to ask the nurses there about her whereabout, but I know that'll be weird.
Among the people that I have spoken with during the past week, the 6-yr old kid, the priest, the retired military man, it is her that stood out. I enjoyed watching her every move. I loved listening to her voice.
We'll probably never remember each other (definitely she'll never remember me). Who knows? I'll probably see her again but I won't really remember how she looks like. One thing is for sure though, I will always remember those short times, short talks that I had with her.
"Did you know that someone jumped over one of the windows here a few years ago? That's why all the windows here are locked now," she told me one time.
Sometimes I think meeting her is surreal. She was just right there, ready to make anyone smile and show everyone how simple life should be. Why do people ignore her? Or should the question be, why doesn't everyone sees her?
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SILENT HOLLO: Sometimes I Want My Screams To Be Heard...
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Thursday, 18 June 2009 |
My mom wanted to send money for me from the Philippines. Money that was supposed to be a gift for her from my grandmothers in CA. I couldn't help but cry when Inang (my father's mom) told me about it. I felt pathetic. Hurt. I shouldn't be on the receiving end. My grandma pacified me by telling me that she refused to take the money from my mom and comforted her by telling her that I will be all right here. Inang is right. I am fine here. I have enough clothes, a shelter, and I am being fed well. Blessed are those who provide my needs. As they say, it is better to give than to receive.
Maybe for now, I can only pay forward by doing what little I can do to anyone who would allow me and who would give me the opportunity to do so. I appreciate every given opportunity to help. It's my soul's hunger. Feed me.
And I thought, maybe I am living the life that God has planned for me. Partly. How else could one live a "fulfilled" life but by living His will, right? If that is so, then I have accepted my temporary fate with a joyful heart. I am here for a reason. I believe He knows the best way that He could use me to bring Him more glory.
He has given me talents. He has given me skills. But for the past few months, He's never given me a chance to use any of these gifts to make my life more comfortable and free from stress. My spirit almost hit rock bottom until I've realized there's one more gift that He's given me that I still have-- my heart. It is better to love than be loved.
My life is never about ME. It's all about Him.
That's (one of) my mantra. That's what I believe in.
"Have faith that you are doing the right thing..." says a priest at the church of St. Anne somewhere in Long Island, NY. Some people may not understand, but I have faith that whatever I am going through is a fulfillment of His plan. My faith is strong simply because I have a faithful God. I have a cheerful disposition simply because I have a cool God (yo! Pareng G!).
Lead me, Lord. I pray each night.
Lead me to where You can use me...
... for Your greater glory.
I may live to a hundred but hey, who knows how long one shall live? Whatever I can do today for my brethren, while I am here, let me do it now. Allow me to do it now. As the famous quote goes, I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer not neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
In this material world, I have nothing to brag about. But I walk tall and proud because I have Someone to trust, that even if I have nothing, all my needs, He will provide. And that even if my plans kept on landing on the road to nowhere, I know His plan never fails. He will prevail.
Humble me. Calm my spirit.
Satisfy me and those who surround me.
We live in a material world. I understand how my mom feels knowing that I haven't started living the life that everyone's expecting. She's worried, probably afraid, too. She wanted to do what little she can do to make my life okay. Me, being human. A lot of things could happen. Things that we may not be able to control. Starvation. Illness. Death.
I find comfort in knowing that whatever happens, good or bad, happy or sad, easy or hard, I know it is a fulfillment of His plan. Not for me, not for anybody else but for Him and Him alone. And with this thought, although I know that I am still a work in progress, I can sleep at night and say that I am okay. Tomorrow is another day.
(Pareng G, for the blessings that I have received yesterday or even in the past, let my heart see another opportunity to pay forward.)
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Wednesday, 17 June 2009 |
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Harlem is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, long known as a major African-American residential, cultural, and business center. Originally a Dutch village, it was organized by a Governor and Council ordinance on March 4, 1658, whose ground breaking was on August 14, 1658, whereby it remained independent of the City of New York until 1873.
Harlem has been defined by a series of boom-and-bust cycles, with significant ethnic shifts accompanying each cycle. Black residents began to arrive en masse in 1904, with numbers fed by the Great Migration. In the 1920s and 1930s, the neighborhood was the locus of the "Harlem Renaissance", an outpouring of artistic and professional works without precedent in the American black community. However, starting with the job losses of the Great Depression and especially after World War II with deindustrialization in New York, rates of crime and poverty increased significantly.
New York's revival in the late 20th century has led to renewal in Harlem as well. By 1995, Harlem was experiencing social and economic gentrification. Though the percentage of residents who are black peaked in 1950, the area remains predominantly black. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlem]
I had no idea I was in Harlem until I checked on my NY City map. I was curious where exactly I was because the crowd was different from the usual Manhattan crowd that I am used to. In Harlem, one should never show that he/she is a tourist (IMHO). Not especially when you're alone. You wouldn't even dare to look anyone in the eye nor dare ask anyone for direction. It was even harder to look for a police officer (I was fortunate to see one who was waiting by the McDonald's walk-thru window, prolly waiting for his kiddie meal).
"So... that explains the crowd and the setting of the place, eh?!" I told myself when I realized that I was actually in Harlem. It's a scary place for someone who is not used to the city. For me, it's an interesting place to discover. Although they said that the place was predominated with Black people, signs were mostly written in Spanish now and the store clerks are mostly Spanish. You'd see taong-grasa everywhere, tambays, some people that I only see on TV, cars banging with music and the driver wearing all those bling-blings, some smoking, some spitting, some place smells like a urinal, graffiti everywhere, etc.. That "interesting"!
If you are a Filipino, imagine yourself walking on the worst streets of Recto and Divisoria... only difference is that you seldom see your own race in the crowd (plus of course, no one drives a car with their volume up and head-banging in Divisoria).
But hey, I have heard that there's this one nice place in uppermost Harlem. That, I gotta discover. Hmmm... Why not? If given the opportunity to walk on the streets of Harlem again, I would! (I saw one pretty dress there! hah-hah!)
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
I am happy to announce that Kuya Cris and Ate Pam are now back together in their humble abode in Long Island, NY. The tubes (or drain) on Kuya Cris' side were removed and the PICC line was successfully placed on his right arm yesterday. The IV pole and the medicine supply for Kuya Cris' home medication came in tonight. Tomorrow, a nurse will come to check on him. I think they're going to brief Ate Pam on the procedures as she is allowed to give him the medicine daily since she's also a nurse. Every 48 hours, someone will come and check on the PICC line. Kuya Cris will have this routine for at least 4 weeks. Ate Pam on the other hand will have her ultra sound later this week. She's on her first trimester of pregnancy, by the way.
It was a tough journey. It was a test of faith for everyone who was involved. I am not sure if the liver team at the NY Presbyterian Hospital have found the real cause of the abscess but everyone is happy that a lot of it was drained and he's now released from the facility. He had the 2-bed room for himself because he was put in contact-isolation. And believe me, every day and every bed count in a city-hospital. We waited for a bed for 2 or 3 days!
Well, everything in His time.
Anyways...
My frequent visits to the hospital, my daily subway rides (not to mention my first ride on an ambulance and the nurse with a 12-yr dread lock), my walking-and-talking-spree and my building-hopping for the past week, gave me lots of opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. From a 6-year old girl to some 90-year old lady, from a priest to a retired military guy, from a nurse to a nobody. Strangers that I may never see ever again but will be remembered as I will be writing here, a little about my short encounter with some of them.
There was the priest. I met Rev. Fr. Melchor F. at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel when I was trying to find the cafeteria and the big chapel. Funny but my number one goal for that day was to find the cafeteria on the other building of the hospital, instead I ended up walking through a hallway going to that hidden door.
"Excuse me, is this the way to the chapel?" I remember asking him. I never realized that he's a priest until I saw the white thing on his coat (near his throat, what do you call that thing, anyway?).
He asked if the chapel that I was looking for was the big chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. I opted for the Blessed Sacrament since it was right there, just a few steps up from their office. He asked if I was Chinese or Filipino and if I work there. I said I am a Filipino and that I was only visiting.
He is a Filipino (or should we use was instead of is when we're referring to someone who is already a US-citizen?). He's the chaplain there and they have a list of every patient in that hospital. After I said my prayers at the Tabernacle, we talked a little about my status. Then he visited Kuya Cris later that day and we talked some more at the lounge, where he found me having my hot tea. Conversation was still about my status. I was dying to tell him that I am not worried and I know God is taking good care of me but there was nothing spiritual in our conversation. I know his concern was that I have been unemployed for the past 8 months and that too much time have already been wasted (although I don't really see things that way). Indirectly I know he's tried to tell me some options like marrying someone who's already a US-citizen (don't make me start on this topic), or precautions in changing my status, things like that. He meant well. He advised me not to go on vacation (back to the Philippines) until I get a good employer because my length of stay here might change (not sure about this though). I told him I am okay. I still have more than two years here. Father, I am where He wants me to be. I am what He wants me to be. Wherever and whatever He wants me to be, I will be. I wish I have told him that. I hope he includes me in his prayers because although my faith may seem strong, I am still human.
Last night, before I dozed off, I had but one question and one request: Pareng G, what's next for me? Lead me.
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My Health and Fitness Log
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Sunday, 14 June 2009 |
After the many subway rides and after gaining a few pounds (talk about having no choice but to give-in to an uncontrolled indulgence in food) and a little wisdom in New York City (and did I say, Harlem?! Harlem and the notion of Harlem as a ghetto!), I am back online.
I am not really sure how or where I should start, being out of the loop for a week (I had no chance to go online the whole week). And now...? Woohhoo! Waving my hands over here. Thinking... since I was exposed to some health issues, I might as well keep myself posted on how my health is nowadays. At least this is where I'm going to start...
The year now is 2009 and the Goddess of Health has given me 2 demerits this year. Something that I hope I could still do something about.
My weight? Here's the real deal. The last record I have here was 104 lbs (in March), the last time I weighed in was in May and I was back to 112 lbs then. Well, guess what? After a week of stay in Manhattan, I am now 18 pounds away from my 100-pound goal! Dang!
Previous: 112 lbs / Current: 118 lbs 
But weight, although it's hard, is nothing that I cannot handle. While some people would resort to any of the best fat burners, I am going to continue with my old way.
What has really saddened me most was my vision, which has been worrying me for the last couple of months now. Things that I could see in a distance before have become blurry now. I was in denial the past couple of months until this week. I am squinting, Ate Pam told me, when I was trying to read a billboard a few feet away from me. Honestly? Whenever I try to read something and squint, I feel miserable (OA na kung OA pero naiiyak ako, I swear!). My whole life, my vision was normal. I know one factor that has caused me this distressing occurrence but there's no use whining or complaining about it. I have to deal with this on my own now. See if eating lots of carrots and squash or do some eye exercises, could bring back my 20-20 vision (hehehe). Seriously, I'd do everything to prevent myself from wearing eyeglasses. I'd squint some more if I have to.
All right, one issue at a time. First the weight then the sight (unless both could be solved by healthy eating). Note to self: DETOXIFY!
Still on health...
Kuya Cris was transferred from Huntington Hospital in Long Island to the New York Presbyterian Hospital at W 168th St. (yup, Harlem!) on Sunday (or was it Monday?!) midnight. It's my first time to ride on an ambulance and I hope that would be the last. He's in contact isolation but he's getting better now. Thank you for the prayers. We need some more though.
They have put two tubes on his side, both connected to his liver. Hopefully they will give him the peripherally inserted central catheter or the PICC line tomorrow. Yeah... I've been hearing a lot of jargon inside the facility but I've been learning a lot, too. Wait till I share some anecdotes from the strangers that I've met inside and out of the hospital. Strangers are interesting! They feed your soul sometimes.
Anyways...
Ate Pam and I, are travelling from Long Island to Manhattan now until they release Kuya Cris from the hospital. That's 1.5hr travel via LIRR and a subway ride compared to an hour travel time in Manhattan (where we stayed for a week) via 3 subway rides. But at least I could work on my pending tasks at night now. Plus, subways are fun until you smell like one! Ugh!!! My jacket!
Catching up... but first on zzzZZZs!
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop
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Friday, 05 June 2009 |
I received a call from Long Island, NY at 7am today. It was Ate Pam and it wasn't a good news. Kuya Cris is sick and he's in the hospital for one week already. It's good that my Ate was here. They're both nurses and they could talk the same language. Ate was able to explain things to me after they talked. I am not a medical person. I don't know what's worse and worst. Anything that is more than coughs or colds sound bad to me. How much more if I hear the term ICU?!
My mind wandered and wondered again. This is a hard time for Kuya Cris and Ate Pam.
Prayers. We could all say one for anyone. It could be the least that we can do for someone. But I believe that it is not the only thing that I can do. Given my situation, I know I can do something more if only I'd be given the chance. So I took a little courage (and kapal ng mukha) to tell Ate Pam an idea that's been boiling inside me. I really wanted to be there with them so I volunteered even if I wasn't sure if I can be of any help. I was happy when they have accepted my idea. You see, I have nothing to lose. Not even time.
They will be transferring Kuya Cris from a hospital in Huntington to a hospital in Manhattan. He's still in ICU but I was told that he's stable now. They need to do a procedure that cannot be done in the hospital in Huntington. I have checked the address of the hospital in Manhattan to plan my trip. It is located in uptown Manhattan (98th St). NY Penn Station is at 34th St..
Hmmm... So... that is why God was training me to take the subway the past week, eh? And that is why I was browsing the pamphlets of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) yesterday and I was actually checking on the tracks at the NY Penn Station. Turns out, I am going to need it! And here's more, out of the blue, I said these words to Barney, "Uptown na lang ang hindi ko pa gaano nadadayo..."
This is not a fun time and it's loud and clear. I got the message, Pareng G!
To my prayer warriors, this is not for me but you know what to do. I am not sure if I can bring GreenApple with me and I am not sure how long I'll be gone. I'll go online if I have the chance though.
And to the rest, I am leaving one request: whatever faith you have, if you happen to pass by here and this, being my last post, please say a little prayer for our friends. Consider it a little act of kindness.
*Oppss... laundry is done. Gotta start packing.*
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I am Mae German. 31 years old. Born in Mangatarem, province of Pangasinan. I was taught and trained by Juan Dela Cruz, and I am currently being trained for more by Uncle Sam. Writing since the age of 12. Blogging since 2001. I keep a notebook and a pen in my bag, on my bedside table, and inside the bathroom. Misses a lot. Sometimes even my own voice. Loves to laugh. Sometimes even at myself. I am a work in progress. My ultimate dream is to be a SAHM. That is, if I am bound to have that chance in this lifetime... and I am.
