I just came from the hospital paying my medicine bill in the pharmacy because my left eye was sored when i woke up this morning. So, i went to our staff clinic, the doctor gave me 3 days sick leave without examining my eyes(duhh!!). I was asking for a one day sick leave but she insisted i should take her advice. Grabe, noon humihingi ako ng mahaba-habang sick leave kasi nagbi-bleeding ako(with my miscarriage) hindi naman ako binibigyan, ngayong ayaw ko ng mahabang sick leave binibigyan naman ako! Hay naku, hindi mo talaga ma-spelling ang mga tao dito sa middle east! And believe it or not, i almost lost my temper with one arab woman. As usual, hindi kasi uso ang pagpila dito kaya ayun nagsiunahan sa harapan ko ang mga PENGUIN(arab women with their traditional head-to-toe-black-cover). After 3 months of habernation, ayan…naku-culture shock na naman ako!

Good for me, ako parin ang pinauna ng pharmacist! Pagsiniswerte ka nga naman….knowing that arab woman is quite furious at me. Ang dami talagang LOSER sa lugar na ‘to! Eeww…..

Since i went abroad, i abandoned the idea of doing some of the things i love to do when I’m here in the Philippines. It is just because my work comes first. Listening to a morning radio show was one of the many things I’d always do. And this year, i finally rekindle the moment of doing it because i know I’ll be staying long this time. One of my favorite radio show is Chico and Delamars’ morning breakfast show. I happened to come across Chico Garcia’s Blog on his May 22, 2008 post. And it really made my day. ;-)

Do people tell the truth when they’re angry, or do people say stuff they don’t mean when theyre angry?  It’s a tough call.  It’s the same thing when people are drunk.  Until now I haven’t made up my mind.  I think angry words are based on truth, but spoken with a heart that aims to hurt.  So maybe it’s a little bit in between.

May 22, 2008 → The Top Ten Things You’ve Said During A Fight

1. Gorgeous Bitch - Ionce said this to a clerk in a video store: “Pasalamat ka guwapo ka, kundi nasampal na kita.”
2. Zi - “Yung huling tao na pinagtawanan ako, umihi ng blade! Ano, tatawa ka pa?!?”
3. Witchy Bitch - “I’m not saying I’m beautiful, what I am saying is, PANGIT KA!”
4. MNEMONIC - During abig fight with my girlfriend, I told her, “Lumayas ka sa pamamahay ko!” She replied, “Wait a minute, this is MY condo unit!”
5. Anto - “Ikaw ang kalawang na sumira sa singtibay ng bakal na pagsasamahan naming magkakaibigan.”
6. ACER - A guy asked me,”Bakit ang sama mo tumingin?” In anger I blurted, “Eh ikaw, bakit ang sama mo tingnan?”
7. Allan - I told my brother during a physical fight: “Kahit ilang beses mo pa ko suntukin, hindi ka pa rin magiging tama!”
8. RC N CESS - “Yung huling umaway kina Chico at Delamar, nasa PLM na ngayon…modelo ng skeletal system sa medical school!”
9. Robert - Wife: “Go to hell!” Me: “I’m already there!”
10. LOIpogi - From an 80’s tearjerker: “Magsabi ka lang kung kahit saan, kahit kailan, umaaraw man o umuulan, may panty man o wala!”
11. Purplerose - I heard this sa palengke when there’s two tindera arguing, “Para kang inahing manok, putak ka ng putak, bugok naman ang itlog!”
12. LOipogi - “Sige, payag ako. Saksakan. Pero walang patayan.”
13. Niknok - “Let’s just end this now, coz everytime we fight, I end up hurting myself more than I intend to hurt you.”
14. SilentRusher/Flying Butete - I said this to myex during our breakup fight: “Wag kang magmalaki kasi maliit naman yang birdie mo!”
15. Paolo - When someone said, “Basagan na lang ng mukha!” I told him, “Lugi ako, kasi yung iyo basag na.”
16. YñaKì - “Di bale nang mahirap, wag lang matandang bading na mahilig sa menor de edad na tulad mo!”
17. Puting Payong - During a fight with my landlady, I shouted, “Palibhasa wala kang pinag-aralan!” She ran away crying.  I learned later on na grade 3 lang pala ang natapos niya.
18. Vi - “Mahirap ka na nga, balasubas ka pa!”
19. SPY Shadow - I overheard this from a boy to another boy during a wake: “Ang yabang mo! Hindi ka imbitado pag Daddy ko naman ang namatay!”
20. KiD BuKid - Years ago, I said to a ‘hot girl’ who was very late on our date, “Anong sori-sori, DAPA!”
21. Lara - At the height of a fight, I suddenly shouted, “Napaka-ano mo! Dapat kasi hindi mo ano…yung kwan!”
22. Loipogi - “SORRY, I would never fight someone who’s got nothing to lose.”
23. Pin - “Pag pangit ka, dapat maganda ugali mo!”
24. Cheyenne - I said to my EX-friend/tsismosa neighbor: “Hoy, ahas na may fake boobs. . .Heto’ng pera, isaksak mo sa matris mong panis!”
25. Boy Hunk - “Palakihan nalang ng…sweldo!”
26. Chichi - I said this during my confrontation with the woman my husbnd was having an affair with: “Walang pamilyang masisira, kung walang malanding babae!”
27. Heleina - To my then boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend: “Hating me won’t make you any prettier.”

excited to go inside

This has got to be the longest vacation I’ve ever had in 9 years. And right after we came, we decided to explore manila first before going to my hometown(davao). Kahit 8 months preggy ako at manas pa, it never stops me from going to places like manila ocean park. Treat namin yon ng husband ko sa relatives nya and to my sister who generously offered her help to be with me during my entire stay until my delivery in October hopefully while my husband is away. Kaya ayan, kahit sumasakit na ang paa namin lakwatsa parin!

windowshopping

busog na!

After the exhausting trip to MOP.  The following day, we indulge ourselves in a sumptuous meal in Alabang with a little windowshopping in mind

Actually, it was a very strange situation for a Florence Nightingale advocate like me to be a patient. I had numerous encounters of nurses upon my E.R. experience to the pre-anesthetic phase in O.R. until my post operative admission in the surgical unit. Most of them were nice and some others weren't that accommodating in which i understand because of the loads of work that they were doing. In the first place I'm not that stupid enough to act out as a patient. It was real and i wasn't bluffing like what others do. 

I realized that a single word of sympathy was all i needed and be reassured. The words from the staff who took care of me and said  "ate, relax lang and you'll be okay" was the only thing i remembered and i felt okay. I was quite in oblivion. From the back of my mind, i knew there's something wrong with me but i was still skeptical. And as the pain severed, i yield on important things that i might not be doing anymore if things gets worst. Completely paranoid, i resolved on seeking God's guidance, the only important thing of all.

Of course, the love and care of my husband was unfathomable. My family here in Doha and in the Philippines were worried because my fate was unexpected. Grabe! The comforting words of my colleagues serves as my strength. Simple words were enough. Sa call and text messages, sa short visits, sa food na dala nyo..thank you. I failed to take all of it kasi sira talaga ang tiyan ko. I was addicted to dextrose actually kaya ganun hehehe(joke). Thanks to all of you. I really appreciate the gestures. It was all heart warming.

emily&ate marlene

    I had missed a lot of Christmas celebration in the past until now. Most often, i celebrate it @work. Although this Christmas, i might spend it with my family here in Doha but it hasn’t gave me a single bit of excitement because christmas here is still different. There are no children singing chirstmas carols @the gate of your house, seldom you’ll see xmas tree around(actually, meron pero d2 lng sa bahay), no xmas lights&lanterns, no gift giving(except sa unit nmin), no red t-shirt day, no noche buena feast with friends, inaanak & relatives(well, meron din d2 sa bahay pero kaming apat lng), no fireworks. You see? Come to think of it. This is the prize for us OFWs working away from our loved ones. Kaya, sa mga super nega dyan(as in mga MF) wag magpakanega! You might end up celebrating Christmas alone. That is why, I would rather spend christmas in the Philippines. Where everyone is hopeful and happy for the coming new year, making christmas wishes and busy thinking about their new year’s resolutions, everyone forgive and tries to forget. Unlike here, you can’t feel the warmth and presence of the Christmas holiday. Few days more before Christmas party may mag-aaway pa! Super kill joy as in! The kind of people who resent others happiness as their downfall. The envy that they manifest when others are at the peak of happiness and blessings. Who could ever blame them. They’re the kind of people who belongs to Hitler’s army. The kind of people who never experience praises when they were young and instead find others life as a form of entertainment. Lambasting each person who come across their way. A fault finder indeed! An extreme defence mechanism or perhaps an abnormal reaction. A jealousy of others in a highest form. The one who never experience happiness and lived a miserable life. Poor you. You”ll never have what it takes to be happy, not until you learn to respect and love yourself because happiness starts from within. Happiness means laughing with friends even without funny punchline, giggling with friends when suitor expresses love, indulging activities with pure intension of getting brain freeze after endless laugthers. Pure evidence of inexpensive joy that money can’t buy. Di ba mas masaya? Kaya nag-enjoy ako sa Christmas party namin. It was a particular time of the year to forget the stress that our job has given us. Thanks na rin sa sponsor….sa food(ang sarap), sa venue(ang ganda), sa singer and host ng games(lalo na ang bring me game na nahirapan kami sa pag kuha ng gray hair kay ate Del…sa susunod ulit) at sa mga participants na nakakuha o hindi nakakuha ng prize(you’re such a sport!). Adding to the highlights are the stars of the night(try to see d pix), the one more chance pictorial(walang panama sina Llyody&bea). After all, it’s pure happiness that’s what Christmas is all about, walang halong negatibo …sorry nalang sa  mga hindi nag-enjoy basta ako i had so much fun!

d gang

w/apasra, my manita

Lyn

“A waterfall or pool “

May

Bitter “Hebrew”

Peaceful, poised and understanding you do not let anyone or anything disturb your innate calm. You are tolerant of others no matter how their behaviours or beliefs differ from your own. Not attached to material or worldly affairs you are free to express your true self. Displaying great wisdom and serenity people are naturally drawn to you for guidance and counsel. Your courage and presence of mind see you through any adversity.

Lyn May

You are fairminded, wise and peaceloving and are always willing to help others. Your mental capabilities and creativity are well marked with wonderful and original ideas which you need to bring to tangible fruition. Perceptive and understanding of others your positive approach to life and influential nature means that you have leadership qualities. There is great potential for success both financially and spiritually.

family

I’m back from my 2 weeks vacation from the Philippines. Before i left, the insinuation of my short live vacation might not be enjoyable yet it never even bothers me because this vacation wasn’t the vacation i wanted. So, my husband and i decided to make it as short as possible living us homesick in the coming christmas session. Too bad, we weren’t in the Philippines this christmas…mas masaya pa naman pag nandoon kami! Right after i came, i made it sure i would accomplished everything in mind. The rush salon makeover, few after midnight chikahan with my parents, shopping spree with my siblings, 2 hours meeting up with my best friend and my inaanak, one night tagay session with relatives and some investment hunting were all done like in a split second. Of course, there were somethings left unfulfilled like the bonding trip outside the country with my two siblings and unable to see three of my friends in college. In the meantime, it will be on hold not until i have time to be with them. Hopefully next year my holiday vacation will be a blast!

jing&aya

tagay session

lasing na

:-)

Well, i didn’t look wasted as compared from my previous holiday aftermath. I felt as if, i didn’t left Doha at all. I was expecting the winter breeze to greet me at the airport but unfortunately the weather was the least i expected. I was even worried before boarding the airplane since i was stupid enough to have forgotten my jacket at home. As i stepped out of the aircraft, i was greatly overwhelmed. My adrenaline rushed into its hyperactivity level. Thinking about going back to work wants me to throw up not because of my work as a nurse literally but because of something else.

12 years old - I achieved what others expected. I applied a scholarship and eventually passed the test. I grabbed the opportunity to have a better education by seriously using almost all of what’s inside between my Grey Matter(i guess). It was the start of every hope and making it happened. As usual, i dreamt about big houses, cars, a career in banking business and of course a chance to travel abroad. As i look back now, only the career aspect went off another path.

16 years old - My confused years. I was merely confused of what i wanted to be. That time, Computer Engineering was the “in” thing. Even though, i had less knowledge in the digital world but i let myself plunged in. My first semester ended a disaster with all my passing grades(75% yuck!). I realized, I’m not a math fanatic at all whom i thought i was! I find the course very boring and uninteresting. Solving all mathematical problems everyday made me felt dizzy. I was frustrated with what’s happening with my life and adding to the fact that my dad was furious(first time at my grades!). So, i resolved on seeking advices from my friends. Almost all of them took up nursing, the course my dad wants me to try. My kababata(Vangie) told me that the course suits me since I’m a science freak.

17 years old - Although I’m one year ahead of my nursing classmates in terms of age, i wasn’t intimidated. A second courser didn’t meant anything to them. From then on, i was happy. My new peers didn’t judged me right away, to later which i realized that all of them became my closest friends that’s why i embraced nursing with full arms and the next 4 years was history…..

21 years old - As i prepared myself for the nurse licensure exam, i was in the midst of a financial difficulties. But it didn’t stop me from achieving my goal….to be a registered nurse. It was just a piece of cake! Self-reliant and goal-oriented as i am, i promised to myself to be financially abundant someday at least before reaching age 30. I refused to give up. And so, i started out as a volunteer in a district hospital and lasted for 9 months before i transferred into a bigger hospital. I endured 2 fruitful years in that hospital. It serves as my  training ground before i decided it was time to explore a greener pasture abroad.

25 years old - I wasn’t sure with what might be my fate in Saudi Arabia yet i have no choice that time since my family’s financial drought was still evident. I just ignored my apprehension in exchange for a better life. Even though, i knew it all along that going to Saudi Arabia was a bad idea. I lasted 10 and a half months there! The contradicting Saudi culture was not the kind of thing i could stand for. I told myself, there were lots of opportunities in the Philippines that awaits me.

26 years old - I spent 3 weeks at home then decided to return to Manila to try my luck again abroad. 4 months after i came back from Saudi Arabia, i eventually got a job offer for HMC in Qatar. The initial salary offer was bigger than Saudi, i grabbed the offer right then and there since my bank account was already diminishing and my London application was still pending.

And on mid-May 2003 i was officially a resident of Qatar. A place who occupies a quarter of my heart. In the future, my HMC experience will be valuable in my curriculum vitae. A sign that i might be exploring my way to any part of the world!