I believe most people underestimated the typhoon this time. Who would've thought it could be this worse. We have to owe it to PAGASA's new gadget...whatever it was called. Finally, something real came out from them...although I hope they should've evoked more panic so people could have been more prepared. My sister, on one hand, was sort of anticipating the eye of the storm because the last time that the eye of the storm passed in our place, we felt it. That was usually the time of temporary tranquility.
I remember going home last Wednesday, watching the news, never minding the signal #3 here in Rizal (they said it was already considered a state of calamity then), using the PC 'til the late hours of the morning, and being woken up early last Thursday because I had to transfer the car somewhere far from home just to make sure the flood won't go in it again (like last time). I remember having breakfast and sleeping again only to be woken up again for lunch. There was no electricity already and the wind was really blowing hard. Few hours later, more trees fell including our duhat tree in the backyard. Good thing it didn't fell on top of our house. The flood also started to flow inside our home, higher than usual. You can just imagine how my mom felt seeing the flood after cleaning the house this week. I stayed with Jamjam, our indoor dog, and the pups, which we had put in a basket for safety. Papa stayed outside to take care of our outdoor plants, pets, and all. The rabbits, after years of flood experience, needed no help. They had their own safe place in the backyard. Same thing went for the chickens...although I think one chick perished including several eggs from one of the hens.
It was dark already when the flood went down and the wind stopped blowing hard. We couldn't really clean the house well because of lack of electricity. After eating dinner by candle light, we decided to sleep inside our van. That was the cleanest place we can ever think of (and the cheapest one compared to a hotel room). There's even radio and aircon if we want to, but of course we didn't put it on for the whole night. Otherwise, we'd die of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Early Friday morning, I was woken up again to get the car back from where we left it. Electricity went back at around 10 this morning, 24 hours since yesterday's blackout. First thing I did was charge my cellphone. It was dead since yesterday and I think I've exhausted all possible cellphones at home. I was finally able to study today (with TV as distraction again). And I thought I can make use of the class suspension to study...tsk! I watched the news like usual and everything was such a sight. I can only pray for those who were badly affected as well for those who died.
This is just another one of those times when nature gets back at us. A point of realization and reflection (and I thought I was over it already).
| nadZ went splisha-splashing at 12:42 am
We've had an earthquake drill at school today. When the bell rang, I honestly thought it was a drill...but somewhere deep at the back of my head, I'm already thinking of things to do if it was indeed a real fire or earthquake. Gawd! We're on the sixth floor pa naman. The last earthquake I've experienced was at school when I was in third year high school. It was funny coz I went back to the room because the teacher asked me to make sure the fan was off. If the earthquake was really bad, I could've died. We were in the third floor then.
I'm having a strange reflection time lately. So weird. I'm beginning to wonder if I really have made the right decision in life...going to med school and all. I've always asked God for "signs" and I've been ignoring them for a while now and they just don't seem right. Haay...right now, I guess there are three things which are keeping me in med school: my dream of helping people, people who believe in me, and the new family I've found in UERM. Are these enough? At this point in time, with my college degree, I believe I can already help people. I can just quit med and go to some remote province if I want to. This is just so weird. In med school, I feel like I've been doing lots, but I'm not really getting something in return. It is scary. I just don't want to be eating my own words in the end. I feel so abnormal. I feel like...uhm...I can't really find the word for it. Let's just say med school is a very humbling experience. And for that, I'd end here. Better not spill the rest of my thoughts.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to seeing our pups. Even though they're really little pa, I usually bring one regularly inside the house. Haha! I just couldn't resist them. I return them after a while naman. They help me forget my problems for a while. This one I brought inside tonight. So cute! *Pwera usog!* =p
I'm very excited for sembreak. Time to travel. :) Anyone wanting to go to Bora? I know a great deal for 7 thou. Syempre, ililibre niyo ako. Hehe! :D
| nadZ went splisha-splashing at 1:08 am
***
I was supposed to be studying this entire weekend, but my dad, who happened to chance upon my "Love Story in Harvard" DVD got hooked into watching it and I just couldn't resist temptation. Haha! :D Even Mama's into it. Well, Papa finished it already while I got snippets. I just couldn't sleep until 3:30 am noh.
When I didn't get accepted in UPCM, I wasn't that disappointed. I have dreamed of becoming a doctor, but eversince, I have only two schools in mind. It's either CIM in Cebu or Harvard Med School. Such lofty ambitions I have. I didn't proceed to Cebu as planned because I was so not prepared to leaving my home. Heck! I can't even bring my ass to stay at a dorm here in Manila. Harvard, on the other hand, was too ambitious. It was so not possible. Probably, in another time, I'll see myself trying it out there, but not now. I'm not even sure if I can survive in UERM eh. =p
***
By the way, last week was med week so there were food booths in campus. I always went back for the Thai iced tea (good thing I wasn't lactose intolerant). I finally got to see an event at UERM last Thursday. It was the annual Lakambini & Lakandula for freshies and the DancenAPO. I actually had fun...although I honestly believe the events in UPD were better. Well, there were my classmates and friends to make things better. :)
Pictures at my Multiply.
I honestly am missing my last year in UP. It was a time when I finally got involved in extra curriculars...like joining the marketing committee of Psychedelics (thus being a reg. asst.) and being part of the special projects committee of Mandala '06. I honestly sucked at the marketing part, but it was an experience for me. As for the specproj, I miss prodworks. I miss making backdrops and it was a time when the creative side of me stood out. Rare moments. =p I miss working with my friends, staying up til late evening, attending programs I helped organized, and just simply having fun. It was just unfortunate that everything came to a halt come graduation time. But as I always say, there are just some things that you have to let go. :)
***
Speaking of letting go, may kasalanan ako sa sole male pup ni Peachy kanina. I always bring a pup inside when I feel like it, and while fixing the table kanina, I was holding this pup (although it seemed more like I was cradling it). It fell from my arms onto our tiled floor. Gawd! His nose bled, but I think he's okay. Nataranta talaga ako. I felt so guilty. I hope he didn't have internal injuries. Lagi na nga ako lumalabas to check up on him.
We finally decided on naming our dogs starting with the letter R. We are fond of naming our dogs after food eh. There'll definitely be a Reese and Ricoa. Haha! :D Dapat after Cathe's bf...puro may "Mart". Lol. =p
Sige na...have to study for a mock exam tomorrow. :)
| nadZ went splisha-splashing at 7:22 pm
***
My dog gave birth to a new litter of pups. They're actually six, but the interval between the last two pups were quite long so they died...probably in Peachy's stomach pa.
As usual, we're still thinking of the letter which we'll use for their names. It's actually required that the pups names start in the same letter (based on what we know). Even if this one's not going to have papers, might as well continue on with tradition. Based on what I remember, we're done with C, T, B, and G. Hmm...
***
It's just weird how the topic of "lovelife" seem to be popping out often lately. Sabi ko nga kay Danci, I'm over that phase when it was such a BIG deal for me. No more early "late" night talks about boys for that matter...right Danci and Krystel? Although I'm kinda missing those "after class" talks before...me and Krystel talking about boys and Danci talking about this mysterious crush who surprisingly turned out to be Joyie...insensitive me to not realize that. Oh well...I was just weird then. Probably now, we could chat, but of a different topic already.
Just yesterday, I've watched "All About Love" (finally) and then the topic just starts coming back to mind. Yeah...I guess my heart's ready...my mind just isn't. There are just lots to deal with for now. I'd rather not divulge my own personal issues that people don't know about (and I prefer not being pestered about those for now). It's just so hard being a perfectionist. Basta. :)
***
In a few weeks time, this sem's gonna be over. I'll finally have a chance to see some old friends. Have several plans already...budget's definitely going to be a problem. Let's see...have to meet with Ivy, JL, and Dean. Meet up with my "Malate" kada...Joyie, Danci, CJ, and Tneli. We have to be complete. One time, big time. Probably go on some outing with Bora buddies...sis, Kim, Ice, and Ate Mel. Hopefully, to Galera this time. And finally, meet up with my tummy conscious bestfriend. I feel like I haven't seen her in ages. How busy can I get?
I just have to finish this MSHN module first. Gosh! Too many muscles and bones to memorize. I think I'm going nuts. =p
I just remembered...
Quote for the day: "Tetanus in physiology is a beautiful thing." ~ Dr. A.
I'd rather not elaborate on that. Hehe! :D
| nadZ went splisha-splashing at 12:49 am
I actually have lots to tell you so pardon *read that with an accent* for the long post.
First one on the list: The Devil Wears Prada
We had a long break yesterday, but instead of studying, we headed for Gateway, window shopped *I saw this gorgeous watch for 5thou...yikes!*, ate lunch *and I'm still in dire need of more mango panna cotta*, and watched something that won't get us late for our next class.
"The Devil Wears Prada" is a movie about motivation, ambition, and decisions. I've read the book years ago and I didn't really like it that much. Much has been changed in the movie and I think I loved it more than the book. I LOVED the dresses, shoes, and bags. Visual person eh. Hannie, Roselle, Danci, and I left the cinema after motivated to become fashion doctors. Haha! Watch out come internship time. =p
Second fact: The sad fact about medicine...
...is that it tends to become sad at times especially when you lose some good friends along the way. I'm speaking of classmates and friends who'll eventually leave med school after realizing some other things they want to do in life. You just can't hold them back. All you can do is hope that they made the right choice.
I'm going to miss Daisy. No more champion eater. No more cakes for lunch. No more pasalubongs from Masbate. *Hannie...you have some shoes to fill. Hehe! =p*
Third stop: Gross Anatomy LaboratoryWe finally faced our cadavers *that was last Sept. 7* and started skinning them. Ours was a lean bodied male wearing a scapula which was quite like the one Mart lent Cathe once. Hala! ;p
Going inside the lab, I was with mixed emotions of a lil anxiety *cadavers everywhere ba naman noh?!*, but I was also excited. This module's bound to be interesting although I really hate studying the muscular system. I still have to face my books for that one. I have this feeling I'm going to like Biochem more this time.
Fourth truth: Another failed exam
We had our second exam a couple of weeks ago. It happened really fast as if no exam occurred at all. That was really weird.
I also got some of the results already. I'm happy I passed HLC...I though I'm going to failed that one. I hated the developmental milestones part. Good for those who have babies already.
My Anatomy exams were okay as well. Got a better grade for the theoretical exams. Physio wasn't bad either...although my score's lower than last time. Sayang. As for the Physio lab exam, I was just happy to see my paper and see the score on top of the paper. I tell you, it almost got lost, and I just helped my prof look for it. Good thing we found it or else...I dunno what could've happened.
My Biochem was not as worse as before, but I was hoping for something better. I failed again with 2 more points lacking. I knew lots sana, just got some items mixed up, and failed. I still can't forgive myself for that mess.
Oh well...let's see what happens to my exams this October. I'm not actually expecting to be on the top 10 of the class. As my dad said, you better compete with yourself more than compete with others. That should suffice for the meantime.
Fifth chika: I've got a new nickname...
Dali! Hulaan niyo.
Kitchie. Of all names naman! My med classmates call me that and even some of my professors know that. Oh well...have to deal with that. I just tend to get new nicknames everytime I change school. As for my new nick, I'm actually starting to get used to it already. Groupmates ko sa Biochem pasimuno niyan eh. =p Try calling out Kitchie (or Kitch for that matter) and I'll most likely respond. That doesn't mean I like Kitchie Nadal already ha.
Just one more nickname to add to my long list of nicknames. Haha! :D
Sixth overdue sad story: Buttercup died
FYI, Buttercup is our black labrador. I can barely remember her whole name though. Daig ang royal blood sa haba. Anyway, she died last August 28 at the vet's clinic. She had severe thrombocytopenia as a complication of heartworm disease. She was four years old. We paid the vet just to have her buried. It's somewhere near but we're not actually sure. I think it's a real burial place for dogs. I wanted to bring her back home sana kaya lang mabaho na eh...and there were red ants already.
I had no morning class then so I was among the first to hear of the news. Gawd! I cried and forgot to study. For a dog lover like me, it's just so hard to lose a dog...and Taffy just recently died pa. Buttercup was amongst the first litter of lab pups we had. She had a champion show dog for a father that's why she was really big. We almost gave her up before, but the person who came to pick up the dog took Blossom instead. She usually scares people who visit us because she was color black and fierce-looking, but I'd say she was just one misunderstood dog. She's really sweet and she loves playing ball. Kalaro yan ni Mama eh. Champion catcher. I miss her.
I miss Taffy and Buttercup. I'm used to being greeted by several dogs when I go home and now, there's only two left. Bowie, Buttercup's bro, is undergoing medication right now for heartworm as well. It's going to take one year for him to recover. Good thing we had him checked earlier. Peachy, their mother, is pregnant as of this moment, but she had her medications as well.
Enough of sadness and off to #7: Oh career!
A person from PAL called quite recently *while I was at school*. I just can't help thinking that it could have been about work. A few people know that I dream of becoming a stewardess. Actually, I was thinking of working as one before I enter med school just so I can live a dream. Sayang...Mama told the lady that I was taking medicine already.
Well, I had a chance to chat with Krystel *my now corporate friend who I need to meet really soon* last Tuesday, and she told me it was actually a HR-related job so...
...poof goes that dream again...
Honestly, I still think of becoming a nun sometimes. Haha! Probably for the wrong reasons of course.
Trip #8: Weekend outing
Yep! Finally got a chance to unwind *for real* after around 3 months of med school. We went out of town last weekend since it was Kiwanis' annual convention again. This time, it was held at Villa Escudero. Since travel story ito, I'm going to make this a li'l bit detailed.
We went there last Saturday, Sept. 9. Cathe and I joined the Padrid family when we went there while Mama and Uncle Jaime took the bus. Papa was already at Villa Escudero because the convention started earlier and he was also running for governor as well so he just had to be there earlier.
We arrived at Villa Escudero early afternoon. We thought we could enter na but no! May bayad pala. 1 thou raw. Ha! We thought of strolling around naman. But no again! 700 pesos daw ang tour. Everything seemed to be priced there.
M: Oxygen please!
P: Ma'm...1 thou po bayad yon.
M: Shiyet!!!
Ang O.A.!
Therefore, hungry as we are *ubos na food nina Papa eh*with the food Papa's company made was gone already), we went to Km. 89 Garden Resort which Papa rented for two days. *Yep! The whole resort for 2 days.* By the time we got there, we forgot about food and explored the place which was really beautiful. Too many trees, plants, and flowers. There was just too much to explore. They even had a butterfly garden and we saw butterflies, catterpillars and pupae.
After a delivery from Greenwich, we rested for a while, got news that Papa lost for the second time, and proceeded to Villa Escudero for the long awaited tour inside *for free*. I'll be telling more about the election later. We just strolled the area. Almost got lost. Seen the pool, river, and greenery. Failed to find the falls. Seen giant janitor fishes. Entered rooms. Shopped in the Kiwanis tiangge. Sat under the coconut trees and almost got hit by a li'l coconut. Seen carabaos and Esperon's body guards. That was it. By nighttime, we left and went back to Km. 89. I wasn't able to eat dinner because I didn't feel like it at first. Most of the people *Papa's supporters and friends* stayed with us at the resort. They mingled and chatted the night away while I tried to study and slept instead. Woke up in the middle of the night because the aircon was really cold, and Papa called for Uncle Jaime to fetch him at Villa Escudero.
The next morning, thanks to Don Ado Escudero, some of us went back to Villa Escudero for a tour around the museum. That was after breakfast and more picture taking of course. We had a great tour guide, Rosalie, who was really good to us. Again, thanks to Don Escudero because we were allowed to take pictures inside the museum. It was actually overwhelming to see their collection. Just about everything. I just love the butterfly collection, the little trinkets, and just about everything else. We left soon after, but it was a great experience. We're bound to come back for sure. My aunt assured of that already. =p
And for #9: On the election...
It was really disappointing. Papa was running against a lady who also lost year *just like Papa*. Some of Papa's colleagues wanted him to run because they don't want a lady governor. Talk about chauvinism. Anyway, I was against Papa running becauseI don't want him to get too busy again *I am a jealous daughter* and because I want to give the lady a chance. However, when I learned that Belle bought most of the people's votes, I got really angry. Of all people...a female did that. I lost respect for her. To save the little dignity left of her, I am not telling her real name here. The poor soul knows her name for sure. I'm also angry at the people who were bought by her money. If this is happening in a small civic organization, I can only be sure that it also happens at the bigger setting which is the government. Kiwanis is a real big time disappointment for me. I wonder if this kind of things in the international scene as well.
Enough of that for the meantime coz that really gets in my nerves big time.
And to close the list at #10: Aveyond
I finally finished the game already. And to think of it, it was an expired trial game that gave me only 5 minutes to play per execution. Haha! Addict na kung addict sa laro.
I have another one to play. Good luck to me. =p
| nadZ went splisha-splashing at 4:48 pm
