Levelling Up - Nurse Trainings in The Philippines

I can't believe it. It's been 2 weeks now since we've started to look for IV therapy and hospital trainings but we've not been able to get a reservation to attend any. The funny thing is that whenever we ask for the schedule, the hospitals can't give a definite answer. We've been told to just keep calling them or getting in touch. Even volunteer work is quite hard to find.

My former classmates have tried their luck in calling other hospitals. So far, there's only 1 that has a definite schedule and which we might be able to attend but it's scheduled for July this year. We joke about it just to keep our spirits high.

Another funny thing is that the hospitals require a board certificate of passing and a board rating along with the license. Isn't the license enough proof that you've passed the board? or at least a board certificate from the PRC would tell the hospitals that we have actually passed the board with the rating indicated on the document?

Ah well, that's the way these hospitals are. Too bad us nurses are at their mercy. Would anyone of you have the same experience?

A Good Day, Bad Sunburn

I've been in mild pain because of this sunburn I got. We were in Anawangin, Zambales with my husband's sister and her family. The place was really nice but the memory of its beauty is upstaged by a painful sunburn which I got there. The sad thing is that I didn't want to get it but did because of a miscalculation.

I am very aware of the risk this burn poses. So, over and above the treatment for its long term effect, I sought to relieve the discomfort it has caused on me.

The worst burn is on on my face that I am really red all over. If you've seen a pork jerky, I imagine that's how I look like. Anyway, I have so far used a cold compress and some milk with oatmeal. These really soothed my face and shoulders nicely. Next, thing I have to do is to reduce the effect of the burn on how I look so I've got to use some lightening soap to make it gradual. So far, I'm trying the Licorice soap of GIGA and the olay total effects. To avoid dehydration, I've made a homemade oral rehydration solution of water with salt and sugar.

To reduce the risk of developing cancer, I'm taking WAIORA's Natural Cellular Defense which should greatly prevent the disease.

So far, these have been working pretty well on me. As for the cancer, well, it's God's call not mine so I'll leave that part to Him.

France Will Soon Open Its Doors To Nurses - God Willing

I learned that one of our companions in our Anawangin trip is from the French Embassy in the Philippines. As we were on our way home, she learned that I am a registered nurse in the Philippines and that I just graduated last year. From there she said that France will be hiring nurses and IT personnel soon. Well, I do hope it materializes for the sake of most of us who are still jobless. But of course one of their requirements is for the candidate to speak basic French. My friend said we should take the course from Alliance. Does anyone know where that is?

I was with two of my friends today. We went out to do two things: first, to look for a place to take our IV therapy training and second, to look for a job for my friend.

Along the way, we discussed about family, and spouses. My friend, let's call her Ruby, is separated from her husband. The other, let's call her Vivian, would like to part ways with her husband too. They exchanged experiences and they agreed it was better to go solo. As they were talking, I got a quick review of my own marriage and family. Hearing my friends talk made me realize how blessed I am with my husband and daughter. We don't have a perfect family. I don't think anyone does anyway. But, in order for us to appreciate what we have, sometimes we have to hear the situation other people are in.

How does a family become a family? It's when everyone tries hard to unite. I remember that story about the porcupines. According to our pastor, those creatures need to stick together in order to protect themselves against predators. Sure, they prick each other as they do that but they have accepted that fact and just try to make it work to their advantage. Have you ever wondered why most of us who have parents or grandparents have stayed together?

Care to share your formula for a good marriage?

IASCO Learn To Swim Graduation and Competition

We got so exhausted today.

I'm so amused at the thought that children in the Learn-to-swim summer courses of Coach Efren's company, IASCO, really have fun learning that it is almost for any parent to ask their children to go home from there. Like today, for instance, the LTS at Ciudad Grande, Pasig had their graduation at their pool, along with the LTS of ULTRA and Lexington. As a tradition, the children were asked to swim the whole length of the pool before they are allowed to get their certificates.

Having received their certificates, the swimming competition among all the students began. Even the Flying Dolphins Team members were allowed to compete but only against each other. Well, what can you expect? They are going into the Amateur swimming so they can't compete with the children who are just coming out of an LTS program.




Each child got a medal to show off even when they came in last. This is a strategy for them to be encouraged to continue swimming and it has proven effective for a number of years already. That's what's good with Coach Efren and IASCO. They're so good at motivating the kids. Well, some kids get to cry every now and then during the lessons. That's how it is when you have a perfectionist for a coach. But, dear old (oh, please don't tell on me) coach Efren has his way with kids. He's tough but is dear to them. I don't know how he does it.



The affair today was a success. Perhaps one of the main reasons for it is because the parents are so involved with the chilren. In fact, the graduation committee, composed of parents of the swimmers, prepared practically everything that had to be done for today's event. Of course, coach Efren, IASCO, the coaches and the Flying dolphins lent a hand on some minor details but that was it. Congratulations to both children and parents are in place.

There was food from the morning till the end of the day. On top of that, all the swimmers got to play at the pool. The children really enjoyed the day. That's what really matters.

American Idol Makes A Common Ground

Like I said before, in order to open a discussion, a parent, specially a mother, should discover what common interests are shared between her and her child. You cannot just tell your teen-ager not to go kissing just anyone. There has to be a good opening for it. For us, it's the American Idol tv show.

Yes my dear, the American Idol. You see, my daughter and I love the Davids - David Archuleta and David Cook. And, mind you, I do scream when I see them just like she does. She just screams louder than I. Hehehe

So, during the show until shortly after, we get to talk about the show and about other things that I might be able to relate it to such as virtues, values, respect for self, respect for other people, etc. It's like hitting two birds with 1 stone - we enjoy each other's company and I get to impart the lessons I want her to learn without much argument. Thanks Simon!

Swimming Competition - Building Confidence

Ikee's was told she along with the other members of her team ath the flying dolphins will join the milo novice competition at the Valle Verde by the end of the month. At first she didn't like the idea. Despite the fact that she's been in several contests and competitions, she's still not so confident about her self.

Maybe it was because I demanded too much from her when she was young. But now, for the last 3 years at least, I've told her that she just has to do her best and whatever the outcome is will not matter. Anyway, I think I've finally convinced her to join the competition. I did tell her, though, that if she really doesn't want to join, it's fine by me.

Hey Baby! David's On. - Keeping the Communication Lines Open

Tonight, I and my daughter watched the American Idol together. It was fun doing that with her. I surfed and did some of my blogs in between commercial breaks. After each break though, she'd shout "Mom, It's David!".

As we were doing her scoliosis exercises (?), we discussed about the show, how we both like David Cook and how she wanted Shaeesha to win but didn't make it. Then, we went to the conclusion that we enjoy talking to each other and how other mothers and daughters would rather talk to other people than themselves.

The secret is to have an open communication and to make your daughter know that she can really tell you anything anytime.

This is one of the activities that you can do with your child too. Another is to be able to make a story. You and your daughter or son can both contribute to the story line about maybe a family. There are values that you can inject and your child can discuss it with you. We did that one time and she's now asking that we do another story. It's fun! Maybe we'll do one with David Cook in it.

A Sweet Life - Managing Diabetes Mellitus

Yesterday, as we were celebrating Mother's Day at a restaurant in Makati, I noticed a group of people who obviously were akin. It is not really typical of me to observe other people but I couldn't help notice two people in that group were amputees - 1 male probably in his mid 40's whose left leg was missing and the other one, a female, in her 60's, who has both her legs amputated. When I saw them, I tried to make a quick survey of everyone. I noticed that most if not all of the drinks they had were one of the more popular sugarfree softdrinks. Some of them were wearing glasses. I said to myself, they're probably a family of diabetics. Probably.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has become a very common term these days. Almost every single person I know is either diabetic or is related to someone who is. It used to be that diabetes was a familial disease - the mother or a father or a grandparent has it. Well, not anymore. DM is now found even in persons who are not genetically pre-disposed. Why is this so? It's a matter of lifestyle.

Symptoms
The most common ones are the 3 P's: polyphagia, polydipsia and polyuria. Polyphagia just means eating so much. Why? Well, because in diabetes, the cells get starved. Sugar is the food of the cell. Everything we eat should first be converted into glucose for the cells to be able to use it and transform it into energy (ATP). Because of the absence or lack of insulin, the sugar cannot enter the cell and remains in the blood. So, these cells send signals to the brain that they are still hungry. The presence of high levels of sugar in the blood is hyperglycemia which is associated with .

Polydipsia means excessive drinking specially at night which has something to do with the presence of sugar. Pretty much like when we eat so much candy, we tend to drink so much water. and because the person drinks so much, that person urinates very frequently which we call polyuria.

The Good News
There are two types of Diabetes: type 1 or what is called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) where the pancreas is not producing insulin at all, and type 2 or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) where the pancreas does produce insulin but the insulin is not enough for the body. The NIDDM is that which could be acquired.
There's still good news. Although diabetes is a very, very destructive disease, it can be prevented. At least for the NIDDM. A change of lifesty is the answer.

For a while there, I thought my husband was going to become a diabetic. He had his blood sugar tested twice and both yielded a high glucose level. I didn't want him to take medicines yet because anything synthetic will just create more trouble for him. He merely did exercises regularly and cut down on some of his sugar, fat and carb intake. He also got enough sleep. That was it. Now he's still doing the same exercises and watching his diet but he's not in danger of NIDDM. Well, he gets to binge sometimes but that's the whole point of being disease free - you can binge anytime without being scared that you'd be in trouble the day after that.

So eat healthy and live life to the fullest - or so they say. I have yet to figure out how.

Mother's Day Greetings - All Text!

Just for fun, these are so far the common greeting that I've received:

1. Beautiful moms reflect God in their lives. They think His thoughs, speak His words and love without end. May you remain a beautiful mom always.

2. A mom is like a simple calculator. Someone who Adds comfort, subtracts fear, Divides blessings adn Multiplies joy.

3. A woman of real beauty smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress and grows brave through reflection and prayer.

4. A smile is a sign of joy; a hug is a sign of love; a laugh is a sing of happiness and you are a sign of God's love.

5. I whisper a prayer for a dear mother like you -for the best of health, a great life each day and beauty forever.

If you have more, do send them in. Let's see how much we can have today.

Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers.

May we be blessed with children who love and respect us and a family bound with love. May He shower us with blessings beyond what we ask for.

- Jane -

Keeping Friendship Alive

Tonight I got a few messages from my friends who were greeting me for mother's day. It made me feel so good because even if we hadn't seen each other for a while, they still remembered me. I thought of doing the same to my other friends too. Maybe I'd do that tomorrow afternoon when the networks wouldn't be so busy anymore.

Keeping friends over the years is something special to me. Not that I have many friends though because I'm rather picky when choosing those I'd like to get close with. I have plenty of acquaintances but those don't count as friends. The other day I had some friends from my PCC stint. They were here because one of our friends came home for a vacation and she is going back to Thailand today. I had served them some wine, cheese and apples. I also prepared some Pesto Pasta us to feast on. We had quality time together reminiscing the days when we were still studying. Another friend of mine sent me an email. This one's really sad because he just broke off with a lover. Anyway, for whatever reason, I feel that friendship is something that time should not have any effect on. The secret is mainly to keep the communication going even when it isn't so often.

When you find a friend, you've found a rare gem so keep that person close to your heart.

A Gift For Mom

Mother's day is fast approaching. Already, I have received questions about what to give mothers. Here are my suggestions:

1. Gift certificate to the Spa - It would be more special if you could do her chores for her while she's relaxing.

2. A gift certificate for her and her best friend (who should be a mom too). You might want to get in touch with her friend's children so they could give their share for their mom. That way you don't have to shoulder the expenses for both of them.

3. A fondue set - to make it more special, you may want to prepare the fondue and serve it in the new fondue set you are giving her.

4. A Scrap book - You may want to fill it with pictures and stories of her during her childhood until she became your mother.

5. A set of anti-aging products - vitamins, creams and books about how she can maintain her glow.

6. Home-made beauty products - do a research about how to make home made beauty products that won't cost you so much. You can pack it in small canisters and put it in a basket so it will look very beautiful.

There you are. If you need more ideas, send me a message. I'll try to help.

Choosing a Life Partner

My friends from one of the colleges I went to came to the house today. One of the things we've discussed was about how my friend, Mench, would like to file for an annulment. My other friend, Ruby, said that she has learned to live with the thought that her husband has left her and would like to have an annulment too but that she wants him to pay for it. Whew, tough luck for my friends. I'm glad I'm not in the same boat. But you never really know what will happen to you unless you are there in that situation.

Probably, the question is how to choose a life partner. Not necessarily a husband, but someone you are willing to spend your life with and who is equally willing and able to spend his whole life and person with you. I wish there was a book that would tell exactly how it is. Or perhaps, an order slip where you have a checklist of the things you want in a person and send it to the company to assemble one for you. But no, it just doesn't work that way.

I believe you should have an ideal. But make no mistake about it. You won't get your ideal. That would be too much to ask. You can only get part of what your model has because there are no 2 persons in this world who are exactly alike. You'd have to identify which qualities you like in that person. when you have about 1/3 of the qualities, then you probably have a good person.

The qualities should not be contradicting. Don't say, "I want to have a person who is fond of life" and then later get mad when that person says he wants to go out so often. Or don't say "I want to have someone who knows how to handles finances" and get upset when that person doesn't buy the things you like. He or she just probably doesn't think it is wise to spend on it. That's just not it. YOu have to be sure about what you want.

Look at how that person is in relation to his or her family. When someone is a good son or daughter, there's a pretty good chance he'll be good to yours too. Or, if that person is someone the family depends on, he'll most likely be a responsible spouse and parent too. But, when choosing this type of person, better beware because you might end up having trouble with your in-laws! It's like taking away from them someone who provides food on their table. haha!

I would say ambition will have a pretty big role in your choice too. If the person is overly ambitious, there might be no room for you or your children in his life. If the person does not have any ambition than to stay beside you forever, this person will end up obsessive. so, there should be some balance. It might feel sweet to have that someone around at first. But not if you have to be around him every single minute of let's say 50 years or so!

The real secret to having the best Spouse or Life Partner is to pray. We may not understand His Wisdom but one thing is certain, when you love the Lord and pray to Him, He will give you what is best for you. That I am pretty sure of.

The Miracle of the Little Seed

Today, I helped my daughter, Ikee, write her own story. I've always said I'm a self-proclaimed environmentalist and my daughter and I have been particularly interested in the issue of global warming. So, in order to support her interest, I wrote the first part of the story and she took over the rest of it. Of course, I had to encourage her by telling her that she could have potential earnings from it.

The title of the story is "The Miracle of the Little Seed" which she published in her Triond account. The story revolves around how God showed a little boy, Joseph, what would happen if the world came to an end because the people on earth did not respect nature. Check it out here.

Help Them Help Themselves

The other day, one of my dad's acquaintances was here to ask for help. I didn't know this lady well. In fact, I only met her about twice in a span of 3 years because she came here looking for my father.

Anyway, the reason she came was to ask for help. Apparently, she was jobless and having lost her husband (due to illness), she was left to fend for herself and her 3 children, the eldest of which was just 11 years old. She said she needed work but was in a dilemma too as noone would be left with the children if she did. I felt compelled to help this person. Not knowing her was not an excuse not to do good. I didn't have money at that time and didn't want to create a beggar out of her. What did I do? Well, I gave her some food that we had on our table and gave her some brand new tee shirts. The food I said was to be eaten with her family. The tees, I told her, were to be sold at a low price so she could have some money to start selling a few things. Hopefully, that money could sustain them till she gets a job. Or maybe she could make it grow so she didn't have to work away from home.

I couldn't explain the feeling I got when she, with tears in her eyes, thanked me for those. There was nothing I could expect to get from her. But, having helped her brought joy not only to my visitor but to me too. My daughter was there and I was so glad she witnessed it.

What would you have done if she came to you?

Memories of a Childhood - Why You Need a Camera

Children love to listen to stories of their childhood. It is something that really catches their attention. My daughter is no longer a kid but she still loves listening to how she was when she was a toddler.

Toddlers are really funny. Maybe because they're spontaneous or maybe because of their lousy imitation of the adults around them. But they're so cute when they do that. They're also great subjects in photography.

One time when we were in Clark to go to a easter egg hunt, she got frightened by the Bunny because it was huge. She was so scared that she practically hid the whole time. When we finally went out of the resto, she saw the lawn and went off scurrying after the small birds that seemed to play with her too. Whenever she would go near them, they'd fly just a little further away but only as far for her to be able to reach them. She would grin each time she ran.

At another time, we were at the mall for her to ride those little roller coasters that had cars instead of the regular roller coaster seats. It had been one of her favorite rides and she was trying to sound brave. She decided she wanted to ride one by herself and her playmate who was a little older than she would ride another one too. So, I started to film them on the ride. On the first round she was tinkering with the driving wheel. On the next round she appeared to look for something. On the third round, her back was on the wheel. On the fourth, I was wide mouthed - she was nowhere to be found any more! It was good that it was the final round because I was frantic. We started to look for her and couldn't find her. I kept looking for her and it dawned on me to look inside the car. There she was, all cramped up under the hood. She stood straight up as if nothing happened. When I asked what she was doing there she merely said "oh nothing. I didn't want to be frightened so I hid there". That was that. I wanted to chuckle but didn't want her to hear me. The little girl's coping with her fear.

One picture we have is that of her in the hospital with a little IV on her left arm. She was lying down on her chest with and innocent look, her little butt up and her dad beside her appearing monstrous and all attempting to bite her behind. hehehe... that is a really funny one.

Anyway, my point here is that these kinds of memories are good to remember and are easily remembered when they're captured on film. So, the bottomline is that you don't take a moment with your kid without a camera. They grow so fast that you won't notice they're no longer kids anymore.


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