Memoirs of a Domesticated MD

Day 22: Find the Joy in Letting Go

2013-05-07T21:43:00.000+08:00

I have this habit of holding on...

Holding on to a thing, a memory, an idea or a feeling. I hold on to something because I never want to forget, the happy memories and worse I even have the habit of holding on to the painful ones sometimes. If I have this idea in my head, I hold on to it even if I know that it's something that will never happen. And the more I know I can't have it, the more I hang on to it. But holding on means getting stuck and not allowing yourself to appreciate what is out there for you. Holding on means hurting yourself more...

So today I choose to let go. Let go of all the things that are keeping me from moving on towards something better. Today I choose to let go, knowing that it is for the best. It may not come to me at this very moment but I know that there is joy in letting go.

Close your eyes, clear your heart and just let go...

Day 21: One personal belonging that you can't live without

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000+08:00

This is a no-brainer for me.Without even thinking, I would readily say "my glasses", In reality, of course I would still live without my glasses on, but only seeing shadows and figures, colors appearing dull and not being able to appreciate the beauty of the world around me would not be living at all.

I am legally blind. I have had high prescription grade for my eyes since high school. I used to have thick glasses way back, and I would not really wear them because they were so heavy. Good thing contact lenses and ultra thin lenses were invented so I was able to get rid of my thick glasses.

I used to wish I had normal 20/20 vision, because there are things I want to do that I obviously would not be able to because of my poor eyesight, like scuba diving for example. But then I realized that I should just probably appreciate what I have and be grateful that I still have my sense of sight.

At least now I could change my eye color from brown to aqua or maybe try out something wild like purple, who knows :)

Day 20: What's in a bag?

2013-05-02T13:31:00.000+08:00

For today's blog challenge, I would be sharing what is inside this floral toiletry kit that I bring with me on a daily basis. I may add a few things depending on the occasion, but the usual contents on this bag is what you see here.

I call this my basic survival kit. A vanity kit would have been nicer but I don't have a lot of kikay stuff for it to qualify as a "vanity kit", lol!

- Wet Tissues: I am not brand conscious but I prefer the Hello Kitty ones you see in Watson's because they're cute. Unfortunately they ran out of stock :(

- Hand sanitizer: You should always have one handy most especially if you have kids.

- Pain reliever: I always bring pain meds with me because migraine attacks may strike anywhere :(

- Breath strips: To keep your breath fresh even on the go.

- Angel's smile cologne: I would normally prefer colognes over perfume. So for my everyday scent, I switch between this cologne and Nenuco.

- Hand lotion/Antibac: A lotion and a hand sanitizer in one. Keeps your hands smooth while keeping the germs away :)

- EOS lip balm: my lips dry up so easily so I always use a lip balm to prevent my lips from cracking

- Clinique chubby stick: it's a colored lip balm, when I need to add color to my lips.

- Clinique powder blush: colors on your cheeks brings life to your face :)

- Maybelline shine free cake powder: for that quick shine free look

- Johnson's baby face powder: my all time favorite. I need to have loose powder wherever I go.

So that's what is inside my floral toiletry bag.

How about you ladies, care to share what's in your bag? ♥

Day 19: A Picture of a Happy Memory

2013-04-27T02:44:00.000+08:00

I took these photos of my kids last week when we attended the summer outing of CCMC's Tumor club. I was sitting under the shade watching them in the pool, and just took these random photos of them playing, Andre carrying Micah on his back pretending to be a dolphin and later on Micah sharing her cookies with her brother.

Looking at them made me so happy. I must have done something good in the past to be blessed with my kids. It makes me proud whenever I see how they take care of each other.

I am just glad I brought the camera that day and was able to capture those special moments that are now part of all my happy memories.

Day 18: Sugat in Minglanilla

2013-04-18T17:40:00.002+08:00

"Sugat" is an Easter Filipino tradition observed by most Filipinos. This marks the end of Holy Week and usually starts on the evening of Black Saturday where the image of Mama Mary would be paraded in a procession, followed by a dawn Easter mass celebrated on Easter Sunday.

It was a spur of the moment decision to visit Minglanilla, which is known as the "Sugat Capital" of the south. The Kabanhawan festival which is a celebrated event in the municipality is annually held every Easter Sunday. Since the resort we were staying was in the municipality we decided to head out after our night swim and drive around the area.

We arrived just in time for the fireworks and took photos of the images of Jesus and Mama Mary before the procession started.

Micah still not in the mood to walk, tired from all the swimming.

I don't know about you, but I love "dirty ice cream" or sorbetes, lol!

The park in front of the church

Andre trying out street food but no sauce dipping...

The Risen Christ

Mama Mary

Another image of the Blessed Mother

Church facade

The moon staring at us...

It was a full moon that night, We headed back to the resort all looking forward to getting a good nights sleep and preparing for another day of swimming ahead :)

Until our next Easter adventure...

Day 17: Photos of your most recent trip

2013-04-17T17:58:00.000+08:00

Just last week, we went home to Tacloban to visit papa on his birthday and at the same time attend the baptism of my niece. (I will be posting the photos of the baptism in another blog ♥)

It was just a short trip and we had to come back to Cebu after a few days, but it was worth it. Although I did not get to see friends, I got to spend time with my family which was what I was looking forward to.

Let me share a few photos taken on a lazy Sunday afternoon :)

Just outside our house

The mall is just one pedicab ride away, isn't that cool :)

Micah with the sun behind her...

Eating out on Sundays has always been a family tradition

Andre showing off his muscles just like Uncle Lucky

Always a Papa's girl at heart

Missing Cocoy and Althea

Micah with her funny antics :)

I could only count the times we are able to go home to Tacloban, so I make the most out of those few occasions that I am able to visit my family and luckily see my friends.

Writing about this makes me homesick, but I am looking forward to my next trip back home.

Day 16: Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

2013-04-16T19:28:00.000+08:00

This is embarrassing, but yes Jomari was my celebrity crush for the longest time. It started back during his "gwapings" stint with Mark Anthony Fernandez and Eric Fructuoso. I had tons of magazines hidden under my bed and posters on my bedroom wall. I even had a photo of him in my wallet, lol.

Well, those were the days when I was a die-hard fan of Jomari. I seldom hear of him now, I wonder what he's up to...

Data Recovery Made Easy

2013-04-16T15:47:00.000+08:00

A few days back I was really having a bad day. I was saving photos on my PC but for some unknown reason my SD card acted up and it was telling me that it needs to be reformatted. I put the card back into the camera, but it gave me the same message, "The disk needs to be reformatted." I panicked because I was not able to back up the photos!

I posted a status on FB about what happened, and luckily friends were telling me that the files may still be recovered. Some even sent private messages suggesting solutions and names of some data recovery software. I did my own research on the net and found a few sites but some software needs to be purchased. But I got lucky and bumped into an article (read here) that allowed me to recover the photos from my reformatted memory card, and it was totally free!!

Before this, I was never aware that lost files can still be recovered easily. I thought that it would take an IT guy to figure out such things, but thanks to the internet,data recovery sure is easy. Below is a link to a related site.

http://www.icare-recovery.com/howto/memory-card-format-recovery.html

Day 15: Put your music player on shuffle and write the first 10 songs on the list

2013-04-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

Today's blog challenge was one that I was excited to do. For those who don't know it yet, I love music. I love to sing, and I have been doing concerts in the shower since I was a kid, lol!

So here are the first 10 songs on my music player :)

1. Stars - Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
2. Skyfall - Adele
3. If wishes came true - Juris
4. Mean - Danielle Bradberry version (The Voice)
5. The Scientist - Glee version
6. Chasing Pavements - Glee version
7. Breathe Again - Jed Madela
8. Over You - Cassadee Pope
9. I Can't Make You Love Me - Adele
10. Titanium - Madeleine Bailey

Keep Calm and Listen to Music ♥

Day 14: What was your most memorable vacation

2013-04-09T15:31:00.004+08:00

I would consider every vacation to be memorable. Whether it's going to my home town, heading out to the beach over the weekend or a quick trip somewhere new. But one vacation that stands out so far was the weekend we spent at Badian. A friend invited us to stay over at their beach house so we decided to grab that chance to go on an adventure.

The best part of that weekend was when we went to Kawasan Falls. We had to walk about a hundred or so meters to get there, but it was all worth it. The place was soooo beautiful!

Here are some photos of our weekend at Badian :)

The beach house which was built by the owner himself, literally! With the help of his workers of course, lol!

It was low tide when we arrived so we just enjoyed playing in the sand :)

Sea shells by the sea shore :)

We had a little camp fire by the beach after dinner.

This little girl was up way past her bedtime :)

Day 2 in Badian started with a long walk to Kawasan falls

The souvenir shop we passed by on the way to the falls...

Are we there yet?

This was the first falls. The view was breath taking, but I almost lost my breath when our guide told me we had to climb up to get to the second falls, lol!

The water was crystal clear and really cold...

Thank you Lord for the gift of nature :)

At last after all the walking and climbing through steep terrain, we arrived at our destination.

The water was so refreshing, and we had fun riding the bamboo raft :)

Sunset at Badian...

It was indeed a memorable weekend. A much needed break from our usual routine. I guess every once in a while, it helps to just stop and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

Take things slow, enjoy life and all that it has to offer. Make beautiful memories you can always look back to :)

Day 13: Post a picture of something yellow

2013-04-08T18:31:00.001+08:00

"Yellow" for me is the color of happiness. Just like the sun, the color yellow radiates warmth and gives out a cheerful glow. Yellow is not really my color when it comes to my choice of clothes, but since it's summer, I might be open to wearing something yellow just for the fun of it. We'll see :)

Day 12: Post a picture of yourself today

2013-04-06T07:22:00.000+08:00

My version of a Happy FrEYEday, glasses edition. Inspired by a workmate who posted his own sunglasses version :)

Every so often, the child within gets the best of me, and I find myself doing crazy and funny things, or maybe because Fridays just makes me really, really happy because it means that the weekend is just around the corner :)

Grateful for Fridays and everyday...

Day 11: Share something inspiring you read today

2013-04-03T23:28:00.000+08:00

Today when I opened FaceBook, I clicked on the Message From God app on my news feed, and I just want to share this because I know most of us can relate to what it has to say.

"Today, we believe God wants you to know that fear won't get you where you want to go."

Most of us are scared to try out new things or explore what the world has to offer outside of our comfort zones. We are scared to take that step because we don't really know if that would be a step towards something good, or a step that would eventually take us back to where we started. But we won't really know unless we give it a try, right?

Taking that first step is always the hardest part. But don't let the fear of the unknown stop you from taking that step. Being scared is normal, but when we let fear take over us, that is a different story.

It's not easy to head off into uncharted waters, but every journey starts with a first step. Fear will keep you from taking that first step, from untying the boat from the dock. Fear will also keep you from making new discoveries. Don't let fear keep you tied up, set sail and see what God has planned for you.

So today, let go of all your fears, have faith and take that first step :)

Day 10: What is your food philosophy?

2013-04-02T07:07:00.000+08:00

My food philosophy has always been to enjoy and give in to your cravings. It may sound unhealthy but you can always indulge yourself as long as you keep it balanced.

Eating is something I love to do, especially if it is enjoyed with family or with friends. A simple family dinner, lunch break at work or dinner with friends is made special because you are with great company, enjoying good food, spiced up with laughter and good conversation.

So eat and enjoy the flavors of the world :)

And the baby has arrived :)

2013-03-29T07:20:00.001+08:00

Last March 28, 2013, we welcomed a new addition into our family. Victoria Lumina Vertulfo-Atillo or Baby Yuna was born into this world, a few days before her father's birthday.

To my brother Lucky and my sister-in-law, China... you have been blessed to be parents. This is a new chapter in your life, be prepared for sleepless nights, diaper changes and singing lullabies. This also means looking forward to your baby's milestones and making so many happy memories that you would always look back to from time to time.

I won't promise you both that the road would be easy, it can be tough, it can be frustrating, stressful sometimes, but I can assure you that every time you look into your child and see her smile or give you a hug, you would know that all the sacrifices would be worth it.

" A Baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bank roll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for". - Unknown

The Death of a Dream

2013-03-28T09:35:00.000+08:00

I have not been able to post anything on my blog for the past couple of days. I don't have any excuse as it was my decision to go into a "blogging hiatus".

A headline I read on a newspaper has caught my attention and has been bothering me ever since "UP Student kills self over tuition", and beside that headline was a photo of Kristel Tejada, 16 years old, freshman Behavioral Science student of UP Manila. It saddened me to realize that while there are other students who would take their studies for granted, one would choose to end her life because her dreams of getting a college education was taken away from her.

News of her tragic death caused various protests among student leaders and militant groups, and has caused grief even to those who do not know her. The university where she was enrolled has been criticized for their "no late payment policy" which was said to be the reason why she was forced to file a leave of absence for failure to pay for her tuition fees. Her application for a student loan has also been denied because it was the middle of the semester. These unfortunate circumstances must have pushed her to the edge and so decided to take away her life. Ironically, days after her death, the said policy has been lifted but sadly it was too late for Kristel.

As much as I understand how important it is for any institution to have policies and guidelines, in my opinion being forced to take a leave from your classes over failure to pay for one's tuition is cruel and unfair. For a person who has high hopes and dreams of getting a college degree to someday provide a better future for herself and her family, being deprived of the right to education must have been to painful to bear.

One columnist for a local newspaper wrote about Kristel's death, and on her article it seems to me that she was pointing out how the parents were in a way responsible for the death because of their financial situation and being unable to provide enough for the family. I mean don't you think that is a bit unfair? From what I've read, the parents even went as far as begging to the school officials, to no avail. Yes, losing a job is a reality that we all should prepare for, but losing a child is something that we as parents will never be prepared for. Not in this lifetime, not ever!

Quoting from the article, "The education of every child is the responsibility of the parent, not the state." Yes I agree, but I think that it is also the state's obligation to make sure that those less privileged be given the equal opportunity to get a good college education, and that getting a good education would not just be a dream, but a reality. Something they can look forward to and hope for. I guess that is why we have state colleges and universities, so those students with limited finances or those coming from low income families can also enjoy the right to a good education.

Kristel's death is a tragic story. But I hope that her death would not be in vain. The university where she was enrolled are now looking into reforms in their enrollment policy. Hopefully, the government would start to regulate tuition fee increases, and allocate more budgets for education.

I hope that your story, would not just be "another story". I really hope that something good would come out of this tragedy, and that the lessons that your death taught us would not be forgotten, May your soul rest in peace...

Day 9: Write about one of your biggest accomplishments in life.

2013-03-20T19:27:00.000+08:00

Passing the Physician's Licensure Examination is one of my biggest accomplishments in life. Graduating from med school and seeing the title M.D. attached after your name is an honor in itself, but to have survived the board exams is something else. As much as I am grateful to have passed the boards, honestly it is a phase in my life I don't want to go back to. Imagine studying for 12 subjects and taking the exams for 2 consecutive weekends. On my part, I would say prayers and luck were a big factor.

I am a doctor by profession, but currently I am unable to practice for personal reasons. Although I am working in an area where my medical expertise is required, it's different compared to when you are in an actual hospital setting. But whether I am working in an office or just being a plain house wife, in my heart I am and will always be a doctor.

With my proud father, during my oath taking at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug

Day 8: Post a picture of something that you recently bought

2013-03-18T21:43:00.000+08:00

The items that I bought recently were not for me, but for my niece. I found these cute booties with a heart shaped smiley on top and a floral baby jumpsuit with a matching cap. I also included a baby organizer that can hold diapers, feeding bottles, and other baby essentials.

Shopping for baby stuff is fun, and I think I would be doing more in the coming weeks, especially when the baby arrives! :)

Obviously an excited aunt!

Day 7: 3 Biggest Pet Peeves

2013-03-14T10:56:00.002+08:00

I am the type of person that normally does not get annoyed that easily. But I do have a few pet peeves of my own, but let me share 3 since that is what the challenge asks for :)

- People in uniform who make their position an excuse to get away with anything.

The reason why this is the first on my list is because I had a first hand experience in a grocery store of something I want to call as an "abuse of power". We were waiting in line at the counter, when this man suddenly barged in and said that he had to go in before us because he was just buying ice. It would have been okay if he asked us nicely, but the tone of his voice and the way he said it irritated me. My husband then told the man that he better ask those person behind us since it was not just us in line but a few other people, and there was even a woman who had ice on her grocery cart but was patiently waiting for her turn. We all had the shock of our lives when the man started shouting at us and said that he was a police officer! I mean so what if you are, it does not give you the right to be rude! He ended up having his way in the end, no point in reasoning with someone who clearly was intoxicated! I know that this was just an unfortunate incident, and there are still police officers out there who stay true to their oath which is "to serve and to protect".

- People who are into themselves

When you are talking to someone, and that person has nothing to talk about but himself, it is not just annoying, but it can be pretty boring too!

- Drivers who don't acknowledge what Road Courtesy means.

I guess I feel more of frustration rather than annoyance when I start to think about drivers who tend to be inconsiderate on the road. Drivers who don't use their signal lights, drivers who don't give way to other drivers causing heavy traffic, drivers who speed up rather than slow down in pedestrian lanes. When you are driving, you have to consider that it's not just you on the road, but a whole lot of other cars and pedestrians too. We might just avoid accidents and other road mishaps if we try to think that way.

Day 6: Would you rather be Rich or Healthy?

2013-03-11T23:00:00.001+08:00

I thought that this question was going to be an easy one, but I found myself staring at my keyboard for at least a minute before I actually got to start typing...

Who doesn't want to be rich? There are so many things that you can do if you had the money, right? You can travel, go shopping, or buy whatever stuff you like. If you were rich and would want to share your blessings, you can donate to charitable institutions, send kids to school, or even have your own charity to help the less fortunate.

I would be a hypocrite if I say I don't want to be rich. But between being rich and being healthy, I choose to be healthy. Money can buy you anything, except for good health. But being healthy is a wealth in itself. As long as I am healthy, I would be able to enjoy my life with my loved ones, accomplish things, do whatever it is that I want to do and live a full and rich life. ♥

Day 5: If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

2013-03-08T18:53:00.000+08:00

"This is a crazy world we live in." I hear that all the time. It's scary that in this present time, violence is pretty much all over the place. Crimes against women and children. wars among nations, in schools there are stories of bullying, and abuse in all its forms can even occur at home.

If I could rid the world of one thing, it would be Violence. I hope that someday, we would all live in a world where violence does not exist, and we can all feel safe again...

Day 4: Post a picture of something that made your day special

2013-03-07T20:02:00.000+08:00

I love surprises, I guess everybody does. And today at work, I had my share of surprises waiting for me. The macaroons where from my friend at work and the chopsticks was a gift from a friend who just got back from his Bangkok trip. This truly made my day special. Thank God for thoughtful friends :)

Day 3: The Last Movie I Saw in Theaters

2013-03-06T05:00:00.000+08:00

"Fee-fi-fo-fum. Ask not whence the thunder comes. For between heaven and Earth is a perilous place. Home to a fearsome and giant race."

A verse from the movie Jack the Giant Slayer. This was the last movie I saw with my husband and the kids over the weekend. The story was based on the fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk".

The story line was predictable, but the digital effects was good. It was a fun movie in general and we all enjoyed watching the giants, except for my little girl who was a bit grossed out, especially during the scene where Ewan McGregor was about to be baked. :)

Day 2: One piece of advice to a newborn child

2013-03-05T11:52:00.000+08:00

- My only advice probably is to just enjoy every single moment of your existence :)

Enjoying life and all it's wonders,

Day 1: Write Your Goals for the Month

2013-03-04T09:59:00.000+08:00

My goals for this month is a combination of things that I want to do and things that I need to do. So here goes:

- To complete my 30 day Blog Challenge.

- Find an exercise plan that would work for me and stick to it. (For now running is off the list because of pain on my left knee.)

- Eat healthy = More greens

- Start looking for summer activities or workshops for the kids.

- No soft-drinks on weekdays :(

- No late night eating spree or midnight snacks!

- Go back to reading Medical books at least a chapter a day.

That would be my list for now. Pretty much realistic but it can be tough, especially when it comes to goals directed at controlling the appetite because sadly, the urge to eat never goes away :(

Praying for self-control,