So where have I been this past few months?

I did an 8-week competency training for nurses in Auckland with my brother and 3 other friends. So far, those rollercoaster 8 weeks have been the best part of my trip (yet). Somehow, having friends around kept me from becoming homesick that it sometimes made me guilty for not missing home so much. It was just so fun living in a house with 5 other people with the same wavelengths. It was great having a house all to yourselves. You eat when you wanna eat, talk as loud as you want, sleep when and where ever you want and not worry because nobody would mind. But ofcourse, we’ve had our share of getting lost (lots of it!), being broke, feeling self pitty (for certain reasons), doubting our future, missing the train or bus a zillion times, shiverring in the cold winterry mornings and many more unfortunate events but having a few people to experience everything just makes it seem more bearable.

The competecny training will probably top my list of best and worst moments of my NZ life for a while. It was the longest 8 weeks of my life. At first, it was the dreadful 9-3 lectures, sitting in class, trying hard not to fall asleep or not get caught sleeping. Yes, even from across the oceans, we’ve never changed. We still sleep in class, we still come in late, we still take breaks longer than what we’re allowed, and we still don’t take notes, but the best part of it is that nobody cared. Lecturers had more important matters to worry about than telling off their adult students.

After 2 weeks of lecture, we thought the worst was over. We thought wrong. We spent the 3rd week at a rest home. It was a good starting point rather than going straight to the hospital setting. It was quite a new experience since I’ve never taken care of elderly people (no, grandparents aren’t counted). It was fun and it helped that that the hospital staff we’re very nice and I had a buddy nurse althroughout the week. Whew.

Then came the 5-week stint at ACH, alone in one of the 80 wards in the public hospital. Basically, they had given us our Ward assignment a few weeks before we started and intentionally put each of us in different wards alone. On our first day, they told us to show up in our respective wards before 7am, introduce ourselves to the staff and go from there. What the F. Work alone in the ward surrounded by foreign beings? Ohdear.

Those 5 weeks had been nerve rackingly life changing. The paperworks were probably the worst part. It just didn’t seem to end. There were no exams, no pathophysiology, no grades. Instead, there were journals for reflections on how your day went, how you feel about things, what lessons you learned that day and what things you want to improve on yourself; exemplars for events that made such an impact on your practice and what you learned from that event; case studies for that certain article which you feel would be useful you your current practice. Yes, it sounds easier than case presentations but wait til you have to do it every single day for 5 weeks PLUS the stress of working as student nurse under foreign staff with no one to turn to when you mess up and their expectations because after all, you’re an RN PLUS having to deal with your tutor who pops out of nowhere in your clinical area PLUS the pressure of working with dozens of doctors, physiotherapist,dietitians,social workers,occupational therapists and gazillion other personels everyday and your tutor’s expectation to ACTUALLY deal with them. And oh, add those bloody careplans and assessments,too. I have never felt so nervous, tired, scared, and annoyed at the same time. Breaking point. But I’ve learned a lot. A lot is such an understatement. I still can’t believe it’s over.

But after every storm comes sunshine. And as for me, my sunshine is my new job. It’s not the best in the world but it pays the bills…..and the shopping…..and the gadgets…and so much more.

I’m now stuck in the cold outskirts of Taranaki, spending my precious days off infront of my laptop because it’s too freezing cold to go out and there’s nowhere to go anyway. If you’re looking for greener pastures, then this is literally it. Green green grass of hope with cows on the side.

I’m working as a nurse at a rest home and so far, I’m enjoying it. It’s not as exciting as surgery ward but it’s a good stepping stone because right now, I don’t think I can handle the preeeessssuuurresss of Auckland City Hospital. Not right now, but definitely in the future. I swear i’m not gonna stay here forever. Don’t get me wrong, I love the place, but i just don’t see myself growing old here. I belong to Queen Street.Hehe.

So much for a short update.

Hafta go!

And now I’m off to the wonderful world of Stratford. Next up: first paycheck!!

Will make kwento when I have a decent internet connection.n See yah!

I am 30% done in packing my stuff. Apparently, I’m leaving for New Zealand this weekend. And our agent informed us only last Monday. Yes, she expects us to pack our stuff good for 3 years within 3 days. Ano to, fieldtrip?

So what happens? We go panic buying.

Left for Cebu last Tuesday to get winter stuff because June-August is winter time in NZ and Dumaguete doesn’t have decent winter clothes, even the trusty ukay-ukay doesn’t have enough. Thanks God for the Rustan’s yearly sale and Surplus Shop for el cheapo winter clothes.

Got back from Cebu early Wednesday then continued the panic buying in Dumaguete. Usually, when you go abroad, especially to the States, they tell you to pack light because everything you need will be available there, but with us, it’s the opposite. Most of the people we’ve spoken to has told us to bring what we could because apparently, not everything is available there or if it is, it’s quite different than we we’ve been used to so it’s better to bring our own (clothes, shoes, toiletries).

I’ve bought 2 weeks worth of underwear and socks; a week’s worth of winter wear; and a couple of shoes for certain occasions, only to realize that my luggage could only hold half of what I’ve decided to bring, so now I’m in the verge of tears because I want to bring everything that I’ve decided to bring yet it’s totally impossible. So here I am, taking a break and hoping that when I get back to my bedroom, things would change and everything would suddenly fit. Like yeah.

At times I feel excited about the whole thing but most of the time, I’m a lil annoyed by the fact that they didn’t give us enough time to settle everything before we leave. My room is a mess because I haven’t gotten the time to keep what’s supposed to be kept, give away what’s supposed to be given away and throw stuff that I would no longer need. I don’t have time to say goodbye to everyone! I haven’t even informed most of them that I’m leaving because I haven’t had the time to those stuff.

So anyway, I’m gonna get back and try my luck with packing again. Ugh.

Aside from my temporary loss of sanity, a lot has happened over the past month, but nothing life changing though.

There was the Operation Smile Medical Mission at NOPH last April 9-11. I didn’t get to see the actual operation itself since I work at the Surgery ward so we’re basically post-op but still, it was amazing to see children enter the OR with lip deformities and come out not instantly well, but you know for a fact that their lives are about to change. It’s true what they said in their website, “A 45-minute surgery is all that it will take to put a smile back on these children’s faces.”

It was heartwarming enough to know that they did this for free, but it was even more touching to find out that all the Operation Smile staff were volunteers, from the surgeons, nurses, assistants and all. Plus, all the OpSmile patients received free medications to take home after being discharged. They really are amazing. The whole experience was amazing.

—–

After that, there was Operation Tuli sponsored by PNOC in a small baryo in Dauin last April 22. It was my first time and I went there thinking I’d be observing the doctors and helping out prepare the equipments, but I was WRONG. They actually made us do the actual operation! After observing two procedures, the doctors encouraged us (first-timers) to try it. It was nerve racking at first, but when we got the hang of it, it was actually easy. So yeah, we felt like surgeons that day. Hehe. No pictures of the actual procedure since everyone was busy.

Us girls with our Head Nurse

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I now have to wear glasses. Not permanently, just when using the computer, reading or anything that causes eye strain. It actually started with lightheadedness and reached to the point that I everything spins around when I lie down. There was a time when I had to walk really slowly to prevent myself from hitting things or people because I was dizzy all the time.

I had my eyes checked and asked if I had worn glasses before. I told her I was supposed to wear one when I was in 6th grade due to Astigmatism but never really took it seriously. She asked me to read something on the wall. She was like, “Can you even read that?” and I told her that I could read them clearly and she seemed confused. I told her I didn’t have a problem with my eyes, just the dizziness which occured mostly after I spent loooooooong hours infront of the PC. She said that my Astigmatism was back and I had to wear glasses to correct them.

I don’t mind wearing them, besides, I only wear them at home and mostly in my bedroom so nobody has to see me and my red dorky glasses. It’s actually convenient since I’ve started reading this past few months. I could not endure reading for more than an hour since my head would ache which explains why it takes my two weeks to finish a book. And recently, Murakami’s Dance Dance Dance has been lying on my bedside since March and I am nowhere near finish line. I recently purchased Time Traveller’s Wife but told myself not to touch the book until I finish Murakami so right now, it’s sitting on my bookshelf serving as my motivation to finish the book.

—-

The half of summer is almost over and I have not been to the beach except for that family reunion we attended a few weeks ago. It was a family reunion of my mom’s grandparents clan so I didn’t know most of them. Nonetheless, it was fun meeting new people and new relatives.

—-

And oh, that thing I badly wanted? I didn’t get it. Or maybe not yet. Not losing hope but I probably won’t feel as bad if I don’t get it at all. But I’m still crossing my fingers.

*you want so badly that everything around you somehow reminds you of that thing
*you know is bad for you
*you know everyone who cares wouldn’t want that “thing” for you
*you know would probably not do you any good in the end
*you know would probably change the way you look at life in the future

and told HIM:

*that you’re willing to take the risk just this once
*that you’re ready to face the consequences no matter how bad it may be
*that you’re aware that you’re some kinda asking Him to ruin your life a lil bit (because you know that all of this probably won’t do any good to anyone including you)
*that you know that chances of things turning out for the better is VERY slim
*that you’re aware that what you’re asking for is practically insane and that you know life would be much simpler if you didn’t ask for this
*that you’ve readied yourself for failure and know that you will cry but will get over it
*that no matter how damaging (for the lack of a better term) the results may be, you know in your heart that it will only make you stronger..

and lastly..

..you know He probably wouldn’t grant it because it’s not good for you in the first place but still ask anyway because you know He knows how badly you want it and hope that He gives you this one itsy bitsy chance and if you could have it the soonest time possible if it’s not too much because you’re running out of time.

Do you think He’ll give it to you?

What I’m asking is actually very mababaw that it isn’t even worth posting. You’d probably think I’m insane for making it such a big deal. No miracles. No moving of mountains. Just something very minor that anyone could do for me, something even I can do on my own, but know that it’s gonna fail coz I know it’s not meant for me to start with. But that’s that so let’s leave it at that.

Will be back when I’m in a better state of mind. See you at your blogs!

———-
P.S. Please ignore the trackers on my sidebar. There’s just something I need to find out for a few weeks. It’s got nothing to do with all of you so don’t worry, I’m not trying to track anybody

Sony Ericsson P990i for sale! Details below.

So we moved back to our home last weekend. It is by far, the most stressful week I’ve ever had this year YET. Boxes, garbage bags, dust, hahay, grabe.

And you know what’s worse? Yesterday, the entire city went on black out from 4PM to midnight. And for lipat bahays like us, this is no laughing matter. Ang ganda ng timing ha. And if that’s not enough, no electricity also means no running water for us! Don’t ask my why because I also don’t know. So picture this, practically 80% of your stuff in your garage, no electricity, and no water. Overkill na talaga!

It was even worse for my mom coz she has her period which means she has to use the bathroom often. Eh kung wala nga namang running water eh di parang useless lang din. So in times like these, there’s only one thing to do: check in in a hotel! Because basically, they’re the only ones who have water and electricity when everyone else doesn’t (aside from the hospitals of course).

So we checked in around 11PM with my cousin and her parents. And 15minutes after we checked in, while my mom was taking a shower, the electricity came back, and since the adults didn’t notice, my cousin and I decided not to tell them so they wouldn’t cancel the accomodations. And when they knew, it was too late. Bwehehehe.

So anyway, we’re back at home na. The electricity’s still unstable, bigla nalang nagbabrownout and then comes back after 30 mins. So before it goes off again, lemme just plug my phone for adoption. Please see details below.

——————————————–

So here we go again, gadget adoption time!

This time, it’s my Sony Ericssion P990i
.

- 4-5months used.
- Very very minimal scratches due to daily use. Not even obvious unless you inspect closely.
- Has a screen protector so scratches on the screen are only on the screen guard and not the screen itself.
- Never been dropped. Never been repaired nor damaged in any form.
- Keypad has never been detached.
- Basically only used for texting, calling, a lil bit of picture taking and wifi.
- Very well taken cared of. Lady owned.

MAIN FEATURES among others:
- touchscreen feature
- 3G
- text and call
- mp3 player
- 2megapix camera and video
- FM radio
- Wifi

Package includes:
-Unit
-Charger
-USB
-headset
-64mb memory stick
-cradle (never been used)
-screws and screwdriver for keypad
-manual

reason for selling: will downgrade to a simpler phone hehe

PRICE: 8,500 - FREE SHIPPING (with insurance) NATIONWIDE
Item is in Dumaguete City. Can only do meet-ups if you’re from around the area, otherwise, the package is for shipping only

PAYMENT TRHU BPI OR GCASH OR PAYPAL

More peeks:

So ayun, text me at 09209087330 if you’re interested

And since I have nothing better to do, here’s what’s inside my kaban (CLICK PIC FOR LARGER VIEW):

Isa-isahin natin (L-R from top):
BBW White Tea & Ginger Body Splash in a smaller bottle (Changes everyday depende sa mood)
Pink water bottle (Only pag may duty ako. Medyo kasi yung mga glass sa hosp hehe)
Blue bulky wallet (na hindi naman pera ang majority ng bulk)
Whitee my iPod (which as of this moment, is now on it’s way to it’s new foster parent )
Lotion in a refill bottle (because I have weird palms which suddenly turns dry all of a sudden)
Neutrogena Face Powder (na binili ko dahil mukhang gadget hehe)
Wet wipes (for last minute shoe-cleaning and everything else)
Mint candies (for dessert heheh)
Toothpaste and Toothbrush (para saan pa nga ba)
Comb
TBS Lip & Cheek tint and Lipbalms (pretty much the only gunk I wear on my face, plus the powder. No eyeshadows, coz I’m such a loser and I don’t know how to apply them and it’s really just not my thing)
Hand Sanitizer (for when soap and water isn’t enough)
Cartoon Band aids (because I cut myself almost every other day)
Shades (which needs a new substitute)
House keys
Small Notebook (for whatever purposes: brilliant ideas, lista sa utang, things to do, things to buy, things NOT to buy, etc)
Cellphone (which will soon find a new foster parent)
Pens in all colors (pang duty)

and last but not the least, my trusty digicam which isn’t pink but I wish it was.

Hmmm…tag? Tagging everyone! Show me the skeletons in your bags heheh

That’s it for now. Bloghop before I hibernate from the online world for the rest of the week. See ya next week. Happy Holy Week!

A few weeks ago, I had a bad feeling that relatives *ehem*parents*ehem* were hunting for my online whereabouts especially my blog. Not that I have anything to hide, I just don’t want them lurking at my online life, after all, this is my journal and parents aren’t supposed to be reading their kids’ journals, diba?

So anyway, I googled my name, and thankfully, only my friendster account (which is on private mode) showed up on the first few pages of the results so I was relieved that none of my blogs came out. I’ve actually kinda search-proofed my blogs months but only against my name. I HOPE AGAINST ALL HOPES that none of them relatives *ehem*parents*ehem* think of searching my email address because it’s practically everywhere and they will surely find this blog if they do.

When I woke up this morning, my dad teased me that my friendster profile was on private mode and how it was clearly “for friends” only. I was kinda confused how he knew about it but then I remembered that it was the only result of my own identity when you google my name. So i figured out he had searched me after all. Buti nalang, mas advanced ang pagiisip ko tungkol sa mga ganitong bagay. Nyehehe Sana lang di niya maisipang isearch ang email address ko. Ayokong maexpose. Haha. Lord, please keep him busy with work so that he won’t think of searching my profile again. Teehee.

Anyway….

I have been a good girl and kept myself from online shopping for the last two weeks which is why I’ve been itching to get something these past few days. First, it was a pair of shades, then a watch (then shades…no watch nalang..i need shades more..no i need a watch more..shades nalang talaga) and now an Ipod Touch. Uh-huh.

I’m still contemplating whether to get it or not so I’m gonna read more feedbacks but right now, I’m leaning towards getting it, mga 70%.

Sooooo…I’m selling my IPOD VIDEO 30GB in Black (but it’s practically pink because most of my accessories are pink)

Detalyes:
Ipod Video 30GB
Black
1996 songs, 42 short videos

-Lady owned.
-Protective film on the whole front part still attached. (There are scratches on the screen but these are only on the film since I have not removed it since day 1)
-Visible scratches on the back due to daily use.
-1 year and 10 months used
-Never been repaired.

Contents:
Box
Manual
Sennhesier MX 450 earphones (pre-owned but fully functioning)
Pioneer Earphones (brand new)
Capdase Alumor Pink Metallic Protector (currently used)
Pink Ipod Brights case (Brand New)
Plum colored Metallic Case
Black Silicone Case
Case Logic Pink Pouch
Another Pink zippered pouch

Reason for selling: Upgrading

Price: 6,500 - FREE SHIPPING NATIONWIDE

Payment thru BPI, Gcash or Paypal (for dear bloggers na maraming dollars sa bank accounts lols)

Thy photos:

Interested parties, pakicomment nalang dito or email me at missdarkpink@gmail.com

Salamat

Hello wormies!

This went into my mouth and directly down my throat. No chewing whatsoever.

Leftovers. Obviously, hindi pinagagawan.

It actually just tastes like corniks, yung crunchy corn in small packs? Ganun lang. And the texture is more like chicharon, crunchy and made up mostly of air. Not bad. But the thought of having worms, crawling and squishy at one point in their life although not anymore, down your throat is not pleasant. But what the heck, stuff like these don’t come everyday so it was worth the try. I’m not craving for it though. A few pieces are enough for me to tell the whole world that once in my life I ate freakin fried worms, thankyouverymuch.

Only happens once in 4 years so I’m blogging today. Nothing good to say though. Basta may entry ako on Feb. 29. Next year wala na

Happy Birthday to the leap year celebrants! Celebrate your birthdays quadruple as much!

Such a useless entry but whutev, it’s Feb 29.