on the Verge of

The second decade of the third millennium is about to end. Ten years ago, I never would have guessed that I would be where I am right now. I've had a lot of heartbreaks along the way, definitely did some terrible mistakes as well. But I would not be who I am today if I haven't been through those embarrassing and painful moments. Despite all my previous medical dilemmas, my knee surgery and thyrodectomy, I'm just thankful to be alive and well. I'm thankful that I still get to experience life, that I can still breath well and hear the birds chirp outside my window, that I can still spend time with the people I value and love most. Ten years ago I was only 18, naive but full of hope. I had declared my dreams and how to achieve them. A few years passed then and I was past my deadlines of becoming a manager and being married. Nonetheless, I reached those goals a few years later, not because I was pressured by my overdue deadlines, but because I was ready. And only God ...

I have been meaning to write this for a long time. But since I have been repeating my history to a lot of doctors and medical students since my first confinement, I got lazy and postponed this post. It was until now that I am currently being isolated in the hospital that I have plenty of time to finally write down my journey in battling Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, or also known simply as Papillary Carcinoma, is one of the most common type of thyroid cancers. All doctors that I've consulted with also say that it is also one, if not the most, treatable type of cancer as long as its recommended medical treatments are consistently and religiously followed. It all started late January when I felt something in my neck when I swallowed. There was a noticeable lump when I drank water but there was no pain or discomfort. Since I didn't have any fever which would coincide with a possible throat infection, I decided to consult a doctor. Upon a ph...

I just woke up from a good long sleep. And the first thing that came to my mind was gratitude. I was just grateful for being able to sleep for a good long time, for the restful dreams, for the beautiful sunshine outside, for the chirping birds that make it a more beautiful morning. My surgery's schedule is pending but is definitely soon. So I'm just thankful for all the little things I get to enjoy. It might be a while before I can go back to my mundane life. I'll miss traveling and doing work. Although I don't miss the stress but I'm just grateful for the opportunity to grow. Sometimes we forget to be grateful for the little things we have. Being able to breath normally, being able to swallow without pain, being able to do the chores and not be confined in a hospital. So I'd like to take this opportunity to blog another gratitude post, and to leave a short personal prayer. 'Lord, thank You for the little things, for the tiny blessings that ma...

I used to be a lot more prayerful when I was younger, I think. I was more active in Christian communities and volunteered in many programs then. I was a speaker and leader for many years, preaching the word of God to many students and even parents. Then senior years (4th & 5th) year happened to me in college. I had to lie low, give extra time to my studies, and pave way for younger leaders to take on the stage. That's when my spiritual life and prayer time began to lie low as well. I led a crazy life and made a lot of mistakes I never thought I would be capable of. But I needed to struggle my way out and see myself through it all. Although in the end, I realized I was grateful for all my experiences. I wouldn't be where I'm supposed to be if I hadn't been through all of it. Few years ago, I did try to go back to my previous community. But I realized that it was not my time or place to go back. I would go to masses but sometimes there is a lack of willingness i...

I had a deep conversation last night with some ates and kuyas from college. One of them had a fiancé who recently died of brain tumor. We were there to be with him and listen to what happened. Everything was too sudden. He talked about the pain of losing a loved one and not being able to say goodbye to her. Many things were going around my head as we spoke. I was holding back my tears. I was there to listen to him and not to share my own feelings. But the truth was I was really terrified. Last Saturday I had a scheduled check up with my doctor for my thyroid. I spoke previously about my condition in a post a few months ago. Back then my biopsy indicated a suspicion of papillary carcinoma. I was hoping to clarify with the doctor why it was just a suspicion and if there's a way to confrim the said suspicion. In short, I was clinging on to some hope that it could not be cancer. However, my doctor explained that with the biopsy aided by ultrasound, the additional hormone test I t...

A sudden opportunity to take the board exam for Environmental Planning came up to me a few weeks ago. I was asked to try out last year but I was busy for my wedding preparation so I did not have the energy and resources to do so. On the last minute, with my husband's encouragement, I agreed to take the final schedule of review and pushed through with my on-the-deadline application with PRC. My career shift from BPO facilities management back to Real Estate Development, which was my first line of work after graduation, was a huge factor in realizing this journey to being an Environmental Planner. During the review, I learned more processes and related laws that I could apply in my work in Real Estate Development. Then came the two days of board examination which was grueling.  I was scared and was probably overthinking the whole time. But I tried my best to review all of the questions before I shaded the answer sheets. After the last exam on the last day, I felt so exhausted th...

Juna Subdivision has slowly developed into the city's prime food hub. Many new and familiar restaurants, bakeshops and cafés have emerged along its main avenues. I can probably say that Lara Mia is one of the most popular restaurants in Juna Subdivision. The place is always almost full every time I go there. On some dates, you would not have a table if you haven't made a prior reservation. With the modern elegant ambience of the place and the delicious food and pastries they serve, it's no wonder why. Keen and I have been going to Lara Mia for quite some time now and this review is quite overdue. Nonetheless, it is better late than never :) Let's start off with their simple menu. There's not a lot of variety per category but believe me, it's just enough to keep you coming back for more. The prices are relatively affordable as well. They also offer a small variety of wines that pair well with the pizza and pasta. As I mentioned, the p...