Happy?

hehe. yes, there's a question mark there.

After so long, I finally saw it, the announcement that we could now get our BLS (Basic Life Support) IDs and Certificates from the CON (College of Nursing). YAY! after completing that CPR with AED (Automated External Defibrillator) course last 22 Nov. 2007, we were told that we would get our IDs that coming Monday.... but we never got it. Till Friday came and there was some announcement that we could finally get it by 2pm... but no. Too bad. It was the only thing I could think of all day. haha. Ge-An was laughing at how eager I was to get the ID... hello, siya rin naman, gusto nang kunin! :P When we asked Ms. Alfi (one of our CIs), she told us that CHEERS was just on their way to our school. haay. Later that day, I saw the CHEERS people... waaah, I really wanted to get the ID that day.... but wasn't able to.


So, finally, today came. I saw the announcement posted on the door of the CON office. Actually, for our section, we should have gotten it yesterday. But unfortunately, I didn't know that for two reasons:

1. you could hardly see the announcement posted, it was posted WAY below eye level.
2. yesterday was our RLE day. So I didn't get to really pass by the nursing office.

I'm happy cos it's like now that I have the ID (and certificate), I finally have the privilege of performing CPR. But, in a way, I'm disappointed because I don't really like how the ID looked, its quality... waaah! It was made of something like cardboard. I was expecting some better since it's an ID. it's supposed to last. plus, CHEERS is affiliated with the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) and Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI)...both international affiliations.

Nursing Day

Okay, the day was 50-50. half good, half bad.... the bad part was the afternoon (as I expected. yes, after the lunch date @ Manx). So, here's the details of the day.

First of all, allow me to say. I HATE BEA!!!! She told me we had to be there @ 8, and so I was... only to find some friends there but her. And then thos people told me were Carisse, Di and Tabs were (2nd flr) so I went up to them. There I saw them with Dani (spelling?? anyway, he's Carisse's younger bro), they were watching Carlann's debut (hate her too,... how dare she cut us in that particular video?! and i thought we were friends!). So, anyway, found out from the gang that assembly was @ 9. WTF?! BEA!

As the program proceeded, everything was okay EXCEPT for that one performer who did the belly dancing (with matching singing ala shakira). Yep, she did that exact same thing she did during that Mr. & Ms. SISC thing. oh gawd! I could hardly watch (for the second time!). I seriously felt like barfing! She had to do it wearing a two-piece now! GAWD!!!! oh,.. but well, Carisse tells me I ought to admire her somehow... TO HAVE THAT MUCH SELF-ESTEEM! I can't believe Bea and Di enjoyed it, they were probably the only ones who did (yes, everyone was laughing their hearts out in disgust!haha, I'm so mean *wink*). Ooooh, and I almost forgot, the best performer (well, okay, not really performer) had to go to that girl who sang The Prayer. Actually, she sang it with some guy (who was also good) but SHE was ... oooooh.... she sounded exactly like Charlotte Church (if not even better maybe).


After the program, there were some games... and I tell you, Bea and I were starving to death there, we didn't have any bfast! So we kept bugging Carisse that we ought to go already to the Manx for lunch. The thing that made us even more excited was the fact that it was ala carte today! And the plus was that Dr. Adiviso joined us for lunch. After, I think he was actually volunteering to pay the bill (for all 6 of us)... but we hesitated... KKB nalang!

With the change we had left, we went and bought us some dessert... candies! haha, Bea & I were really like kids as we tried to buy the perfect treat for all 4 of us (Carisse excluded cos she already had her dessert... choco cake @ the Manx). Well, Carisse ought to be lucky for having us as friends. At least we still thought of getting her one lolly tho she was frustrated @ us for excluding her. haha! all four of us had 4pcs Haw-Haw (milk candy) & 1 grape lolly.... she only had 1 lolly and it was strawberry. haha! left-out! our reason for picking the grape candies? well, that's because we were all in purple today. How bout Carisse (who was also in purple)? Oh, nothing. We just wanted to make her feel left-out! haha! kidding. The truth was that there were only 4grape lollies left.

After that sugary high, all went downfall. We had to stay for the "Binalot Story" which finished at 4... and then after that, Diana & I headed to the choir practice. Most of our time had been lost searching for the room though... we were expecting it to be held @ the basic ed bldg (as usual)... but turns out, they were @ Gym3 (that new bldg across the street). haaay.

First-Aid Training Course

YAY! Today marks the end of our last day for the First-Aid Training Course from CHEERS foundation (Community Health Education Emergency Rescue Services). ooohhhh, I'm excited to hear about the results... and get the ID! sadly, those'll be on Monday yet... though, not to worry, Monday's not that far away anyway...

Currently, I'm trying to look forward to tomorrow's activities. I don't want to have to wear purple! I don't have any casual purple shirt. Actually, don't have any white either (what we were required to wear over the training period) so I ended up borrowing those shirts from my bro (can't believe they could actually fit me!)... but now, I can't borrow purple (like he has any!). The program tomorrow's not the problem for me, really... it's more of whats happening after the nursing week program. We're being REQUIRED (as IC4 students) to watch the "Binalot Story" thing after lunch... ARGH!!!! talk about pure, extreme torture and boredom! Just trying to think of the positive side right now, it's an opportunity for a nice lunch-out with my friends again @ the Manx... though, I don't really know, not that excited for it. I'm trying to save plus all those calories plus I'm missing eating at home, haven't been doing so this week. :(

Stick with You

Yes, I bet ya'll know that song of PCD and just the other day, I heard it play (after some long time). It did make me sad, made me remember a friend of mine and memories we used to share.

The history behind the song?

Well, one time, as I hitched a ride with that friend of mine, he turned on the radio and that song played. He sang that last particular line, those words.... "I must stick with you". He sang it in his usual sweet, charming, dashing, voice.

So, he sang a silly line from the song playing on the radio. What's the point you say?

Well, that was a time when things, I guess, were starting to fall apart between us. I didn't feel the same. See, this guy that I'm talking about was (and still IS) someone special and so dear to me, I do like him...only I don't know if he feels the same way. But there was once a time that, despite me knowing that I had a crush on him, I didn't feel like wanting to be with him, like wanting to even see him at all. I couldn't explain why, I couldn't even understand the feeling. I should be excited for those chances I had to be with him, but why did I feel dread and anxiety then?

Times would come when we had to get together and I bet he noticed me trying to stay distant and aloof, as he tried being extra nice to me. So, to cut things short, and skip all the drama, this was that time during that period I felt myself lost. And it was as though he was saying to me "I must stick with you"... meaning that, despite all things we were going through.

It all escalated up to the very point which, I think, signalled our "death". It must have hurt him somehow. To think our friendship was growing, I used to tell him everything going on in my life.... but that has stopped. I didn't even bother to tell him what course I decided to take; and then one day, he sees me and was shocked to know. He did seem kinda irritated (tho, as always, he doesn't really show it). I felt kinda bad after. If only he knew, I didn't want to tell him for two reasons...

1. First was, okay, I didn't want to tell him cos I thought it wasn't my duty to tell him. Why should he know? We weren't in a relationship or anything.
2. I was actually planning on surprising him with the news.

And now, here I am, about a year or more later... feeling sorry and deep regret. We're both oblivious to each other now, or so it seems. How could I have risked behaving so and losing whatever it was I had with him. If I had known only better.

Looking back on memories, it does make me wonder.... was it ever us? could it have been us when I didn't even know? He did show some signs but he wasn't exactly direct. He was sweet, made me feel special and everything... but he didn't exactly give solid facts. I know ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. But still, actions can also be misinterpreted. I don't like relying on actions alone as one may end up hoping far too off, expecting oh so much and then just end up depressed. So, now, whether there was something between us or not, I'm innocent and unaware of it. All I know is that I miss those times, that friendship we used to share.

Shell Robbery / Shoot-out

WHOAH! cool-ness! but too bad I wasn't there to witness the incident as it happened.

It was probably somewhere between 11-1230. I was home then (break namin eh). When I went back to school, someone asked if I had witnessed it (and of course, told me everything about it na as well). I was so envious of those who were there, who got to see it live! may nabaril pa daw! oh man!

I wanted to go to the crime scene but I had a class eh... actually, just as I (with Bea) was about to go down to get to view the scene from the 1st floor window fronting Select, I bumped into the prof for my class at that time. I asked if I could go down to check it out. Thankfully, we bumped into him. At least, we didn't have to go all the way down to the 1st floor, the scene could be viewed from one of the rooms in the 4th floor. DARN! IT WAS SO COOL! You could actually see the blood left on the ground, right in front of the armored van.


Turns out, another one of my classmates (Marc A.) and some others were actually there, right outside Select when it happened. They were on their way back to school but decided to suddenly hide as the shooting began. They hid behind some car. Funny part was that car where they hid was actually the robbers' car! As soon as the robbers left (yep, nakatakas daw ung mga robber eh. daw ha. daw.), with the car, they run back to school na. If I understood right, I think they RAN AMIDST THE BULLETS. I think that's how it went, cos someone (a CI) told him that what they did was dangerous (running in the middle of the shooting festival), they should have just lain flat on the ground.

haha. oh how fun! hope that I could have been there to witness the shooting extravaganza! galore un! haha! SADISTIC?!

ice ice baby

ICE! well, just wanted to "dedicate" some short post of some sort to my beloved friend, tabs! grabe! still quite on a high from last night. cant believe i was that hyper at the "after-party". was I drunk or something? hehe, seriously.

well, love you tabs. thanks for the wonderful food, i think. hehe. napakain kami ni bea eh! we couldn't resist second rounds! then after, feeling so guilty. sorry for the extremely short message i gave you (like one sentence?). I honestly didn't prepare anything. that's my mistake. you know how i don't like elaborating kasi, and i know you know how much WE love you and how glad we are na you're our ka-barkada (NOT! hehe.) see? another thing, i can't really be serious in stuff like that. we were even fooling you right up to the very last minute that we surprised you in the car. of course we would never ditch you in your party. it's only your debut so far that i've accepted the invitation to. I practically FORCED myself to go (hehe. you know that, i was telling you I was getting lazy to go cos of our hectic sked).

Tabs, Ice, Carlann... well, you know we'd always be there for you. we got your back. even if we always make fun of you (misplaced?; look what Bea done??!) hehe. think of it this way, at least you make us laugh, you're the life of the party. hehe. actually, we all are in our own unique ways, 'royt?! hehe. luvshooo!!!!

my Anatomy & Physiology Lab exam

well, nothing, i just had to express my joy in this post... no matter how short it may be.

Got to know my exam result to my ana lab exam taken yesterday.... I got a 96%! wohooo! Too bad though.. just 4 points and I would have aced the exam (just like I did during my midterm exam in Biostat and last year's Algebra exams! ha!! beat that!). aaw.... I should have studied, even a bit (instead of spending the weekends making "paseo", as my goddaughter calls it) then maybe I would have gotten a 100% there as well. But oh, well... 96% without absolutely any form of studying. that's somehow good I guess, for ana..

HIM

HE is but a loser
HE doesn't deserve even a part of me
HE has done nothing but cause me hurt over the time flown,

without even his conscious knowing

yet WHY do I still feel this way

WHY do I still care

WHY am I still being demented

WHY do I still love

WHY do I stil find myself longing for him

WHY do I still keep thinking about what could have been

when what could have been is much better than what couldn't have been at all

WHY do I still keep hoping

HOPING that someday he'd realize

HOPING that someday all my desired would come

*** Wrote this while I was at church, supposedly listening to some boring seminar. Well, at least I got myself pre-occupied for, like, 5 minutes?! It was this 4th Grand Cenacle thing-y and I had to stay there from the 1pm mass all the way till the usual 6pm anticipated mass.

Anxiety

Okay, so I was supposed to be happy for yesterday... WE were all happy that we made it through the CPR (even went as far as congratulating ourselves) but I guess we celebrated too soon...

Received news this morning that A LOT OF US FAILED. yes, bummer. If the passing rate was 75%, about 10-15 people failed... BUT... if the passing was 81 (which is our normal passing rate), HALF THE CLASS FAILED!

oh man...

I mean, technically, I shouldn't be scared. I'm realy one of those people who can be considered as impossible-to-fail. It's impossible for me to fail, literally. Classmates (and CIs as well) were shocked to know that even I myself felt scared for the CPR. They knew I could get by it without any problems. But even so, I can't underestimate the fact that the class got THAT LOW a result. There's still that small possibility. I may be one of those on the borderline. I'm scared. quite scared.

Although, there's nothing much to fear, I know. The CPR is just the first of a four-part screening program. There'll soon be the APSA-ANP to face, as well as the Battery Exam. Apart from those two coming exams, our grades will also be part of those that will help us in getting into the next level. All I need to do right now is bank up on my grades and await the coming exams (not to mention final exams next week as well). And, in a way, I am excited and looking forward to those exams (as I do love having exams...hehe. I know, weird.)

I'm ALIVE!

Never thought breathing felt this good.

It's our CPR (Comprehensive Panel Revalida) today. I was number 5 (got to know last week, we got to pick numbers from the container). Yeah, sure, I wanted to be either # 5 or 6 (so I was pretty darn lucky!) but I preferred 6 more (as it's my fave number)... unfortunately, Jvix didn't want to switch with me, waaah! so mean! hehe. So, today came... only the first 10 could stay in the 3rd floor, all the rest had to wait in the caf.

Listed here are the top 6 ( like you'd even know them haha!). I usually focus on the person right before and after me but today I tried to take note of all those before me as well, so these are the only ones whose order I'm sure of:

1. Joan C.
2. Rox U.
3. Mira P.
4. Gilbert D.
5. Femi E.
6. Jvix G.

I was scared alright, but you can't really call it nervousness... I was still somehow carefree. But the moment Gilbert went out, OKAY. I started going stiff. literally. and the CIs had to make me wait out (more torture!). By the time was called in, I didn't know how to act... should I wait for some signal or should I just go ahead and start introducing myself already (esp. since one of my panelists wasn't there yet). Luckily, Ms. Sue (my CI and also the other one of my panelists) had entered the room and now told me to introduce myself, so I did. Sir Nathan told me to pick my topic from the rolls of paper in the container, after which, he told me to read it to them. As I unrolled the piece of paper I got, I was relieved. I got topic number 9! That was Assessment of the Skin, Nails, Hair, Ears, Neck; BP by palpation; obtaining BP! Those topics I loved! BP! The hard thing though was that it was so hard to palpate the patient's pulse. It was thready.

I was still pretty nervous inside the NSk but the moment I got out, oh you should have seen me. I was in a state of euphoria. It probably showed on my face since people noticed a big huge grin plastered on my face and they were asking me how it went! Oh, it felt so good to have it over and done with. And luckily as well, the moment I got out, I spotted my best buds there and got to get a hug from Carisse as I released all the tension that built up within me over those few minutes.

happy....yet anxious

To breathe a sigh of relief. Oh, it feels so good. My day went along perfectly.

Ana Lec - got 2 recitation tickets. One was from defining the function of the rugae in the stomach and another for tracing the path of digestion. YAY! so happy, especially for the last one where I was able to trace the flow of food from the oral cavity to the anal canal (and I'm not talking about naming only the major organs). Even my prof seemed amazed cos everyone was just trying to get things together, memorizing it and stuff ... and I was already raising my hand, ready to answer... this was exactly right after discussion. My classmates even asked me to recite it again, slowly, so they could jot it down. Should've asked the teacher for another ticket for me having to enumerate it all over again. DARN! haha!

Ana Lab - had some quizzes on the Respiratory system. Pretty easy despite the fact that I didn't study at all (well, except for memorizing the pulmonary volumes and capacities and also the pathway of air). It was really hard to study cos of Jvix (ha! special mention ha! hehe)! He was (as usual) so talkative and i kept trying to shush him but he just keeps annoying me and telling me all sorts of stories. hmm... but anyway, thanks to him, at least I didn't have to strain my brain studying further when I didn't need any more information. Yes, luckily, aside from those I memorized, all were stuck knowledge (well, for me anyway).

After the quizzes, we had some activities. We decided to segregate our group. Kari, Ritchy, Gilbert, and Rao would do the experiments as Jvix, Mari, Ate Chris and I do the lab exercises. And what happened? haay, ayun. let's just say B.I. sina Jvix at Mari as nahawa ako sa mga kakulitan nila. ayun. haha. pero it was fun naman. At least the exercise is due on Monday pa. haha.


BREAK - the most awaited event. Lunch at Joan's place. Plan was that we would do the cooking. I don't know what happened, we got there and voila! lunch was already prepared. and oh man, sira ang mga diet namin! ang sarap ng food. Joan's mom prepared seafood pasta (so yum-yum) plus there were 2 huge boxes of pizza from Big Apple. Especially loved the seafood pizza. As for dessert, this type of kakanin was served and also, ice cream. BEN AND JERRY'S!!! (umm, tama ba?) super super yummy! there were 2 flavors: banana split... and I forgot the other one but it was banana too with nuts (i think) and DARK CHOCOLATE (my fave)! (halatang un lang kinain ko noh, ung dark chocolate lang. hehe)

PHC - wala lang, quiz lang. but started late eh (started at 4 instead of the usual 330). So as I was waiting for the time, I spotted Bea and Diana in the faculty room, talking with Sir Medina (Ana prof) so I stayed over with them muna. And sir mentioned to them how good I was... awww, sir. thank you! :) hehe. grabe! it was so fun. ang kulit ni sir!!! hehe. and Bea and Di too, they were keeping him for that long. Imagine. I spotted them at about 345? I had to go in at 4, for class, took the quiz, and when I went out, they were still there talking. Since I wasn't about to go home yet, I stayed with them na. We were just there until 530 and Bea still didn't want sir to go... awww. hehe. anyway...

My current anxiety: tomorrow's RLE... medication administration. ID, IM, Subcu. haay, good luck naman sa ret dem. *gulp*

Lessons

#1. Before you even rejoice in the thought of a long break from studies (due to class suspensions / holidays), THINK TWICE! There's gonna be a lot of making-up to do afterwards. Especially with our situation, midterms are up next week and we've missed a lot of classes in our Thursday-Friday sched (since most of the class suspensions fell on these days). So, unfortunately, this week, AnaLab time was used for Health Ethics. 'Twas such a shame, I love anatomy class. Apart from that, we won't experience going to school at 9 AM this week (our Th-F classes normally start at this time)... instead, we're going to have to make that time 8AM to make-up for our missed quizzes and lessons in Ethics. To think Wednesday's our RLE day, that must be...bleck.

NOTE: thankfully, though, today, we had a film showing for our Ethics class. We watched John Q and I found the story rather nice, and I especially liked the part where they did the heart transplant of the boy. =)

#2. ALWAYS, ALWAYS BRING YOUR BP APP. You never know when someone's going to ask you to take their BP.

What happened, yesterday during our RLE day was that we had our midterm exams then were given a 15min. break. I decided to go up to the 4th floor. All of a sudden, I was "ambushed" by my classmate. Turns out, some prof was asking her to take his BP and now, she goes and asks me to do it. I was calm about it, sure. After all, I like doing vital signs and I'm already so comfortable with it as I'm always the one taking my mom's BP. And sometimes, some relatives even ask me to take their BP as well. So, at that moment, I was thinking, 'yun lang pala eh... and I was wondering why my friend was like "natataranta" ... But after some time, I don't know what happened, I little by little got intimidated... maybe it was because here I was, in the faculty room of the Nursing department, about to take some prof's BP... or maybe it was because I didn't have my trustworthy BP app with me at that time and I was scared of using another one, which I may not have been accustomed to (I told my friend earlier that I didn't have my BP app with me and she said.. "meron ata siya eh."). Sure, I had my stet (in case the CIs wanted us to do assessment that day) but I left it in the Nursing Skills lab. I didn't want to go down and get it as I might disturb others who may still be taking the exam.

Conclusion (???):

So, does that actually mean that I literally have to bring my bp app (and probably other paraphernalia) everywhere? Even during my outside-school "travels" (a.k.a mga lakwatsa)? haha.

Before I forget:

Regarding my previous post (Quadriplegic Confusion), it's confirmed by another CI of ours. That situation is not possible. The term used for an amputee is different from that of a paralyzed man.

Quadriplegic Confusion

Quadriplegia is defined as the paralysis of both upper and lower extremities.

As one of the CIs was giving some scenario earlier, the following was mentioned regarding the patient's condition:
" ... a quadriplegic patient.... on top of all that, he is paralyzed on his left side..."

My Reaction (and the class as well): WHAT?!?!?!
Now that doesn't seem to make sense. Could it possibly be that he meant hemiplegia (for those who don't know, hemiplegia is defined as the paralysis of the body's half - either the right or left side). Classmates were confused. I was trying to think of the possibility that he (the CI) may just be simply mistaken.
Someone goes and asks what he means by quadriplegia, he answers: "the absence of the arms and limbs".
Another one goes and says: "I'm confused. So, are you saying that he has no arms & legs? (yes daw) You mean they (upper and lower extremities) had been amputated?". Suprisingly, the CI answers: "Yes, it had been amputated."
My Reaction: "oh, THAT is definitely NOT right." (of course, I only said it in my mind). It was at this point that I DEFINITELY had to voice out what I thought, saying:
"But sir, doesn't quadriplegia mean the paralysis of both the upper and lower extremities?"

The CI simply restates the patient's condition... "...quadriplegic... soon experienced a stroke, which is why he is now also paralyzed on his left side."
haay. hopeless. we were still in the middle of "debating" when some announcement gets in the way that classes were suspended. Surprisingly, we were all enjoying and didn't want to go home... but we had to.

After that, I thought to myself (even mentioned this to some friends). Fine. The patient's paralyzed, i still can't see why we can't make an occupied bed (which was one of the tasks to be completed). Secondly, let's forget the patient's paralyzed and take the worse scenario, he doesn't have any arms and legs! Yet, you expect us to get the pt. up & out of bed, and into the wheelchair (another one of the tasks). The pt. has no legs, he can't stand! Sure, you can probably carry the patient from bed to wheelchair... but still.

passing time

Okay, so earlier, my friend Diana asked me why I haven't been writing for a while. True. One reason probably would be that I didn't have time to update my blog much any longer. Second, (again, I'm blaming all the requirements placed upon us sophie BSNs) with all the requirements we have to do and with all the deadlines we have to meet, what thing of interest can I write about? Sure there's a lot of everyday laughs with friends and classmates but c'mon I really wouldn't want to write about every little deatil in my life now, would I?

So, now, I'm taking advantage of this time to post whatever random stuffs just enter my mind. I'm warning you, this may be really senseless but hey, I just kinda missed blogging, and I'm trying to make time pass quickly.

#1. We've had 2 class days suspended, and for the first time we had no RLE! yahoo! although, should I really be celebrating these facts? RLE is a very important subject for us and not that I hate it (it's actually one of my faves) but it's just the fact that I've got a lot of friends with numerous pending ret.dems already and here we are, having a new set awaiting us (assessment). Plus, we have this announced-only-hours-before quiz on the entire chapter 37! technically, I don't really study but I try to during this midterms cos I definitely am not happy with my prelim grades. Now, going back, the thing is that since RLE is an impt. subj. of ours, I've had friends tell me we may need to undergo Saturday class just to make up for it (oh no). As for our other subjects, we're pretty much "readying" ourselves for the anticipated heavy workload the profs are sending our way (argh.)

#2. 2 class days suspended due to the typhoon. went home an hour and a half earlier than normal today cos we didn't have IC class (possibly due to college night??? I don't know). Now, why do I feel damn exhausted.

#3. Wish everyday was Monday & Tuesday (and fine, Wednesday - will I be able to take it if this day was included? haha). I LOVE THESE DAYS. All our major subjects are crammed into these days. Sure, this may be our "busy days" (Thursdays and Fridays are our "sleepy days" as me and my friends call it) but these days keep our brains thinking. Besides, aside from the fact that our major subjects are my fave subjects, I really have fun during these days, 'specially during lab.

#4. GOOD THING: excited for tomorrow. I'm going out with friends. Can't believe I'm actually going to watch some cartoons (Ratatouille and Simpsons). And, can't believe I'm actually taking public transpo... which is why I asked Bea & Di that we go there together (since I'm on the way naman). I can ride a trike, I just don't know how to call a jeep (and ask it to stop when the trip is over) haha. It was the decision of both Bea and I to take public transpo since it's fun (plus adventurous)

#5. Should I get a Sun sim? The line is 300 bucks a month for 24 months x3 for 3 phones (for Bea, Carisse, and I). It ought to work out for the whole company. Carlann's already on Sun, Di has got a Sun sim as well ( questionable na lang kung gumagana pa)... so the three of us are the only ones left. the cons: $$$ the pros: unli calls, here we come!

A Simple Tribute

Last May 21, my maternal uncle passed away from heart attack at the age of 46... and just as I was "recovering" from the shock, some other unwanted incident happens.

Barely just about a week ago, my cousin chose to leave this world in which we live. She was the first in my generation. About a month after turning 29, Ana left all of us. The reasons will forever be just a mystery.

I was never really close to Ana as I only knew her during my childhood. I didn't get to grow up with her or her siblings (majority of whom are now in the US). But nevertheless, I felt so sad by her death & I wish so much that I knew her more.

Sadly, due to my classes, I couldn't fly to Cebu to see her for the last time but last night, I got to go to this tribute thing prepared by a few of her friends. From here, i got to know about her... she was an artist, a poet, a writer, a diver, a photographer, a teacher, a speech pathologist... AND, most of all,... I liked how they described her in this one slide which read: "for Ana, poet, seeker of light". All this time, I still have nothing to say but "sayang". It was hard to keep tears from falling especially when Patricia Evangelista (yes, a friend of Ana) was the one talking. Ana was such a smart and pretty girl (the prettiest among the siblings, in my opinion). She was even the best intern in her batch! For all her acomplishments, I look up to her and now try to consider her to be a motivator for me to do good in my studies.

To Ana, thanks for being a part of my life, I will remember you always.

A Taste of Australia

Where can you find a single serving of ice cream (a little more than a pint) that costs 800 bucks?? Go to Cold Rock, Australia... that's where!
My cuz & I went there the other day (30 April 2007, Monday) & we each ordered a regular sized tumbler. Much to our surprise, we ended up having to pay about php500 for the order (it was 400+!).
On the up side, I kinda did enjoy my order (kinda lang daw o!). I ordered a combination of Aussie Vanilla ice cream & Real Coffee ice cream (yeah, you can ask them to mix two ice creams, of your choice, together). As for my toppings, I got chewy choco brownies, choco chips, and maltesers... each topping costs php25. That's a whopping total of 75 bucks for toppings alone!
Yeah, but it was fun... having a photo galore in there! haha! No, I mean... I know it's not worth it to spend that much on ice cream alone but it's just a nice experience to get to try it at least once... it's something different. And, yeah, their ice cream collections are really imported... as well as for some toppings, there were quite a lot of chocolates/candies with packages I've never seen before.
So, what can I say bout the experience? Definitely worth it. I LOVE COLD ROCK!!! (haha, they probably ought to pay me for advertising their company!)

DL Frustrations

This was supposed to have been posted a week ago, when I got my class cards... but I had to stop myself from going online for personal reasons.

BSN 1, 1st sem
I managed to get a cumulative GPA of 92.30 (that's a 3.10, 4 being the highest) but I didn't get to be in the DL (dean's list) due to our English prof. She really gave low grades! I tell you, never in my life have I gotten lower than 92 for English, not once! And then she comes and I get an 83 for my prelims, an 85 for my midterms (consider the fact that I've alrerady been given +2 here), and a 91 for my finals! I think I've only managed to get that 91 because I managed to "fight" with her inside the classroom, correcting the wrong grammar she was teaching us! I don't remember what the excat statement was but I remember Bea correcting the prof first (as my seatmate, Fran & I were discussing her mistake). I didn't notice Bea was already speaking up but Fran pointed it out to me... so we were listening to the prof & Bea argue. Our prof just wouldn't give in to her mistake so Fran started to join in the argument. I didn't really want to argue so I let Fran and Bea do the talking themselves (we had the same point anyways). But still, his (Fran's) arguments were also not being considered by the teacher. It was 2 against 1 and she still wouldn't listen! It was then that I really began to lose my temper! I stood up for what was right! (hehe... dramatic). By the time I started to speak up, I remember everyone in class saying "uy, ma'am, si Femi na 'yan... si Femi na 'yan.." (thank you classmates for believing in my knowledge THAT much!Ü)... after about 5-10 mins. probably, the prof finally stopped to think of the thought of the sentence. And, she didn't want to admit she was wrong! We three were discussing among ourselves...what?... so we won?... we were right!... is she wrong?... The prof approached us when practically everyone had left the classroom & said in a whisper, "you were right." "WHAT???", I asked her (we really couldn't hear her with how soft she was talking)... I did kind of hear what she had said but I wanted her to say it loudly and accept her mistake. Sadly, she just repeated her statement in a soft tone... quite louder than before but still too soft to be heard well by us three.
Still, although I got a 91 for my finals in English, that's only an 86 for the average... we need (at least) a 2.5 (87) per subject (and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75) to be in the DL.


BSN 1, 2nd sem
I managed to get a cumulative GPA of 92... but sadly, Filipino got me this time. I got an 86 there. It's such a spoiler! I got 3's for all my other subjects and only 2.25 for Filipino! Although, there's nothing I can do to complain though. That's my normal grade actually for Fil, for my whole life! I never got line of 9's in Filipino (except last sem when I miraculously got a 94... although I think that's just because the teacher was just being kind on me). I just feel really bad that if I had only exerted a little more effort (I actually, literally failed Fil midterm exams with a 73), I probably would have gotten that much needed 1% and I would have been in the DL. Blame me and my hatred for studying.
All the rest of my grades are okay tho...my next lowest is 91 (English2 & SocioAnthro)... followed by a 92 (Biochem), then a 93 (Bio & Logic - happy to say I got a 97 for my finals in Logic), got a 94 in InfoTech, ... and my highest is a 97 for PE2 (Ballroom Dancing)... although I don't really value that THAT much cos it's just a minor subject with 2 units, tho I admit it does help pull up the cuGPA. I just wish that 97 was what I had gotten for Biochem cos I really ove that subject & besides, it's composed of 4 units! =)

The Best Comment Ever (well, for me at least)

I've just finished packing for tomorrow's overnight and I still can't get that comment out of my mind. It was from my Biochem prof.

As our Biochem period was about to end today, she said something on how she always noticed that I seemed to be the only one really serious about note-taking & how I always seem to take note of every little detail. Hey, what can I say?! I enjoy the subject especially since, as my prof says, it's like a mini-medicine course. And, yeah, I do enjoy note-taking (cos it makes you look really smart & responsible) but I never really actually make use of those notes. Anywayz, back to the story. My prof suddenly told me: "You know, you'd make a good doctor. Why don't you consider taking up medicine?" I was so shocked (and touched) by what she had said! So, yeah, I ended up telling her that THAT was actually my plan.. and she got all happy/excited/ecstatic... whatever you call it. She then said: "Really? That's good! Good for you! Go for it! You'll definitely make a good doctor..." blah blah blah blah blah...

That conversation gave me something to smile about for today. Actually, it's not just a smile.. there's a huge grin plastered on my face right now. hihi... =)

Biology just made my day

Earlier, our group had to present a skit on the bod's immunity to pneumonia (the bacteria-caused disease assigned to our group). It was too bad for us (and some other group) cos the skit was supposed to be due last Friday but due to lack of time, the last two groups weren't able to perform. It was unlucky since the standards the teacher set for today's skits were much higher (she was easy on those who presented Friday). I had seriously expected a grade of 84% but turns out, we got a grade of 99%! All that thanks to the creative mind of Althea!Ü
After the skit, our midterm grades were flashed up front. For those who aren't aware, I haven't attended Biology class at all duriong the midterms, and I didn't even bother to pass any bonus projects given. All I passed where whatever requirements were given (and of course, the exam). Surprisingly, I still managed to be one of the top in class, I got a 99% (got a 90% for the prelim, the highest that time). My friend, Ge-An (whom I've also influenced on not attending Bio classes any longer) got to be the highest.. she got a 101%! wooo! Go Ge-An!Ü She did pass this bonus on the DNA Structure... but who cares! galing pa rin nun!

So, if any of you hesitate on cutting class (especially Bio, where attendance isn't counted), take it from us! We didn't attend even one Bio class (except probably if there were quizzes) and we still managed to be the highest ones!Ü

Pressures

TEACHERS' NIGHT
Last Friday, 23 Feb. 2007, was a very special day for our college professors. In the evening, we had this program were various students prepared song/dance numbers to give tribute to the teachers.
I was one of those who was included in our batch's presentation number. Ives was the one in charge of planning everything out and she had prepared some poem to be read by a few people & after, a song would be sung. Ives has been forcing me to join them in singing YOU (by The Carpenters) but I had strongly refused since I didn't want to stay in school till late evening (especially since Fridays are my busy days). Alas, we were required to join, so I decided to sing with Ives & the gang (on the condition that I'm alto). I made this decision only on Thursday, and performance was on the next day. Somehow, we ended up practicing in Shell Select. woo! how humiliating!
Friday came, and I've found myself crammed up in my schedule. The only meal I got to eat for the day was lunch (composed of fish, banana, and a glass of milk).
Sadly Fran didn't sing with us during the performance. It's such a waste cos he really is so good. Plus, di ako nawawala pag nandun xa, madaling mahanap ang tono. I even made this descant for the 1st stanza but I ended up not doing it cos it clashes with the way Izzy sings (not classical).. so scrap that. To make things short, practices turned out to be great (especially on that morning's practice with Ives, Jessa, Faith, Alyanna & Fran) but in the actual performance, nagkalat kami! un na un!

Med Mission
Another thing worrying me (and causing me pressure) is this Med Mission that Carisse and I are planning. It's going to be held on the 17th of March, a Saturday (just 3 Saturdays from now, to be exact). Yet, we still don't have any doctors to assist us! oh man!

Others
Yes, there are other things that are pressuring me lately but they're the ordinary school requirements such as reportings, projects, and formal lab reports. So, it's nothing quite unusual except that there are a lot of them lately.

Time Goes By... So Slowly

I don't know why but it seems as though time really passes by so slowly recently. Yeah, I know, midterms are coming up next week and we've got a TON of requirements needed to be submitted before next week's exams (not to mention Formal Lab Reports and the PE Midterm Exam this week). It just seems as though it took forever for those exams to finally be here. Although, it IS possible that it's only me. My BioChem prof has been constantly reminding the class of how swift the second semester is gonna be (and I certainly don't agree with her).

So, now, I find myself blogging again, after such a long time. A lot has happened over the time that has passed and I don't know why I haven't been writing any posts. Right now, I'm blogging just to get away from doing my Formal Lab Reports... taking a breather.

Why don't I take this opportunity to write a movie review on a film I saw during SocioAnthro class last Tues., 23 January 2007. The movie was entitled The Notebook. We saw it in connection to our lesson on marriage. I was kind of excited at first since a lot of my friends have already been telling me of how it was such a wonderful movie and I was finally going to be able to see it. Alas, as the movie progressed, I found myself eagerly awaiting the end. I found the plot to be pathetic! I didn't find it romantic at all. At the point were the story finished & the granny remembered her life story, I thought that was the end of it all. FINALLY! But I was so wrong... There was still more to come as some twist ruined my glorious moment. Granny gets caught in her disease and forgets everything again... DARN! That was all I could say. Finally, the real ending came where the couple died together. They lay in a hospital bed, holding each other's hands. HALLELUJAH! The surprise came to me when I looked around the class and saw how everyone seemed to have shed a lot of tears... and I mean EVERYONE! I wish I had cried too, at least that would have meant that I have been touched by the story but NO.... I was the only one in the room with a dry eye. Not even a tiny tear fell. haay. Not a good movie for me.