Transformers One and Jaybucks

Sweetie wanted to watch "Transformers One" and we discovered you can watch it through Google TV. I used to watch Transformers on TV when I was a child, so I'm familiar with the characters. I also get to watch whenever Sweetie views videos and I usually ask him a gazillion questions. 

We decided to have a movie night to watch Transformers One. Sweetie and Miggy prepared Jaybucks 3-cheese pizza and we just ordered pasta and chicken. Perfect meal while watching a movie!

I didn't know what to expect. Sweetie just said it was the story on how Optimus Prime and Megatron started. I was surprised to find out that Optimus Prime and Megatron were besties and we're once upon a time smaller. I loved the storyline and how it seemed to have references to pop culture. I also loved how it was animated. TBH, it's much better than the movies that had humans in it. This one is more nostalgic and ties nicely to how I was introduced to the Transformers when I was a child.

That's all I would say for now since I don't want to give any more spoilers. Watching it is worth the time and renting the movie. Now we'll watch BTS and easter egg vids!

Happy weekend!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Pulmo Rehab Progress

I'm happy I was able to attend my pulmo rehab sessions the past 3 weeks. Yay! My therapist usually ramps me up whenever I go MIA because I'm sick. We did the full set today and oh boy, I'm depleted! Haha. I think it was the right level-up since I didn't conk out right after the session. 

I have been feeling heavy since I was rendered useless after our Ikea trip last month. I took awhile to get better, but my back has been painful and I think it's affecting my appendages. I'll probably see my neuro first and have her refer me to a spine doctor. 

I feel the difference though after three pulmo rehab sessions. I'm getting stronger again. I hope we'll be able to start spinning again next week. I'll probably try to use the stationary bike in the next few days to prepare. I just need to make sure I don't overdo things so I can consistently attend my sessions. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Sometimes This is All You Need

My hair had grown so long. It already reached my waist line and it was so annoying already. I haven't been able to have a haircut. It always got pushed back.

Since we came home from Singapore, I couldn't find the right hairdresser. I'm a creature of habit and I really had a hard time finding a new hairdresser when Mama Red left the salin I frequented since I was in high school. I found a good salon in Makati and that worked for me even when I moved to Singapore. When my trips to Manila dwindled, I experimented and got a haircut in Tokyo. The hair stylist didn't want to cut my hair short, but since I insisted he eventually gave in and gave me a nice haircut. The pandemic ended my love affair of getting haircuts in Tokyo and I was forced to find a salon in Singapore. (Check out when it took two years before I could get a haircut, here).

I have been hopping from one salon to another the past three years. I'm not really fussy and to be honest, I don't like going to the salon. My friend Gab used to have someone in his team who could do hair, but she left, so that started my quest to find a new hairdresser.

I badly needed a haircut and had one last Sunday. It looked really nice, but my hair was all over the place the next morning, haha. I guess that means the quest is still on. I'm just happy for now that my hair isn't as bothersome as before. It will grow out and I'll probably try a new salon again.

Get a haircut. Sometimes it's all you need to reset 🤗

#BeKind #StaySafe

Booksale Made Me Panic!

The other day, Booksale's CEO posted a gratitude post and mentioned that they were closing some branches. Sweetie had brought home five books for me just last week. Of course, I panicked and wanted to know whether they were keeping the branch near where I live.

There is nothing like Booksale. I grew up buying books there. It has the books I like for every season of my life. There was something similar in Singapore, but the books were still expensive. Whenever I went home I would visit Booksale whenever I can. It's a staple shop for me and that's why I had to visit and reassure myself it's still there, haha.

We had errands today. We finished it quickly and immediately went to Booksale after. I told the staff I wish they'd keep the branch. She said it's saw till there. I know it's close to their warehouse, so I'm hopeful they'll keep it. Sweetie and I left with 4 books each 😅

Miggy loves to read. We always visit a bookstore whenever we're near one. His love for reading started when he was in nursery school. We encouraged it and buying books is always part of our budget (that's why we love Booksale!). If you have children or nephews and nieces, encourage them to read. They will surely gain a lot of wisdom and knowledge from reading. 

Go visit a Booksale today. A list of their branches can be found here.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Be Kind also to Persons with Invisible Disabilities

I lost my greatest ally last year, my Mom. She understood perfectly that I wasn't functioning normally anymore. I didn't have to explain to her why I finally went home. She just knew and protected me as much as she could.

When you look at me, you won't think I have serious medical conditions. I guess that's God's gift to me. Let her look normal, but let's hide all her issues. I always get weird looks from guards whenever we park on PWD parking. Weirder looks when I give my PWD card at restaurants. At the clinic yesterday, the medtech didn't bother to ask me if I was okay while I was gasping for breath after being asked to lie down for an ultrasound. And the other medtech had to be told to help me move the foot stool so I could get up on the bed.

I'm a fighter. My pulmo rehab team have recommended for me to use a wheelchair whenever I'm out. I insist to walk because my legs still function. They are worried my heart will be strained with the effort. 

What people dont notice is I stop every 10-15 steps or I walk very slowly. Every 3 steps on stairs, I take a break. I also always have either Sweetie or Miggy assisting me. Yes, I look normal, but my lungs and heart are not. I could easily faint if I'm not careful. My doctor requires me to always have someone around whenever I putter around the garden.*

And that's why I keep mostly to myself and stay home. I don't want to bother others since they don't understand my medical condition. Only a handful of people do. I see friends in a similar plight raising awareness about invisible disabilities. Sadly, very few can really grasp it.

To have an idea if my circumstance, just think you're carrying a 30 kilogram backpack all the time. Can you imagine the weight? Now think you're carrying the heavy backpack up the viewing deck at Chocolate Hills. Can you feel the strain on your body? That's how I feel most of the time, even when I'm in bed. Can you still breathe? 

I've had to keep to myself. I avoid people who don't understand that I'm on a different path. My pace is different and I cannot possibly follow the norm. Since I lost Mom I had to learn to set boundaries to protect my wellbeing, my mind, my spirit, and what energy I have left. I'm grateful I have people around me who understand, provide guidance and prayers. 

So, please be kind also to people with Invisible disabilities.

*It's probably why our cats always hang out with me whenever I water the plants. They are watching over me.

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Executive Check-up Didn't Go as Planned

My medical insurance team reminded me that part of my package includes an executive check-up. I was so happy to hear this since I go through a battery of tests usually twice a year. Since I'm due to see my cardiologist soon I scheduled the tests so I can have it in time for my appointment.

My appointment didn't go as smoothly as planned. I had my LOA, but there were communication issues between my insurer and the facility. Well, I read the reviews about the facility last night. A lot of the complaints were about communicating with the facility. So I set my expectations low.

Good thing I set the bar low because the facility failed to complete their internal communications. I wasn't on the appointment list. I'm glad I was still accommodated since I already fasted for 10 hours. I didn't finish all the tests and the interview. After three hours my energy was already depleted and I was due to drink my medications (full stomach required). We just rescheduled the rest of the tests.

I really don't like being in a clinic, so we went for comfort food after. Then did some adulting stuff again, haha. And had merienda before we went home.

Health is wealth and I'm glad I just kept my cool. I just passed on my feedback to my medical insurance team since I think the facility needs to improve with how they handle PWD patients. They do have a great phlebotomist (Pat) and I'll ask for her in case I need to go back for a blood test.

Rest well my friends.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Safe!

Thank you Lord for keeping us safe from the typhoon. I pray for my fellow countrymen severely affected by it. Please keep them safe and give them strength to recover from the disaster. Amen 🙏