JAZZY JEAN

LENT: THE FILIPINO WAY

2009-04-17T23:55:00.018+08:00

The Filipino culture of celebrating Lent is a galactic extreme apart from the rest of the world, and albeit sharing the Catholic Christendom with its Western counterparts in beliefs is still regarded as inveterately penitential in nature, even odd to some.

For many and even of the same flock in the RCC (Roman Catholic Church), we are still with practices and sacred traditions stuck in the Roman period.

I am quite religious, a staunch Catholic, schooled in a Catholic institution for both my grade and high school years, not your diligent daily parish church goer (but a regular Sunday and First Friday mass attendee), notably Catholic in many observances and convictions notwithstanding. My family is entirely Catholic. My almost Vatican-entrenched/bred, holier-than-thou, raised –by- Pope Pius X- and –guided- by- St.- Francis of Assisi (lol) parents served the parish as parish pastoral council presidents for several years in our village church. Mom even goes to pilgrimages in Rome and of recent in Vietnam with her friends with only prayer and fasting as her armor during these holy days. Not to be beaten is dad who is part of the lay ministers and the Knights of Columbus. Brother, a Bosconian alumni who follows St. John Bosco’s maxim “Run, jump, play BUT DO NOT SIN “, cannot last without his weekly dose of confessions to a priest. And what does that make me? Now I feel like the black sheep amongst them all, ha-ha.

Whilst in most European countries and other parts of the western world are holidaying, Filipinos find these things as a mortal sin. You will surely be met with utter disdain for such irreverence! Being extra careful driving as one is more possible to bleed from a cut and worse, meet an accident, not dancing, not even jumping nor mere playing outside the house and staying mum until Christ has risen are all just part and parcel of the whole magnification of this ecclesiastical celebration that we call as LENT.

I also grew up with these practices that others consider as myths. And although (some of) these antiquated and severely Catholic Filipino practices have gone to modified charters, adapting to contemporary times, they are still practiced nonetheless. Only in the Philippines will you hear Filipino people reprimand you for taking a bath on a HOLY WEEK particularly on a Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) and a Good Friday. Loud music is met with frustrated consternation from the oldies. Most Catholics, as a form of penitence, undergo the hypoglycemic ordeal of fasting. Eating pork is a no-no and you will be no sacred cow to the constant berating of manangs and manongs if you don’t take these traditions seriously.

Your next door manangs doing the marathon singing of the PABASA in front of an image of Jesus the Nazarene. Kids chanting the PASYON whilst standing on a make -shift altar. An image of the PASYONG MAHAL book of PASYON - the book the beckons many devotees.

The sedate Holy Week tradition and practices in the Philippines is made more interesting with another unique embellishment --- the PABASA. Singing in that distinct arcane and exotic provincial tune, the laity of the church (usually your next door manangs and manongs, no offense meant) set up an altar in their village, some making their homes as the place for this ritual or even the church and chants tirelessly from Holy Wednesday until Good Friday the entire book of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ known as PASYON, of which contents lifted from the Holy Bible depicts the life and death of Jesus Christ. Some Filipinos consider this tradition as central to the faith for it indoctrinates the people about the redemptive act of Jesus Christ’s bloody and harrowing brutal death.

Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday must, for very obvious reasons, be spent in a sacrosanct fashion – set for mourning, literally. Expect businesses to be closed . The media in the Philippines is in a low-keyed mood . Music stations follow suit as well to pay respect : no upbeat music and comedy programs. Should you decide to listen otherwise to something not mellow, better jettison the idea as not only would oldies (that includes your parents, your friends’ parents, your uncles and aunts, your grandparents and the whole Catholic lineage) reprimand you, but you might as well experience a harangue of sorts form your laity and parish priest (lol). Actions and environment must ideally emblematize the Lenten season. And hey, oops? I say these things with sincere jest, not to mock the practice.

LENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

--- is hyperbole in action!

The re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s flagellation and crucifixion is still vibrantly welcomed in the only Christian country in Asia. Spain’s Semana Santa will certainly be put to a disgrace and I am cocksure that the German Pope will suffer a transient loss of consciousness if he chanced upon to witness this unbelievable event.

I regard these practices though as sacred in memoriam of the Passion and Death of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

WARNING : GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

One brave man subjecting himself to the whole enchilada of the re-enactment of the 14 stations --- crucifixion included! A familiar Lenten practice in the whole of Pampanga, this poor (but brave) man, one among those many who have undergone penitential acts is being nailed --- and with that grotesque size of a nail! And yes, you see blood , the picture isn't lying.

Passion Sunday, as it must be addressed properly (known to most as Palm Sunday) is good business for palm decorators. Here, a woman palm peddler sells her palms ( and other native tree branches) which are considered staples at the Sunday before Easter Sunday. Palm branches are used as a tool to commemorate the time when Jesus was welcomed warmly in Jerusalem , a week before his passion and death. I still prefer the original palm branch (sitting on the lavender pail) but since procurement of palms isn’t an easy task, palm peddlers usually make native tree branches as ready substitutes.

Recently, an Australian (John Michael) local subjected himself to crucifixion when he played as Jesus. When asked why he would do such a courageous and heroic act, he did not offer a reply. His companion however said it's something personal for John.

Pampanga could well be a UNESCO World Heritage Site (lol) for being the bloodiest place when the Lenten season hits. Gua-Gua, Cutud and San Fernando- all places from Pampanga where actual re-enactment take place draw a legion of crowds.

These crucifixion and flagellation re-enactment rituals are devoutly and yet to some, sanctimoniously observed all throughout the country particularly in the provinces. Urbanized areas and cities as well practice such but without much ado the way provincial people exhibit. The Filipino men, subjecting themselves to this ordeal genuinely believes that by doing the act, their sins are washed away; forgiven. Believe me or not, this most popular Holy Week Lenten celebration draws a sizable crowd of a grand mix- curious - not-the-faint-at heart foreigners/tourists, street people ( tambays as what we call them here in the Philippines), the educated, uneducated and those in the higher echelons even.

The Philippines is predominantly Catholic in belief and thus, citizens would always participate in religious activities that serve as the ladder closer to God. Catholics not only believe in just THE WORD but treat sacred traditions as integral to the faith. We regard the mass as the highest form of prayer for in this celebration, the mystical body of Christ is transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ. Remembering the passion and death of Jesus Christ in order to liberate us sinners from tribulations is also experienced with every mass celebrated. I am fully aware that many, from the other sects of Christianity will find these Catholic dogmas contentious and say ”Oh come on, that is blind faith”. In my book, what makes faith blind is when one relies only on what is seen.

Like the wind, we believe in that presence for we experience it in our lives. And like Christ’s faithful followers some 2000 years ago, we (should) become as the modern day Pauls, Johns, Peters and the rest of His disciples whose works to propagate the universal Catholic faith must be extended in our bleak spirited and hedonistic world.

Rx FOR LOVE

2008-02-14T16:21:00.025+08:00

I do not wish to counter Tina Turner's assertion when she belted the lines 'what's love got to do ..got to do with it... what's love...but a second-hand emotion', lyrics from the popular song "What's Love Got to Do with It". Clearly, the song speaks of a jaded view about love.

If you happen to watch Tina's life story in the 1986 movie "What's Love Got To Do With It" [performed by Angela Basett], and had seen what love did to her 3 decades ago, with her then notorious husband the late Ike Turner, then maybe you can sing with all the passion she has for this particular song along with her electrifying distinct trademark combo of head shaking and body gyrations. I also wouldn't blame you if oh-so-carefully, you now will be treading the path of love ,this time newly equipped with a tragic-developed eagle eyes and a keen sense of a bloodhound, careful not to fall prey to any man's(or woman's) blinding charisma. But hey, don't be that automatically dimmed as things have a way of turning out better. Look at her now - happy with another man ,living in France , richer,ha-ha and curvaceous at 68.

Given the traditionalist view that love sustains all , we are equally aware that sometimes, it doesn't. There are a number of considerable factors that are just as vital as love in considering a long-term relationship. My contention is that everybody knows that.

This must be the most dismal blog entry that will put you in the doldrums about Valentine's Day.

In this day and age ,every solution offered is meant to ease out each unwanted crease and obliterate the entire crooked twist in your life. Heed me. The world is such a big and diversified market that even divorce is now a product! Are you aware of this? That divorce has become a market-driven strategy geared towards seductively teasing the entire human populace? And in that light, do you care to know that there was a divorce trade show? Well, brace yourself. There was. Check this out. Actual news shown here : Divorce Fair - RADIO NETHERLANDS WORLDWIDE.

The first ever divorce fair tradeshow in NL(Holland) landed the sparkling visage of the central Dutch city in Utrecht, Netherlands last weekend, being the 2nd in Europe, with Austria where the first divorce tradeshow was held . Yes, a divorce fair - not a job fair. While in the Philippines, job fair/s teeming with job hunters is the usual scenario, in liberal Netherlands (NL) is a different story - a social experiment, I may say. Whew!

Can you imagine one strolling-shopping day with your significant other and family, when 'sales representatives' follow, run and shove frantically to your face a leaflet about divorce? DIVORCE : READY in 24 hours ! FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Experience the fastest absolute worry free way to finally be out of the blue. LIVE LIFE ONCE AGAIN. Meet new hot individuals,lol (25 on an average) in a space of two hours! Have you ever wondered that a lot of professions would possibly be at the brink of extinction with law academes and law offices sprouting like mushrooms, bringing forth an insurgency of law graduates whose aim and poise is trained, fortified and primed to dismantle and instigate family disintegration, thriving in their craft and getting richer with your misery?

In Vienna, the capital of Austria alone , last quarter of 2007 , the huge turn out of divorce had an all time high of 50% . The whole business ensemble were there; lawyers [of course], mediators, private detectives, real estate and car agents and travel agencies. And if you are curious enough how the tradeshow fared, wondering how it tickled this Hitler-town if it did show an iota of interest among Europeans, well it had a good success rate according to reports. CLICK HERE to view report.

Geez. Our world is indeed getting crazier by the minute. Seemingly non -existent anymore is the ' the - road- less -traveled' character our society once had. My impression: The western world is going to hell in a hand basket.
(Photo credits: BBC NEWS WORLD)

It is a sad plight. I believe in marriage and the sanctity along with it. People fall in love, get married , raise kids, dream and only find themselves divorcing at the slightest provocation? People in the business world, law academe and even in the medical world have become overly educated that values have been relegated - down the drain, in fact. Why well, I am one among the many those who are continuously alarmed about stalwart moves for divorce. BARRICADE ASIA! PROTECT THE PHILIPPINES! Be careful, they.are.out.to.get.you. Insidiously flourishing, creeping and taking bold steps to make it happen, initiatives to implement such Draconian measures are well under way. Hopefully , it would not dominate the world, with our soul as it's commodity, it's prime market. Brr...chills run down my spine. I think I need a cup of coffee to briefly escape this, lol.

It is not that stunningly mouth-gaping anymore to hear about divorce, the cruelties of the stigma attached to it, with the kids of the parents most vulnerable to a throng of social ills - drug and alcohol addiction, juvenile delinquency and shattered spirits that proved more often than not irreparable,
thereby themselves, being contributors to the same vicious cycle once more. But for Christ's sake, to make it seem that this is a usual eventuality, hence making it this available, this ready? Are you kidding me? To make it sound like it is exhibiting to the crowd specialty European cuisines with delicacies to try, taste and buy? Caveat emptor! Some food can actually poison you. Openly, this is an 'agenda' that most of the western world has embraced, which makes it logical to target NL as its' next victim- yeah, the openly liberal NL.

Perhaps a derivative of Europe's long history and idiosyncrasies about Christendom, it still is palpable up to this time, manifested in the misbelief of 'societal reforms', which purely touch base to serious moral issues at hand. Call it the extension of the Reformation period when the peasants were slaughtered by the reformists at the height of their cry for reforms.

Here in the Philippines, the divorce bill [House Bill 4016] will totter a stir and cause the stern arbiters of morality to uprise once the solons in congress pass it . Emanating from a feminist move or an enlightenment to relive life , this bill when passed is going to be sheer business alright. Business at the expense of other's misery and 'assistance/help' in the context that there is a better choice than staying. Thanks to the outspoken opposition of the Catholic church in it's quest for moral redemption in this country, and even with all its errors in history, is still, by and large, staunchly safeguarding the Filipino people against the erosion of the very core of our society- the family. I applaud them for that.

Divorce is indeed a highly taxing process --not only in the pocket, but, moreover, to the whole chain of stress levels and high emotional upswings, the trauma and the stigma attached et al that one goes through with it . Seen as practically logical and 'realistic', it is mistaken as the answer to experience quality of life, even at the cost of loosing our sanctity of life. Nowadays, practicality is so perceived as logical. As far as I know, logic is only rational when it follows the Divine law.

What about the battered women? That is why you have counseling ,the local police, the psychiatrists , the church and the social sectors to comfort these poor women [and in rare cases, men]. And what about those who batter these women/men? Send them to therapy and if it happens again, put them behind bars. That's why we have the law. Hurray for the still single individual status, you now have an ample time to meticulously collect and select.

So where is this headed now that the year 2008 is fully booked and planned for Europe's scheme of division? I have learned there were already fights about DIVORCE REFORM LAWS. Huh? What is this? Does that mean that this is how the world perceive humanity? That divorce has become a real alternative?

"Let's get them to fall in love via dating online[the easiest, the trickiest] and offer a deluge of handy escapes. Ha-ha. Divorce is the best alternative... we will succeed... people like it easy." So where is ' to love, to cherish and to hold'?
Just where has it gone by now? Divorce is NOW an accepted option? Is that it? That when things don't work as planned, there is always the refuge to seek one that is easy? Choices, choices, choices. We say we are glad we have a choice. But are we sure we do the right choice?

The daily grind of activities we have set forth have, and will really eat us up if we ALLOW it. We have become so permissible for the sake of all things easy- Presto! I am not against the ease of use that technology enjoys today though for it has surely brought us somewhere. I just cannot shake it off that even with the good major sphere of our personal lives, the concept of 'ease' manages to take hold on us. Chilling indeed.

Getting married is not commercialism, nor should be regarded as a piece of paper alone . It is a vow, a sacred sanctity. When you marry, you are tying the knot with your partner and God as well - the same God who binded you and your partner together and Who must be in the middle of it all. With the advent of divorce fairs, it is not impossible if it develops gradually before finally becoming apparent that it has already swept the world as a market. The devil really makes things easier. He knows no sacrifice as pleasuring himself on unworthy causes and flimsy pursuits are top on his portfolio. He makes everything ready - an intelligent and selfish creature he is. In this modern day, his minions are just around, spuriously advocating it's worry free solutions to marriage-related pressing issues, with some of them who have sold their souls to achieve a zooming bliss and still some, blinded with what they advocate for. What then will become of us - a new dark age?

Lawyers, health care workers, each one of us - Let us know our mission. It's cool, vogue, hip -- a concept seductively numbing our moral sense with the popular clamor for what else but practicality. You can have all the quality of life you want as quality is also subjective. Sanctity is never subjective. The body is clothed, the soul is naked.

Isn't it chilling to just rely on yourself for everything? Acknowledge God in your life. HE is the only solution. The best there is. No more, no less. Know Him, embrace Him. Celebrate love and life! HE is our medicine.

DON'T TOUCH IT!

2008-02-02T22:22:00.002+08:00

Have you ever been grimacing over a pain that should have not been there in the first place? Have you, in the whole stretch of 2 weeks + some days experienced that nagging pain, not once, but mockingly twice in a year, making it an unwanted annual twin commemoration of a painful event? Do you, in your idle time, find things to clean (and re clean) thoroughly – scouring the toilet spotless; sanitizing , deodorizing, until it is dustless and stainless you can almost lick it’s bath tiles?

Well, I have. I have equally done a similar clean up act that caused me to guard my right ear for dear life, careful not to pull or tug it by accident that will cause undue harm. Yes, I am talking about an ear ache that left me annoyed, irritable and somehow sleepless. Sometimes, and more often than not, health practitioners can ironically be stubborn than they are expected to be. :D

My ears are in a constant itchy state, or maybe that was just how I perceived it as dirty. I would clean (abuse) it every so often daily, using those beloved pliable cotton tips . Ahh, what ecstasy . I would probe and probe , rotating relentlessly that tiny tool cohort in my quest to win a non -existent cleanest ear contest. EVERY INCH OF MY EAR. No stopping until I don't see any smudge of dirt, making sure that the cotton bud is immaculately white - a signal to stop the wicked act.

How much do I really use /day? About 10-12 double-ended cotton tips and a little over than that sometimes when swept with the hygienic wave. I just need to satisfy that ultimate dose of that ear-clean fix. Beat that.

I really don't know why but I have quite an unusual desire to make everything spic –and- span, shiny and glittery, dry yet not scaly- but matte, fresh and moisturized, clean and cleaner, am I obsessive- compulsive or what, lol. Nah, I am mentally stable. Perhaps this is also an offshoot from mom's consistent prodding to make everything tidy. But well, just like everybody else, we all have our own quirks and this is mine.

Well today, the ENT (Ear Nose Throat) specialist saw me. After the usual greetings, I readily supplied the ENT with pertinent info about my ear problems- the pain involved, the frequency ,duration of clean time, the ringing of the ears and the congestion I feel as well as the remedies I sought for myself like using Paracetamol for the pain in my right ear. He sounded like he could not believe what he saw when he peered into my ears through his otoscope. He said to me sardonically, " Why do you have to do this so bad?". The replies crowding in my head were " So you can squeeze money from me" and " Well, you should be thankful you have me as an additional patient to mighty practice your specialty." Nah, of course I did not say those. "It is good you can still hear me at this distance quite well.", he added. Hearing that eased me up a bit. " Is my eardrums still intact?", I quipped.

Luckily, the doctor said it seems like it is as he does not observe signs of perforation yet, no liquid exudates like blood and pouring waxy substances. But he told me that my severely swollen ear canal covers the entire circumference of my eardrum. So that was why he just cannot see it yet! I knew that there was swelling alright, but never thought that it's presence would last even until now when the pain is over for 4 days already. I was hell -bent to succeed recuperating by myself since this is not the first time it happened to me.

Last year's 2nd (and last) infection was a milder form, only taking me 2-3 days to be relieved. I thought I could buy and employ the same otic medication that the ENT I saw last year gave me. But , congratulate me for not self -medicating that antibiotic. =) That time of great pain felt and the uneasiness I still feel up to now would, in my honest opinion, excuse anybody suffering from that "malady" to just grab ANYTHING for relief!

Now this is what you should know.

Here is an image representation of the ear's anatomy showing a separate view of the eardrum just a little below the entire ear parts.

Sound waves collected by the pinna [auricle] travel through the ear /auditory canal and upon reaching the tympanic membrane [eardrum] vibrate. The 3 small bones vibrate as well, sending this same vibration to the inner ear - the snail like shaped cochlea. Inside it, the sounds are transformed as electrical signals. The auditory nerve carries or transmits this signal to the brain which the brain now interprets as sound.

See the short video below.

Otitis Media is inflammation and infection of the middle ear. Otitis means infection and media means middle. While it mostly affects 75% of infants and children, it can definitely affect adults alike [like moi]. Usually, Otitis Media starts with sore throats, colds and other respiratory problems. This is so because the Eustachian tube is connected to the back of the nose to the middle ear. When liquid pools there for long, bacteria and virus settles. This also affects hearing as the Eustachian tubes equalizes the pressure between the middle ear cavity and the atmosphere outside by allowing fluid and mucus to drain outside of the middle ear cavity. Infection from extreme manipulation (via cleaning) of the ears will surely cause just the same.

Note: If you have children and infants, be aware of the usual signs of an ear infection : constant crying, persistent tugging and pulling of the ear ,irritability, difficulty sleeping, fever and a loss of balance. Keep in mind that the they are more prone to ear infections as their immune system are just developing and their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower and more horizontal. Bottle feed your child upright, limit exposure to respiratory infections, avoidance of pacifier use beyond 10 months of age, avoidance of exposure to passive smoking as it is found out to be an allergen contributing to ear infections and ensure that your child's immunizations [including influenza] is up-to-date. Cold medications , anti histamines and decongestants do not relieve Otitis Media.

DISCLAIMER: In no way are the suggested preventive measures meant to replace seeking your doctor. Consulting your doctor when symptoms arise is still the best option.

The absence of the terrible right ear pain is not a consolation for the fullness I feel in my head. The congestion in my right ear feels like there is a vacuum nestled inside my ear, sucking all the sound away. Overbearingly annoying. Voices and other forms of sound are muffled and I have to strain and move closer most of the time to pick up where the source of a particular sound comes from. Noooo, no way will I get a hearing loss. Am I on the verge of it? I hope not. There were even times it precedented an unwanted headache. I also hear a continuous ringing of my ears (tinnitus) which is bad. Blame me. I know. It's my fault

This is the prescription handed to me by the ENT specialist and my new found bestfriends ; the anti- infective ear drops and oral antibiotics, lol.

I was prescribed an anti-infective and anti-inflammatory otic [ear] drops and a week of the 4x-in -a day-of-500 mg oral antibiotic intoxication!! 500 mg - 4x in a day! God, I need to be drugged this much?! He said he cannot rely on the otic drops alone as my ear canal is severely mammothing over my tympanic membrane[eardrum], that thin sheath of tissue protecting the inner ear from middle ear infections. Arrgh! I hate antibiotics. Once, I suffered from a gastrointestinal distress after 2 doses, and that, let me tell you, was taken in after meals, as per that doctor's advice! Anyway, antibiotics either inhibits or eliminates, or do both, the growth of bacteria in the body. It has a broad use against infections and similarly, adverse effects vary.

What I am worried about right now is the 4 doses prescribed by the specialist to me. I asked for a lower dose but the informidable doctor smiled sweetly and said," Believe me, this is what you need" . I acquiesced to my doctor's order for the following reasons ; being able to enjoy reading (as I love to read a lot) without the annoying humming sound and thus more concentration, saying goodbye to my highly irritable periods , and saving my face from answering phone no 2 when phone no 1 was the one ringing which happened to me days ago, lol!

After I thought everything was discussed, I thanked the doctor and prepared to leave. I think that the doctor read my mind very well that I can be a bit stubborn with the urge to just stick, rotate and collect some real and imaginary dirt from my ears. I was about to leave the doctor's office when he said " And oh - please, don't clean your ears yet" . Of course, being an advocate of the clean brigade movement, lol, I haggled with the specialist for me to at least clean my ears one time daily, even ONLY after a bath. I promised that I would be oh-so-gentle, pleading like it is a part of the grand scheme of my life for him to take that privilege away from me. But he was immovable. Goodness! This is the penance for that sinful act, lol.

"Not just yet", he told me rather sternly. "Until I say so please. AND - try not to have that right ear wet from your taking a bath. No swimming too. I repeat -- he said, as if his instructions were vague, NO CLEANING OF EARS YET, MS. --- . Please be back on your next appointment"

Arrgh. Geez, how long must I wait when I can already do the delicious act? I have to see the ENT after 10 days so he can check the progress of my ailing right ear. I hope the condition is better by then and that I be allowed to resume cleaning my ears again-- this time , within the norm. =)

Lesson learned: Being an RN doesn't give you the liberty to clean to your heart's content.

WATCH OUT WORLD, I’M COMING AT YA! -XXXXXXOOOOOO, DENGUE

2008-01-30T09:50:00.001+08:00

“Someone about to graduate from his college course collapsed suddenly on the floor and just died. The mother was distraught with extreme pain and sadness.” “There were bleeding in all portals of exit in the 8 year old child's body”. “The family thought it was just one of those common flu…it was too late when the kid was rushed to the emergency”. “The infant succumbed helplessly to death…” “ I thought my child is already okay… I didn’t know he was bleeding internally even after the fever...his platelet has gone too low.” “ Mom, I feel dehydrated and weak with this back pain crippling me.” These were just but some of those I heard every so often the past weeks, either from the relatives’ stories themselves or 2^nd hand anecdotal accounts of people close to them, with the last one I heard from my then febrile son. (Photo credits: BBC NEWS UK edition)

I failed terribly in my resolve. I vowed to myself that I will not ever write anything concerning this deadly mosquitoe-borne disease, Dengue. But the nagging feeling won't let up like a broken record playing in my head, disquieting my peace every time I hear horrid stories of children and even adults afflicted with this disease – you should have written something about dengue...let other people know… you should be one with the health professionals actively disseminating information…you should have written something about dengue….

Days passed and the familiar incessant hounding echoes, waging war against my mind and heart. I thought I should do it. Yet still, I am with reservations. Why, you may ask. As aforementioned, the last among the anecdotes above was my own son’s words to me before he was confined to the hospital. I? Moi, a health practitioner by profession, having a son afflicted with” this” dengue? It is with such distaste to my ego and to my recent vivid memory that my son was a victim of this horrible viral disease.

I also wasn’t able to attend our High School batch reunion since I was dead serious with my diligent monitoring of my son’s 2^nd night of febrile condition when it was held. And NO, thank God he didn’t succumb to the nasty Dengue. But the thing is, with health in my book and blood (as my mom is an immaculately clean person and has passed on her characteristic insanity of vigorous and obsessive compulsive cleaning to me, lol), my son was still a hapless victim. NO ONE IS IMMUNE!

Luckily, my keen eyes, health background and strong gut prevailed and won over this health battle. Having a health conscious kid is a good thing as well. But, lo and behold, the fight and flight with dengue isn’t a walk in the park as it is filled with some grueling and nerve wracking waiting -and -number's -game days. The cause? The traumatizing routine blood tests that goes on ... and on ... with the much awaited results coming in every 12 panicky hours , heralding either a lower or a better platelet count. Goodness! TRUST ME. Sleeplessness fused with anticipation that goes steeper by the minute can kill.

“Globally, there are an estimated 50 to 100 million cases of Dengue Fever (DF) and several hundred thousand cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) per year”, according to the Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases , CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). You can CLICK and view this DENGUE FACT SHEET by the CDC.

The CDC is an agency of the United States based in Georgia whose aim is to provide health information in order to protect the public’s health and safety. It also has affiliations with other CDC’s worldwide that help disseminate health updates, statistics and health decisions.

Dengue is endemic in over a 100 countries, with it’s stronghold on the SE Asia, The Americas and the Western Pacific .There are some fears that it might re surge it’s presence in the US and take a foothold on it one day.

NOTE: It has already reached the Texan border. We may also add that Katrina and Rita paved way for breeding grounds of these nasty critters. Click on THE LOS ANGELES TIMES to read the full article about this growing fear in the US.

The European countries as well have their own version of CDC , the European Centre For Disease Prevention And Control (ECDC) in Stockholm, Sweden that publishes scientific journals in the form of the Eurosurveillance. This self-governing European scientific journals has a free access online and encourages subscription worldwide for authors and readers alike. It features articles concerning policies and guidelines on the prevention and spread of communicable diseases relevant to the European countries and furnishes reports on them weekly, monthly and quarterly as well. July 2007 - the journal Dengue worldwide: An Overview Of The Current Situation And The Implications For Europe was published. Surely, this is another site that will give a wealth of information within the health spectrum for the laymen and health practitioners alike.

The

Philippines

, unfortunately, is geographically plagued with mosquitoes. Here is an already pathetic state

in terms of tropical and sub-tropical diseases and having a guild of perpetually feasting politicians in this country as the antithesis isn’t a help.

Dengue Fever's causative agent is a vector in the form of a female mosquito- more commonly, the female Aedes Aegypti - a low flying, day time biter. DF is prevalent in the tropics of Africa, South America particularly Brazil and Venezuela, the east Mediterranean, South East Asia- particularly Bangladesh, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and sadly, the Philippines,my country and other countries in the Western Pacific. The Dengue virus is transmitted via a mosquitoe's bite to animals and humans alike, and fortunately, not transferable from person to person. Hold on before you do your somersaults though, as the dengue virus easily spreads nowadays with commercialization and global urbanization currently in the upswing. Moreover, with the insurgence of Global Warming, you now have the ideal requisites.

Now how is dengue exactly transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti?

The transmission cycle of the Dengue virus from the Aedes Aegypti mosquito starts with a dengue-infected person (Person 1) who has a circulating virus in his /her blood, a state called as viremia, usually lasting for 5 days. Once an uninfected Aedes Aegypti bites or feeds on the dengue-infected person, it now ingests the virus-contaminated blood from the person. This in turn paves way for the virus to replicate within the mosquito. Consequently, an unwilling human victim (person 2), when bitten by the infected Aedes Aegypti, is transmitted the fatal viral disease. A barrage of symptoms is produced thereafter, appearing in about 4-7 days as the virus replicates itself in the person's blood .

See the diagram below for a more detailed transmission of the disease cycle.

(1)The virus is introduced into humans with the mosquito’s saliva via it’s bite.
(2)The virus stays and spreads in various target organs e.g liver, lymph nodes
(3)The virus, once released from these tissues spreads in the white blood cells and other lymphatic tissues
(4)The virus then releases itself form the tissues and circulates in the blood
(5)A 2^nd mosquito ingests the virus in it’s blood
(6)That 2^nd mosquito is then inoculated with the virus and therby affecting it’s salivary glands
(7)The virus replicates in the salivary glands and when this mosquito bites on an unwilling victim ,the cycle continues , VICOUS!

DENGUE DISTRIBUTION IN WESTERN AND EASTERN HEMISPHERES

CLICK on the maps to get a
closer look where there are
Dengue occurrences and
recent Dengue activity.

Photo credits: Justin Nikolai Rey

The growing number of reported dengue cases as per the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control is not something to be taken as one of the Philippine’s pride. Now that is blatant admission, I know, but at the same time, something that the Philippine government should address forthright. To mince words would be akin to travel agencies that either fail and disillusion their clients with the usual perks offered just to lure people to book their travel with them, most of which info-unupdated and or worse, just don't give nary a thought in offering health and safety advisories to would-be travelers to our country.

For those of you who frequently travel around the globe, the new CDC Health Information for International Travel 2008, more popularly known as “The Yellow Book “, is now available. I do recommend this as they are informative and updated. CLICK THIS to find out relevant health information of a destination of your choice.

I was able to read a past issue of this somewhere and I was not disappointed. This health travel book, coming up every 2 years, is brimming with basic guidelines and knowledge for every disease endemic, epidemic and sporadically outbreaking in every part of the world. Among which that frequent globe trotters will definitely find useful are the general recommendations for vaccinations and immuno prophylaxis, seeking health care abroad, a geographic distribution of potential health hazards worldwide, prevention of specific diseases and even non infectious risks during travel such as jet lag, motion sickness, sunburn and the like. There are also chapters describing about specific special needs of each traveler like those who have infants and children and even travel advisories to frequent immigrants returning home to visit friends and relatives.

All these with the latter as one of the most important guidelines, I believe, that the WHO (World Health Organization) must tackle seriously. Oh heck, before anyone of you conjure up thoughts that I get a percentage of the sales, noooo. This is gratis advertisement, hey.=) But how I wish, lol.

I also think that the Philippine government lacks an earnest, cohesive and robust campaign drive to eliminate it, if there is any at all. Oh there I go with my lamentations.

My humble suggestions are the following:

#1 FREE CBC COUNT to febrile and suspiciously dengue harboring individuals/locals of municipalities with known endemic dengue activity.
#2 NO TO FOGGING (a grandstanding political act for those wanting to maintain political seats and seeking positions). NOTE: FOGGING must not be the core of Dengue elimination programs as this is just effective for the large mosquitoes and not the eggs. Also, this in turn makes the mosquitoes more resistant to known chemicals they were previously exposed to and just transfer places.
#3 INTENSE CONCERTED EFFORTS to eradicate dengue.

For last year, it was a whooping 45,350 dengue cases scattered all over the Philippine islands with 416 total deaths. The DOH (Department Of Health-Philippines) has identified hot spots and these are in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Central Visayas. Quezon City, Manila and Caloocan are on the rise as per DOH ‘s advisory as well. WHOA! I never thought it IS that big! I was taken aback with the figures knowing and considering that these were just the reported ones. Sweet Jesus! “Is this how plagued we are?”, I asked myself. Last year, even up to December, we have had rain showers that have surely added to the escalating number of cases. Add to it the presence of Global Warming for which I am cocksure sending forth these mean flying creatures away from their natural habitat making them highly urbanized killers as well.

These pesky little vampires will leave you a worry wart, having 2 biting activities in a day. They bite preferably after daybreak and in the afternoon at around 4-6 pm, you probably would have been bitten by these mosquitoes for its dinner before you are even able to take your own! The dusk and dawn female bite queen, Aedes Aegypti, isn’t just a cyclical vicious arthropod but a perennial one too, only growing in numbers when the monsoon hits the calendar. Hence, misunderstood as seasonal. With stagnant water pooling in the street gutters, house roofs, old (and even new) rubber tyres, flower pots,etc -they breed and ergo, proliferate.

Given the right conditions, they will thrive. Aedes Aegypti, our culprit bitewhore knows it’s simple math: WATER (in the form of floods, rains and any stagnation) + TROPICAL LOCATION + HIGH POPULATION = EPIDEMIC. The conditions are just set. What a perfect brew.

Among the overwhelming salvo of signs and symptoms of dengue are a moderate to high fever, severe headache, retro orbital pain (pain behind the eyes), severe muscle aches (myalgia) and break bone pain (arthralgia) , back pain, rashes and a body malaise (body weakness) that leaves you sapped out from your natural verve and deprive you of your appetite. Dehydration is also an effect of the infection. Most of which are disease manifestations that range from that of the common flu, a reason enough for unrecorded cases of dengue and for poor prognosis, and if unattended, will result to hemorrhage and shock. Rashes usually appear on the 3^rd day after the person has had fever. These rashes also appear just when fever has subsided or is about to abate. Blood shot eyes may also be noticed.

Moreover, the common maxim “All for one and one for all” doesn’t bear true witness to Dengue infections. Dengue has 4 serotypes or viral strains and getting infected from a particular strain won’t give you cross-immunity to the other 3 left. It should be more like “Once bitten, twice shy” as vaccine development are still underway and hopefully, be available in the next 5- 10 years. Too long a wait, actually.

DENGUE TIPS

> At the earliest sign of a high fever that doesn’t abate in 3 days, suspect Dengue when you are unfortunately residing in places with known dengue activity. Always remember that living in a tropical country with a conducive environment and weather that makes you prone to such disease must be your rule of thumb to rule Dengue out as the fever’s cause. Be assertive and have your family member or yourself checked for a CBC (Complete Blood Count). The WBC (White Blood Cell) count is lower than normal, a sign of a viral infection in comparison to a bacterial one with an increased WBC count. Platelet may STILL be normal at this stage since the fever is still present but once the fever subsides, if this is dengue, expect a significant drop as this is the time the virus is already targeting the organs in the body including the largest organ, your liver! Aww.

> When the "suspicious" fever suddenly subsides ,and you are still not aware if Dengue is the case, observe better. Take note that this is not something to be ecstatic about because if dengue is certain, this is just the start of a dengue-infected person’s bleeding precaution phase. Ask for a repeat CBC and check your platelet count AGAIN. ASAP! This is the time when the platelet (coagulating factor in the blood) goes down to a significant level, say from a 218,000 to a low of 165,000 of which the normal range is between 150,000- 350,000 thereby leaving the person prone to bleeding. This is the tricky phase when you would have thought that just because the fever abates you on probably the 3^rd to 4^th day, you are well on your way to progress. Heed me. If this is Dengue Fever you have, you will just experience some sort of a resting phase from the fever, yet progressing to a more fatal stage - the Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Ultimately, in severe blood loss, Dengue Shock Syndrome ensues thereby leading to death. This is how sly Dengue could be in terms of it’s seeming likeness with the influenza or the common flu. Watch out for any signs of bleeding including bruises which may go unnoticed.

Since Dengue Fever is viral in nature, only supportive therapy is acquired. Rest and plenty of fluids are the tall orders for a dengue patient’s day. As it is, we are all awaiting for that miraculous manna from science laboratories that can, in the world’s hopes, significantly reduce or better, totally eradicate this dreadful virus in the form of vaccines. Paracetamol for fever (not the aspirins as they predispose you more to bleeding and is responsible for the Reye’s syndrome) are given. IV fluids are of course given to prevent further dehydration and to help wash away the toxins. Of course, you have your bleeding precautionary measures as the doctor orders for PT and PTT , both of which give you an idea how long a person’s blood will coagulate. If longer, then the patient is predisposed more to bleeding. A clean environment free from breeding ground tendencies is surely a big help .

DISCLAIMER : These are all from another health practitioner’s own point of view (that’s moi). Still, it is best to always consult a doctor -- not the hit-and- miss (oh there are several) ones but those who have forecast and have a wider range of experience and not just in it for the money. You get the picture, alright.

Prevention is by and large the heart of elimination. We are mostly aware of the usual preventive practices against Dengue but I hope the readers out there will still find these tips beneficial:

#1 Wear brighter/lighter colors (neon and sunnier colors ) when traveling to places with known dengue activities. Mosquitoes love damp and dark places, including dark clothing. Of course, do not forget to apply lotion (OFF or any brand) with DEET protection. Have observed in several instances outdoors that they stayed away from me and practically FLED from me when I sported a new skin - an OFF-lotioned skin, that is :D

#2 Mosquitoes have a poor eye sight as per my research. They can’t see you until they are at least 30 feet (10meters) away. And even as they do, they have trouble distinguishing you from the rest of the objects they see. However, they can smell you from a good 10 feet (3 meters) away. They do have sensitive thermal receptors at their antenna’s tip used in locating blood near the skin’s surface. This sensitivity is magnified threefold with a higher humidity. You are therefore a prime target as you exude those sweat. Some odorous chemicals as by-products of our sweating are just attractive to mosquitoes, lactic acid is one. Coming home with a sweaty shirt? Immediately change to ward off mosquitoes.

#3 Most mosquitoes stay within a 1 mile radius (1609.34 meters; 5 279.9 feet or 1.609 344 kilometer,take your pick- lol) of their breeding site. Might as well gather and bring some neighbors along to investigate, locate and decimate the breeding site.

My son is used to drinking 3-3.5 L of water per day, have trained him to do so, I also do, as our body needs these fluids to catch up with the sensible (our excretory functions producing our urine, feces and sweat and even the air we expel from respiration constitutes this) and insensible losses (eg. during sickness) it undergoes daily. His diligent and habitual water drinking has surely helped his body hydrated during his confinement. Gosh, he was even drinking at least a gallon (1 gal= 4 liters) a day on his dengue-sick days!

His doctor commended his water obsession, ha-ha, as a major attribute for his speedy recovery. His platelets never went down lower than a 100,000, and although initially, there were periods of a downward trend , it has wonderfully climbed up and settled within normal range during his recovery period. Adequate rest is a must too. No rough play until such time that his liver has shrunk. Remember that the liver is one of the target organs of the Dengue virus. No coloured foods too as this may mask bleeding until the patient has fully recovered. I would recommend to use a soft bristled toothbrush (or cotton) to clean the teeth as they assure you of not hurting a possible bleeding gum (evident during DHF).

A total of 4 non-slumberous days confined in the hospital and a good 2 weeks of convalescence at home was what my son had. In severe cases when Dengue Fever has progressed to DHF, hospital confinement will of course be longer as well as the recovery days.

Dengue is indeed becoming a growing menace worldwide. Nevertheless, DO keep in mind that prognosis is very good with early hospitalization and aggressive treatment.

THE CASE FOR CHRISTMAS

2008-01-19T15:15:00.002+08:00

The book that caught my attention among many others that father brought home days ago. This ought to be good, dad!

Even after the holiday season, and with a gazillion of Q and A to attack for my forthcoming exam, my unrelenting desire to immerse myself with the Chirstmassy feeling never waned. Perhaps, the child in me always crave for the kinship and activities phenomenally attached to it, or, it could just be that the holidays bring a sense of hope for the better, ushering in a number of various good tidings expected thereof. Either way, I just love that special time of the year- the Christmas Season (don’t we all) ! On top of that, being a voracious reader, I am perpetually all agog over every book of interest my hands can hold. I cannot be quenched unless I devour at least a quarter of the reading material – for a start.

Having seen an assortment of hardbounds and paperbacks brought by dad, another book glutton (and who sets aside some budget for his enthusiastic weekly book spree), I immediately picked that one book which caught my eye - THE CASE FOR CHRISTMAS - A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger . "Goodness!", I said to myself. I still have some of my own to read - but this one, piquing my interest ,will still catch up with my fixation in the holiday fever, lol. And maybe, I just might want to read this first, I thought.

And so I did. I just had to stop somewhere in the book to write this post,lol.

The book is under the auctorial prowess of the award-winnning Lee Strobel, the legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and a self confessed heretic until after his numerous consultations with the experts on the Bible. As aforementioned, I am not through with the book YET, but this was the initial and the compelling thrust that the book implies to its readers, with Lee Strobel, the author himself as the quintessential convert. It’s goal is to find hard facts against the controversies surrounding the birth of the Child Jesus in the manger.

The moment I cracked the spine, I knew I am bound to discover more. Amidst the paganism and the ecclesiastical traditions that surrounds Christmas day, I am looking forward myself to find out answers to certain bits of questions I had in mind. A firm believer that I am, I nevertheless still hope to emerge an even better Christian after the journey with this book.

Is there something new? Is there really something better? What have I missed being a Catholic? Or better yet, what don’t I know that I should know as a Christian? That, I have to find out.

In the meanwhile, I am all itching to continue this 96-leafed book in paperback. I stopped at page 35. Hmm, this is going to be interesting. I am on Chapter 2-The Scientific Evidence : Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus’ Biographies?

Let's see…

A LAST LOOK BACK AT 2007

2008-01-02T14:51:00.002+08:00

Last day of the year and I was at home tinkering with the pc, rearranging and redecorating my haven – my room, skimming through an assortment of books that I plan to read for the coming year (and still transcribing a wish list of books to buy, that is, if ever I have the bucks left to spare still, lol), trying to finish varied articles from news clippings I was engrossed with , giving some final caused-by-the-urgency-of-the-new-year- celebration instructions to our house help, and making certain that every last- minute fixes is consummated just before our family attends the Media Noche mass.

The Media Noche Mass is a tradition practiced by Catholic Filipinos. In our family, like it is with most of the inveterate Catholic families, we cannot stomach to eat the food for New Year’s Eve without immersing ourselves in a sacred service, the Holy New Year’s Eve Mass. This, we believe, is acknowledgment for the blessings and even the trials we met for the last year, with the fervent hope that the year to come be better.

I grew up with these sacred traditions deeply ingrained in my system, alright. What I find annoying though was that, after the New Year’s Eve Mass, NO ONE – not even one among us, can taste the sumptuous food earlier prepared until after the clock strikes 12 midnight, heralding that it is indeed New Year’s Day! What if somebody faints whilst awaiting the much awaited fare? GOODNESS! My only consolation, prior to this waiting game is hearing the priest deliver an engaging, not a soporific sermon, lol. Then you have what you call as food for the soul. =)

Unlike the previous years, our home would always be one with quite astounding fireworks. The past years that came, aside from pecuniary grounds, Mom decided it is just making her nervous, hence, ending up with the simplistic hooting of the horns and viewing the fireworks display of the neighborhood to welcome the New Year.

Here, a modest display of fireworks across our home. I wish to capture the variegated fireworks earlier but for reasons I would rather not expound, I wasn't able to. Sigh.

Looking back, Christmas was also spent without much of a fuss, a simple gathering in our home of mom’s immediate relatives- her sister’s family and her brother's family (she has 2 brothers- the other living a lot farther than the one able to attend) including my beloved grand mom and the usual gift giving. The traditional Noche Buena, mom yearly hosts. Oh, I miss the kris kringle/exchange gift among family members though – "monito-manita", as we call it here in the Philippines. For some 3-4 years now, in the family and close relatives, the monito-manita was suddenly scrapped, for reasons that I am not aware of, hopefully not one of decided oblivion. I think I will resurrect that practice for the next year.

Oh back to New Year, it was nonetheless fine.

See the video below.

In the video, streaks of polychromatic display of fireworks projected high up, lighting and bursting in the pitch-dark skies. Thanks neighbor, lol! Oh and by the way, the hooting sound of the horn that you hear was from me, lol

Another thing I miss is the traditional practice of mom throwing in all corners of the house new 5 peso coins for every member of the household –as much as you can pick is yours for the taking! Finders, keepers. As Chinese and Chinese-influenced Pinoy would have it, anything round like the coin is LUCKY! Ha-ha. Preferably, coins picked during this day should not be spent. This way, according to mom and grand mom, the luck stays forever. How funny!

What we had for this year was an “ampaw” - a tiny, yet richly decorated red envelope with it’s ubiquitous Chinese characters printed on the surface. The bright colors of red, yellow and gold along with the Chinese symbols are thought to be lucky charm harbingers.

My ampaw with the exact amount of crisp bills along with coins amounting to 168 in Philippine peso, that is. The numbers 1, 6 and 8 are said to bring fortune, being
lucky numbers, according to the Chinese. Oh, I wish it meant 168 in six figures, lol!

Care to receive one or two? Below are haughty, overbearingly grander samples of the Chinese ampaw. Sans the flickering effects provided by .gif, you can see them in Chinatowns all over the world, lol. :D

The omnipresent "ampaw" is used traditionally by the Chinese during the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, the most important among all the Chinese holidays. For this year, as per Google, it will be celebrated on February 7, the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar, hence, it is also called as the Lunar New Year. The first "ampaw" with the words GONG XI FA CAI as translated in English means "MAY YOU BE PROSEPEROUS", a wish meant to the ampaw's recipient. The next "ampaw" depicts the dragon dance traditionally held during Chinese New Year.

But wait, I am not a full blooded Chinese though, lol. Mother says she has some streak of Chinese blood coming from her late dad who has deep traces of Chinese roots (and who by the way looks very Chinese). Father who looks mestizo, however, claims that my late grandmother has a Spanish friar for her father, gosh! His grandfather from his dad’s side can speak very fluent Spanish too. Oh well, Muchas Gracias for the genes, lol. =)

But, aren’t all Filipinos in one way or another Chinese? Well, their influences are all over the Philippines, to say the least. Even the elitist Spaniards with more than three centuries of their reign over the Philippines have, of course, left indelible impressions to us Filipinos – what with the Siesta we are all used to, lol.

NOTE: I am not particularly gaga over Chinese practices but I am well amused. I can exist without them, hey. I believe that there is a God to run to, and be comforted with ALL kinds of predicaments we may be beset with, as well as thank for, for the happiness and blessings we experience. The thing is, they are fun and yes, sometimes, I'd like to think that they make sense. I hate negativity and that makes me like some of their peculiar practices. Hurray to the Chinese!

THE YEAR THAT WAS - CHEERS TO THE NEW YEAR!!!

2008-01-01T17:05:00.000+08:00

I journeyed Christmas with the usual hubbub of some preparations and finished 2007 without much of a significant bang. If there was any, it would be highlighted with the courses I took from April-September to hone my skill, taking the whole catalogue of US based nursing or clinical skills at an institution in Manila. This is something for me to be pleased and thankful for. Mental stimulation has always been a passion I thrive at, one thing I would never tire being feverish about.

Some of my favorite course programs I immensely enjoyed. I took the whole package of course programs available as they are really "a must" in US based clinical skills. Well, I must say that it has been a most satisfying decision. And for those of you who are in the same field as mine, CLICK this link. I guarantee you, the courses are well worth your money and are just great!

The nursing techniques as practiced in modern methods and
apparatus along with the rationale behind certain procedures
and as to when and why they must be employed has been a
cerebral satiety to me. I am still waiting though to take
and hopefully pass an exam which is slated sometime March
this year. Sigh. I still have to brush up.

Where have I been? Life is indeed moving fast. And yet strangely sometimes, it feels sooo slow . I can be quite impatient knowing that I have exerted a considerable amount of my utter best . Processing time of local agencies tied up with US based hospitals can take eons and sometimes, you just feel it isn’t an ally to the expected velocity where you should zoom. Lots of time I would also wonder if God has other plans for what and where I should be all this time since that fateful year of 2003 in August when I experienced a business fiasco (courtesy of a "friend") that I was handling . I have mentioned in one of my entries that God has a messianic message to me of learning patience and I would have to admit, it is still His message for me -to hold on, be proactive and exert more effort and believe, that indeed, I am bound to propulsion in His own time.

I would like to think that I am a positive harbinger of good vibes to myself and others. I’d rather dwell on what I can do and focus on the goal than see the hindrances. I do see the whole picture most times and I take a mental note of the stumbling blocks. These are but natural to any given situation. Ergo, UNBLOCK! This perspective usually works for me and I am intent on making it work again. Nevertheless, there would also be times of tiny doubts of faith, but possessing an unwavering zest to accomplish what I intend to do, I bounce back.

THE YEAR THAT WAS

Got to ponder...hmm...the reasons for existence, right and wrong , cultural differences -which has always enamored me, emotional setbacks , challenges and new beginnings, the love/s (?) of my life ,ha-ha, being back to top shape, my needs and wants, my past very comfortable easy life .

I don’t remember putting up Christmas decorations, not even the Christmas tree for last year. There were about five or more Christmas decorations still adorning our home, three outside and at least two inside the home. I guess the flurry of church activities has made mom decide not to go too Christmassy last year. Nevertheless, there was still a tinge of Christmas flavor set at home. The long Rosewood table, I covered with a Christmas table cloth to induce a yuletide spirit, along with the mix of celadon accessories pervading in our home surely added help to capture the Christmassy feeling.

A bouquet of Christmas bough detailed with 2 little birds perched comfortably on separate branches. This yuletide ornament installed during the Christmas season of 2006 still adds vibrancy to our home.

With all things hoped to turn out right, each day is a challenge to be met with renewed strength and bright expectations.

Here's to the beginning of a new year - May today start with a kick from which good things spring forth. Proost!

CONCERN - MISTAKEN AS HARD HITTING !

2007-12-19T00:43:00.000+08:00

One thing that this life has taught me is that no matter what I do, believe in, write about or concern myself about, somebody is going to be mad. Loathing is just a national pastime to everybody, irregardless of race, culture, sexual preferences and economic background.

I believe though that a more mature approach in handling hatred , jealousies and certain negative emotions are all a matter of breeding, social disposition , mental health and fear of the Lord. And maybe , by just reading this, you say “YIKES”, so preachy. But guess what? I don’t mind.

I am sure that if a blog consisted nothing than the usual goody old shoes as ” I hope you have a nice day today because mine is just great,” somebody from nowhere would readily respond “What do you mean you hope I have a nice day? It was a lousy morning to start with, you moron.” If Dutchie friend 2 hears about this kind of response, he would automatically say “ En die ---- (mention a person's name to fill in the blank) die moet gewoon genomen worden”. Translated in English, it is : And that (name of person or my name) just needs to be taken swiftly, lol. Most things about mental maturity including this type of bantering between us, we don't take too personally. We find a lot of things fun and that approach bind us strongly. Hmm…but wait, we also disagree on certain trifles. Major concerns are so far agreeable between us which is good.

And still, somebody else would perhaps, prefer to say: “ I hate people like you who wants to stay positive who make me feel I am not and who tell me to have a nice day because, I’m going to have any kind of day I want."

If I try to say “God bless you” to just about anyone (which I normally do), some of you will find yourselves hounded by questions as “Is this politically correct? What is she saying?”. And maybe, I would get hate mails from different sectors with a somebody shouting at the top of his lungs ” I’m an atheist, so keep the blessings to yourself, you insensitive b---ch”

Well today, Dutchie friend 2 just finished airing out one of his more serious incessant complains. My personal views follow zoals gewoonlijk (as usual). My side: If you can’t take it, stop complaining and do something about it. It’s either you leave the situation or get stuck with it.

I usually go soft and contemplative initially, studying out all the angles prior to commenting. But a good 3 years of honest-to-goodness friendship will warrant a more truthful attack. Most specially when the complain is about a person causing irrational daily burdens which most saintly-demeanored people would say “ Couples go through this”- whoa! Pleasee... Okay, okay. I admit! I have once, maybe twice…err…thrice or more, given this line as a sincere advice. But well, to me, this advice befits 2 normally rational people in a relationship and not one, being normally irrational. Get it? The scale must not that be imbalanced , hey! Critically essential to me is when conspicuous attitudes still surface when one is already in their 30’s. Sweet Jesus! Pleasee. I just cannot take extremely immature behavior. Really! Being childlike sometimes is cute, but acting childish is different. Better leave that to the unruly tots who are still considered endearing inspite of their mess and unusual demands.

And so anyway, no matter how close we can get, that friend and I had quite an argument.

Me: " I have heard that a thousand times. Are you just challenged with what keeps on going on or what? Don't you ever send me images of something with NV." (NV is Negative Vibes in our own acronymed lingo. We both are fond of engaging in this time saving ritual of ours,lol)

Dutchie Friend 2 : ”You are hitting hard on ------! You better go to church! You better pray! ”

Me : “ I thought I can say anything without you being so affected. You TOLD me that first day, remember? And you keep on telling me this: “Nothing can make me mad”. Hence, the comments. When you complain ( He normally does-- Well, he is Dutch, lol!) about these things, I am open to my own opinion which you normally would accept, right? And you do these to me so liberally as well. We do these most times, commenting on each other’s stories and all else. If you don’t want the truth, then don’t talk to me. NEVER, EVER complain to me giving me a FULL account of your disappointments when you know very well I , myself get affected out of my concern. Or maybe, you cannot face the truth”?

Dutchie Friend 2 : “ Awwww”

Me: “Oh hey, I need to go”

He even managed to say some things which are truly hurtful inspite of the fact that I am just pretty much concerned.

Dutchie Friend 2 : “You are filled with hatred and jealousy. Oh, this is ---- and not ------. Sorry.

And he said this with a sarcastic tone.

Me: What ?

This, I uttered in a truly amused manner, feeling hurt ,wishing and admonishing myself that I let go with my concern.

I guess it took us 3-4 days to truly patch things up between us. I aired my pent up side , some valid concerns, and well, some apologies if ever I made him feel that way. He wasted no time explaining his side too and said he was partly joking as he likes teasing me so much, wanting to test my reaction. I would have to agree he does but that specific moment, I cannot be convinced he was. My problem? No. I was cocksure, he wasn’t that time. But it has been like this with the both of us. Arguing but never to the point of not making up and trying to understand each other. I guess this is what makes our unique friendship grow. When one is wrong, that person admits it and when we both are uncertain who is right, we are sorry for things that might have caused hurt to both of us. And we always manage to erase unnecessary trivialities that usually mar a good friendship. Oh, but well, we are also strong on pointing out other things that have caused us to feel certain hostile emotions. And just like it is with us, all is swell and well again.

Moral of the lesson: The Dutch are strong minded individuals, I would agree. But when faced with the truth, they can sometimes not accept it bravely. Generally, they can take things in stride with great nonchalance. But, a direct observation into their lives no matter how close you can get to them will tell you that they are just like most people. They feel slighted even though you meant concern. Sometimes, they also have to learn not to take things personally when it’s really what's supposed to mean.

But don't be misled - I love almost every inch of Dutch in DF2 (Dutchie Friend 2).