I am a junkie!!! :P

 Last week, I went SHOPPING!!! Yeahhhh. But it’s not lingerie, make up or perfume shopping hehehe. It’s DRUGS shopping.

I am a JUNKIE!!! Oooops! It's just a joke. But seriously, since I had my coronary episode almost 2 years ago this month, drug shopping has been my hobby, not by choice, but by need. Unfortunately, we don’t have some kind of a subsidy from the government, unless one is dirt poor.  I have always often wondered if there’s a way I can legally avail of discounts for maintenance medicines. They eat the bulk of my budget, add that to the laboratory work that's needed to be done every 3 months or so, plus doctors’ check ups etc etc etc.  They are not really HUGE but if the little bits are added up,  it’s not a nice figure especially when I didn’t have to shell out for those in the past (before the heart attack era)  There are also times when special considerations are given to pregnant, elderly or handicapped people.  I wondered if I can tell them, hey, I am sick. BUT, no one would believe me as I look perfectly healthy, happy, cheerful and NORMAL hehehe.  Even the angioplasty entrance marks near my groin have practically faded away.

Last weekend, as I was on my way to the adoration chapel to pray for our Life in the Spirit Seminar participants, I got to talk to Bro. Henry, a fellow Catholic charismatic member, about our health issues.  How amazed we were that we were still alive, that he was praying for me not knowing he would get sick a few months later. Amazingly though, we both survived our ordeals. He then confirmed if what I had was a major heart attack and underwent two major procedures?  Yup I said. And he said, oh. you are surely eligible for this card. Then he showed me his PWD (person with disability) card. It is like a senior citizen card for people below 60, with discounts on medicines, groceries (tiny discount), priority lanes etc etc etc. People with apparent and non apparent disabilities can get the card. Unlike the senior citizen card though, some establishments are still unaware and do not honor this card. Still, he encouraged me to get a medical certificate from my cardiologist, a barangay endorsement, id pics then proceed to the city hall with all the requirements.  That’s what I did and after a few hours which was mostly spent on the commute time, I had one in my hand with the purchase booklets for medicines and groceries.

It is a rare occasion that I got something with no fees to pay. Amazing! But, on the way home, I tried asking one of the Mercury Branches outside BF Homes, if they honor that card, and sadly, they said they DO NOT honor if the type of disability written is chronic illness: coronary artery disease. This is persistent me talking though, so I tried in another branch. It is the one nearer my place, where I actually buy my fix, and they said they will honor it. Of course, I am crazy, so I called around, and found out there are other establishments that will honor it even if Mercury won’t.  For now, although I haven’t used it yet, I feel satisfied that my effort in getting one won’t be in vain.

 Maybe I am still in denial. But, while reading the GUIDELINES ON THE ISSUANCE OF IDENTIFICATION CARD RELATIVE TO REPUBLIC ACT 9442, ---Identification Cards shall be issued to any bonafide PWD with permanent disabilities due to any one or more of the following conditions: psychosocial, chronic illness, learning, mental, visual, orthopedic, speech and hearing conditions. This includes persons suffering from disabling diseases resulting to the person’s limitations to do day to day activities as normally as possible such as but not limited to those undergoing dialysis, heart disorders, severe cancer cases and such other similar cases resulting to temporary or permanent disability. I realized that I do fall under the NON APPARENT disability/CHRONIC ILLNESS category. I do have a medical condition; it is chronic, for life, and needs forever maintenance and care. I may look healthy and alright, but I can not do some of the stuff I used to do and I have a list of restrictions to follow. I can probably apply for a senior citizen card if age was not an issue hehehehe! 

It is not a card one would wish for.  I do not even think I would use it for priority lanes and what not unless extremely necessary. My main concern is the maintenance medicines and/or lab work. If I could use them on those, I'm happy!

Not many people who may be eligible for one are aware of this card.  I was not aware until someone on the same boat told and actually encouraged me to get one. Thank you Lord Jesus for sending Bro. Henry to relay to me the idea and info!

UPDATE: I already used the card. It is honored in more places than I thought would. I hope people who are eligible for this card would get informed and avail of the benefits it offers.

Sweets for my Sweet

Long distance relationships are a brain drainer when it comes to gift giving ideas.  Every time there are special occasions like Birthdays, Christmas, Easter or Valentines Day, I rack my brain for something I can send to my sweetie. It is not easy as they have to fit in a small packet/box, deliverable, would survive the trip and most important, not that heavy as the postal charge can be a killer sometimes.  Add to that, he already has most of the stuff he wants.  I’ve tried all the cheesy, a bit kinky (wink wink), romantic, funny, practical gifts I can think of. This year though, I have run out of ideas. I think my undying, honest and faithful love is more than enough, right? RIGHT! hahaha…

Anyway, I thought I will just DO instead of send something.  So I went to buy small cupcakes (yummy!) from Cielin’s Cakehouse and put candles for him to blow, on webcam!  He was very amused at my antics and that made my day.  He was worried though that I would eat all the cupcakes I bought. Worry not.  Although I had a couple of tiny ones, the rest went to the neighbors :-)

Captured thru webcam. Sweetie cropped out because he is shy

Surviving a long distance relationship is hard as it is.  However, we don’t choose who destiny has in store for us.  We just keep our fingers crossed, pray and, diabetic or not, make things as sweet as it can get. I know, CHEESY!!! But, that’s just me :-)

And to my sweetie, (in case you read this) HAPPY  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Boodle Fight and Sinful Gelatos

After my fateful heart attack almost two years ago, I have come to realize that a lot of my usual vices would have to go. Oh, I have to correct that.  I never had vices in that sense of the word.  I don’t smoke, drink alcohol or dabble with drugs. I never did. Eating was my only vice. But after that event, I had to go on a strict diet. And it looks like a forever thing. 

Avoiding food bad for my heart is a lot easier for me than food bad for my diabetes.  But once in a while, I do indulge. And last Friday, as a pre-mother’s day celebration, indulged I did.

After my doctor’s check up, I went to Greenbelt, Makati to meet with my sister, brother in law and niece. She wanted to eat seafood and since that’s not so bad for me, I can join in the boodle fight with less feelings of guilt. We went to Seafood Island in Greenbelt 3 and had the Tali Beach Feast. An order of grilled pork chops were ordered for my seafood allergic niece Micaela.  I could only comment on the grilled squid, chicken and a tiny piece of the pork barbecue. They tasted yummy and tender juicy especially the squid. From the aftermath though, I can conclude that the food was great since not even a grain of rice was left on the banana leaves hehehe.

grilled pork chop for seafood allergic Micaela

fiesta sampler

Tali Beach feast: crab, mangoes, grilled chix, tilapia, talong, shrimps, squid, tanigue, giant pork bbq, tahong and lato, watermelon for dessert (photo from Melanie's cam)

yummy squid

After walking it off, we decided to have some dessert. My sister wanted some cake but later on we settled for ice cream instead. We went to Caffe Ti Amo. Unfortunately, they did not have sugar-free gelatos. With a twinge of guilt, I ordered the smallest serving. I had 2 tiny scoops (minimum order) of blueberry cheesecake and chocolate. The blueberry cheesecake was alright but since I’m more of a chocoholic, I should have stuck with the chocolate. It was yummmyyyyyy!  I tried the choco hazelnut from my sister’s order and it was ohhhhhhhhhhhh sooooo good too. She wanted to order again after their order of 4 scoops of ice cream disappeared but I stopped her hehehehe. 

blueberry cheesecake and chocolate gelato

I didn’t dare check my blood sugar after that dinner as I didn’t want to stress.  I immediately took my meds though.   I checked my blood pressure and fasting blood sugar the next morning and it was fine at 120/80 and 97 respectively.   It is a very rare occasion that I give in to my cravings.  Im just too scared.  I feel bad that I have to be careful with everything I eat. I ohhh so miss those days when I can forget about the measuring cup, calories, fat content and the carbohydrate exchange. But, that’s the life I now have and be that as it may, I still feel lucky I have this second one. :-)

The Day Cuddles Found Me

This is my baby CUDDLES...

Before I bore you with our love story, I will give a background of my experience with pets first.

When I was still a kid, I grew up with dogs for our pets.  Not a lot, just a couple at a time. I remember we had a German Shepherd and a Doberman. To a small kid, they didn't look like pets at all but guard dogs that were fierce and scary. As I turned into an adult, my dad gave me a German Shepherd named Maka. At that time, there was no internet and I had no clue how to take care of my own dog. In short, she lasted a few months and died. Then I got a fortune lobster, and of course, that too passed away.  I dabbled with a dozen goldfishes and killed them all as well.  A few years ago, a friend gave me African love birds. After a year, they all dropped dead. Every animal and even plants given to me all died. Then, when I visited my Aunt Mavis, I saw she adopted a cat and this cat just had a litter. I thought of getting one but had second thoughts.  By this time, I did not want another responsibility. So I said, nope, never again would I get another pet, most especially a cat...Yikes..shooo..their poop and pee smell sooooooooo bad!!!  Enough is enough. No more emotional ties, no responsibilities. I believed I was never meant to have one.

Whenever a stray cat would attempt to step inside my shop, I would screech and freak out and ask a neighbor to pick it up and bodily remove it. I was worried on what kind of disease or fleas they would be bringing in or that they were sick and would die any moment and I would have to deal with their carcass.  Then my boyfriend mentioned that if he were here, no stray dogs or cats would ever pass by and leave hungry. Now, that made me feel like I was such an evil person.

One day, on May 5, 2011, I was bored and stepped outside my shop.   I found this tiny, thin, dirty looking creature posing as a kitten. She gave me this look as if begging for some food. I remembered what my bf told me about being kind to stray animals and I felt something pull at my heart. I got some biscuits and watched if she will eat it. And she did. I tried to pick her up, amazed that she let me. I inspected her and smelled her. Hmmmm., she smelled okay and didn't seem to have fleas or bugs on her. The neighbor who feeds stray cats saw me feeding this kitten and encouraged me to adopt this one. I said, I will just give her food like they do but I won't take her in.

When I talked to my bf that night, I mentioned about the kitten I fed and my plan to feed her in case she comes back.  He sounded like he did not like the idea. He told me to just adopt it or let it go. What if I kept feeding her and then one day, she stopped dropping by? Won't I wonder what happened to her? He insisted it would be best to keep her indoors and not get run over by passing cars.  Whatever!!! Let's see if she returns.

The next day, I left some food in case she came back. I was so busy working that I didn't check until around 3 pm. I stepped outside the shop and there she was!!! I picked her up and gave her a cold shower under the faucet just to make sure she was clean. Of course I did not know that  I had  to heat water for her. Anyway, I still did not want to adopt her but the bf said he will give financial support for the litter, food and vet bills! That did it and we officially adopted Cuddles. 

I didn't have any idea on how to take care of a cat. This time, I didn't want another death on my hands. So, I researched, researched and researched.  And to the people who personally know me, they know, I can get obsessed with certain things.  I read on what to feed her, brought her to the vets, had her vaccinated, spayed etc etc etc. In short, the works!  I surprised my friends, and even myself that I can get this emotionally attached to a pet, more so a CAT!  Remember, I was not a cat person to begin with. I still DO NOT consider myself a cat person. I'm a Cuddles person. She's special and unique. She's the one who pulled me from the brink of depression.  It was not obvious but in hindsight, I was very unhappy during that time because of a major life altering event.

I know my Cuddles loves me, but she does things on her own terms. She lets me hug and play with her only when and if she wants to.  She sleeps with me and hangs out nearby. She's a totally spoiled indoor, litter box trained cat who acts like a princess and she's the love of my life. (well, aside from the human loves of my life I mean)  I can't imagine life without her.

Looking at her pictures now, I wonder how was it that during that time, I saw only the most beautiful face instead of the tiny, dirty looking, thin cat that she was.  I thank the day she found and chose me to be her forever MOM.

Now, she has me totally wrapped around her paws, claimed my bed and every available space in my place. Everything is hers and I'm just here to share with her

Ice Breaker

I used to write blogs in my Yahoo 360 account. Nothing fancy nor really serious. It was just a jumble of topics that struck my fancy. I do not really consider myself a writer so I guess blogging was just a way of expressing myself when ever I felt like it. Anyway, the 360 feature of Yahoo was taken off and I never got down to writing again. I was just lost on how to actually put up a blog. Until tonight....I googled and found out it is not so hard after all. We will see how this corner goes. The important thing is I consider this my ice breaker BLOG.





Until next time!