FINALLY GOT THAT ELUSIVE COVID-19 VACCINE

Feeling so blessed today!  Jim and I got our first jab of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine today. So happy I feel like crying! 

The opening prayer at the vaccination center was so touching that I must have shed a tear or two.  Maybe I was full of emotion that I only remember this: “we are not doing this only for ourselves but for others, especially our families. 

We have registered with our LGU  (local goverment unit) 4 times on line  and submitted and accomplished registration forms twice.  We were also assigned Registration ID numbers. Yet we were never called for our vaccination date. 

I was already  feeling left out when most of  my walking  buddies and neighbors got their first dose.  We didn’t want to just  walk in; most often, walk-in’s were not entertained.  Besides we didn’t want to go without an appointment lest we won’t be entertained and be exposed to a crowd in an enclosed area. 

Tired of waiting, today, we decided to walk in.  We were determined to be vaccinated with any brand of vaccine Thanks to The Lord, we were given our preferred vaccine. Truly, everything is done  in God’s own time. 

Excited, I messaged my children and they were all happy for us.  My son replied: 
“Congratulations! Will say a thanksgiving prayer”. 
“So happy, I feel like crying”, I texted back. 
“I felt the same when we got it”, he texted back.  We aren’t cry babies but we take our health very seriously, hence the emotion. 

My son, the eldest and also abroad bought us Vaccines with an affiliate private company in town but they prioritized their   employees.  We had to wait for the next batch due in September.  In spite that, my son urged us to take the first vaccine available. 

Our younger daughter, also abroad, was happy for the good news and cautioned us to be more careful as ever due to the Delta variants that are highly contagious.   “It is still a long way to go but at least there is progress’”, she said. 

Our older daughter in town was the one who really pushed us to walk-in today.  She has been looking for ways to accelerate our chance for vaccination.  Now she tells me to apply cold compress.  That’s how our children take care of us, each his on way. 

The waiting and the stressful effort to register has paid off. 

“They also serve those who also stand and wait”. 


Sent from my iPhone

FATHER’S DAY, BIRTHDAYS AND MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS, PANDEMIC TIME

Today, we celebrate Father’s day with just us, my husband and I.  Like any special event during this pandemic, we couldn’t gather family and friends for a more elaborate celebration. 

But there are ways to go about not being together. This year I wrote letters to my grandchildren and my daughters. Food and gifts can still be delivered. Video calls are also great ways to greet everyone. 

Our older daughter in town sent her gift of great foodies; all of which are her Dad’s favorite; along with pasta in truffle oil, she prepared herself.  I believes it is a great substitute for a lunch treat she usually gives on such occasions.  Not to be outdone, our children abroad sent heartfelt messages and video-called. 

I believe half of our Philippine population celebrated milestones and birthdays at home twice already during  this pandemic because family members in town can’t even join in for a meal. Many are surely disappointed that they couldn’t have a party. 

My daughter’s in-laws started the tradition of sending over food to each family member: to brothers and sisters families on birthdays as a treat.  So this practice of sending over food in lieu of inviting them over is not new to them.  

So really, we have no choice.  While dining out is already allowed, many, like us are still reluctant to dine our; a way of playing it safe. What’s the rush anyway?  After all we can have food delivered to our doorstep. 

My older daughter sent her sister in Singapore tiramisu for her birthday last week. She secretly requested her sister’s husband to order the cake for her. 

So, today, Father’s Day, who  else will make it a very special day for my husband but me.  I have to step up my lunch menu.  I hope he will love it. 

To conclude; I am again Inspire as always by my friend Nina’s post today, let me quote it in part:

“Today we give much love and gratitude to all fathers as we celebrate Father’s Day. We thank Father God for the unconditional love giving His only Son, Jesus to redeem us.  May His love be perfected in us as we show His love to others and open our hearts to give kindness. “ 

Happy 7th birthday to a wonderful grandson

Happy birthday, Lucas!  A 7th birthday is a milestone; it is often celebrated in a more elaborate way.  I’m glad you can celebrate with 4 of your closest friends.  Enjoy your party and hopefully next year we can celebrate your birthday with you. 

You are the most anticipated and awaited baby in the family.  Everyone rejoiced when you finally came. 

I for one almost have no words to express my joy.  I love you already even before I even saw you. 

Yes, we were there at your christening, it was a solemn and happy occasion.  We also enjoyed the reception afterwards; where else but at one of your favorite places, the American club which is second only to the toy store, right?

After three months we went back to stay longer, I volunteered to looked after you and fed you at night until the small hours.  I almost didn\"t want to sleep so I can spend more time with you. 

I treasure the week I was called to bring and get you from school, do you know that I had a lot of fun being with you?  You were such a behaved little boy, you patiently waited without whining as I fumbled buckling you up on your complicated stroller. 

I am happy that you easily make friends. You are born to be sociable, it’s no surprise because as young as you are, you already have a likable personality, easy to be with. Sometimes a joker but you can be very serious too, though humor is good;  its healthy to laugh. 

You are also compassionate. We were so impressed when you shared some of your toys and clothes to the typhoon victims.  You went even further by asking your friends and classmates to donate as well.  We are so proud of you. 

I am amazed how fast you are growing up. I am happy that you enjoy sports. Recently I was impressed when you explained the steps of your whole soccer game. You know the rules by heart.   

If I were only there to watch you play, I would be your volunteer cheerleader. I would clap, jump and shout with joy when you score.  Who knows I may even do an Indian dance? 

But I worry too,  especially when you are playing soccer; so please be careful and concentrate while you’re playing.  My prayers are for your good health and safety always; free from accidents and untoward incidents; and to steer you away from bullies and people with bad intentions. 

Though we live far apart I thank your Dad and Mom who always update us on your activities.  Do you know that we delight in knowing every little thing about you. You are such a lucky kid since you have your parents\" full attention. 

We always look forward to your visits with so much anticipation.  We miss you; just remember your Nana and Papa are always back here in Manila. 

We love you so much. Stay safe, our grandson. Grow well, learn well and live a life that will make your parents proud. 

Enjoy your party. Have fun!  

Xoxo , Nana

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET 16! an open letter to my granddaughter at 16

Happy birthday sweet 16! 

An ordinary greeting would never, ever do—it has to be special that’s why I’m writing you.  

Thank you; you made me a grandmother! 

When you were born, I felt lucky to have a granddaughter.  I am at a loss how to find the right words to tell you now how much you mean to me.  I fell in love with you right away. 

Papa and I couldn't wait to see you, so we rushed to Makati Medical Center to take a glimpse  at you through the nursery window.   After a day or two, we went back to fetch you home. 

Oh, what sweet smell you brought to our home.  I just love that smell of a baby.  You smelled so good and you were so beautiful. 

Your arrival was perfect timing since I just retired then.   It gave me the opportunity to watch you grow everyday as you hurdled through random milestones.  Like the time you first turned over on your stomach, learning to stand,  your first few steps, sucking on your first lollipop and many others. 

I will forever cherish those days when you were almost three and already so companionable.  Thanks to your Mom who planned for us to get you 3 days  a week. 

You loved to put on clothes from a big box of outgrown, but still beautiful and colorful dresses from ate Yela.  You kept trying them on one after another all day like you were doing a fashion show.  Sometimes you even woke up Papa from his nap to zip you up. 

I like that you are taking your studies seriously, you work hard for high grades thats why you are always on the top 10.   Keep it up and it will be second nature to you. Remember that hard work pays and will help you through future challenges. 

Remembering our bonding times at the mall always make me smile. I enjoyed those lunches when we laughed a lot and I miss that now; hopefully after this pandemic we can do it again. 

Life is good but we are not always on cloud nine.  There are times when life can be difficult, full of challenges;  but life can be happy and full of joy too.  So enjoy the good times and take the challenges in stride.  I want very much to protect you from life’s hard knocks but I know that you have to try your wings so I can only pray for your safety and well being. 

You are still so young, sweet and innocent, while  I am old and wise; so take advantage of my experience; learn from my mistakes while I'm still here, and still lucid . Talk to me, ask questions; seek me to clarify doubts, come to me for comfort.  I'm here and I always have time for you. Don't ever hesitate to call me, message me, see me; I’m just nearby. 

No matter how old you are and how high you will soar, I will always be your Nana;  Papa and I will always be there for you.  You are such a delight and a pleasure to have as our granddaughter. We are grateful that we got to know you well from birth. Someone said that a granddaughter is a wonderful dream that never ends. 

Please know that my prayers are for your success,  happiness and good health always and remember that I always love you dear.   

Happy birthday!

XOXO, Nana. 

MY JOURNEY TO A BETTER HEALTH Part 1 of a series

How it all started: 

It was this recurring chest heaviness that doesn’t go away unless I burp that caused an episode.   On this first day of March, I couldn’t burp when I felt that heaviness and tightness again. This happened while I was halfway walking my daily 10,000 steps. 

I went home and I still couldn’t burp.  My husband gave me water and after a few minutes of rest, he took my BP: 190/85. 

The very next day I had blood tests

 that was prescribed earlier by my endocrinologist. I also underwent ECG as advised by our family doctor. 

Next move is to get an appointment with my endocrinologist  and a cardiologist.  I had to download an App to book an appointment on line.  My endocrinologist only do virtual consultations due to the pandemic. 

My son was anxious that my appointment with the endocrinologist is after 4 days and the cardiologist will only see me after 10 days. “Why the wait?”, he asked  “did you tell them your condition?”  

Of course I did, the reason for the appointment is part of the profile when I  booked an appointment.  But that’s the reality nowadays, specialists only see so many patients a day, you have to fall in line unless you go to the hospital emergency. 

Booking for tests and procedures works the same way; book for an appointment on line to get a patient reference number; then call a scheduler for a particular test/procedure like ultrasound, ct scan, BMD, thread mill, etc.  This is not easy, those stations do not answer.  After a few rings, I was advised to call again. 

This added to my stress, I have been on the phone almost the whole morning to confirm one test if I got lucky.  Most of the time I gave up to do that again the next day.  

The whole process of tests confirmation  and doctors consultation took two weeks. 

I have to say though that this episode on March 1st is a blessing in disguise and I have to thank The Lord for making it happen. It is a wake-up call that prompted me to seek medical help. 

It was not the Ides of March after all that caused all this but a reality; a challenge that I need to overcome with lifestyle adjustments.  I will focus on what I need to do to overcome this condition in the succeeding posts of this series. 

ON ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

This week, my journal on “The Things I Learn Everyday”, is  about acronyms and abbreviations.

 

I took time to find out what IMHO means when I  encountered it twice on a post of my FB friend.  I didn’t realize there was an earlier debate on whether H stands for “humble” or “honest”. 

The debate went on until Alexis C. Mdrigal of The Atlantic, saw a glossary from a 1986 PC magazine and found that IMHO stands for “In my humble opinion”. 

When I was introduced to texting early, early on, I didn’t understand some common acronyms used in informal internet lingo.  So every time my daughters used one that I didn’t understand, I asked.  Nothing wrong in asking rather than remain ignorant forever, right? 

Acronyms are coined from the first letters of a phrase or a title to form a word or a significant set of letters.  Relevant acronyms during this pandemic times are: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA); 

get the drift?   But there are exceptions, one is:  CUL, it means “see you later “. So it’s not only the initial letters that is being used, but also letters that sounds like a word. 

In the informal vernacular messages used by Filipinos; letters and numbers are combined to shorten a word but I wonder if they qualify as acronyms. 

22o reads totoo, meaning it’s true. 

L8 is late

This technique is used locally in sending  Short Message Service (SMS); see this is the way to use an acronym in formal writing:   Notice I wrote the full phrase first followed by the acronym. 

Have you heard about a mother who sent a text to her son about the sadden passing of an uncle.  In closing she wrote; 

“LOL, your Mom”. 

“Mom, why are you laughing?  Uncle passed”, son asked 

“Why?”, I said Lots Of Love”.  

Is this also debatable?  

When I was young and goes around the cemetery on all saints day;  there is that standard “RIP” written on graves.  My friends used to say “Return If Possible”. 

Grammar dictates not to confuse acronyms with abbreviations.  Abbreviation is a shortened version to represent the whole; common of which are: St. for street,

 Ave. for Avenue, 

cm for centinter, 

in. for inches, 

Dr. and Prof. but Atty is an acronym,which  means “a thousand thank yous”. 

Do you know this acronym?

HHOK,  “ ha ha, only kidding”! 

JOURNAL OF NEW THINGS I LEARN EVERYDAY

Two months passed and I’m wondering how everyone is doing about their new year’s resolution or whatever they resolved to pursue this year.  We all know that interest wane after a month or two.  Some resolve even fall apart just as they started. 

I think I have a good start, maybe even great and I feel I can do this and won’t lose interest.  

It dawned on me to log new things that I learn everyday.   Never old enough to learn, right?  

They could be in the form of:

-ordinary life lessons that appeal to me;  

-quotes that are great to live by; 

-idioms or expressions I can use; 

-words  whose  meaning I cannot understand when they stand alone 

-internet lessons that will keep me cyber-up-to-date. 

Here are a few I’d like to share though, I already logged a lot. 

I learned to use a QR code on my iPhone.

That's a good one, right?   Now I feel confident bringing out my iphone when I enter establishments using QR code instead of signing on their logbook.   

Here are some quotes:

From Predident Joe Biden: 

“Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable.”  Who knows when I’ll hit a rough patch and this will give me courage?

“Somewhere along the course of life, we will learn about ourselves more and realize that there should never be regrets but life-long appreciation of the choices we made. ” - from a post of my friend Nina. 

Here’s top favorite quote, a copy was always under the glass top of my office desk 

“The Lord is my Pacemaker”  

by Tobi   Miyashina. You can google this, a great one to live by. 

“In almost every aspect of life we can manage our risk but not in love; it is all or nothing. It is absolute bliss or total devastation”   -

 I got this from a novel I read but I can’t recall the author. 

Here are some of the few words I learned; words that are easy to understand when used in a sentence within paragraphs because I can grasp the idea but not when they stand alone. 

Now I am confident to use them in sentences; as my grammar teacher used to say: new words learned become “words at your command”.  

Wait, did I just use an idiom? 

Smidgen - /smijin/  - A small amount of something.  

Interloper - /in(t)er lo par/ - A person who become involved in a place or situation that he is not wanted or is considered not to belong.

Doozy- /dooze/  -something outstanding or unique. 

Gnarly- /narle/  -difficult, dangerous, challenging 

Here are some expressions and idioms new to me:

“On tenterhooks”- means, waiting nervously for something to happen. 

“The whole kit and caboodle” - means a collection of things. 

“The world is your oyster”  means being able to do anything you want because you have the opportunity to do so either through talent, looks, luck, power or money. 

There are more new words in my journal but I feel this will suffice for now and you get the idea.  Do I sound like grammar teacher?  You be the judge.