It's Just About Time

It took me 366 days before I could visit this page again and compose something - that's how busy and tired I usually am. It's been a year and I could say that its been a hell of a year! -- In a good way:-) A lot has transpired specially with my chosen profession, but not much progress with my social life- haha! Ever since I started working, my life can be summarized with 4 words which is basically & literally my daily routine: sleep-eat-work-eat, repeat. Whenever lucky and spared with extra energy & time, I get to insert meeting up with friends, going shopping, heading out of town, dating, and just chilling. However, when I get lucky I would also choose sleeping over anything else more often than not! haha I will probably have to work on doing things which will help divert my stressed and tired self away from the hospital's demands, one of which is hopefully getting to travel and trying out new things.

I'd like to believe that I learned a lot in a year's time but I still have to master time management and the art of balancing life because even until now, I'm still being consumed by work which I am fully aware isn't healthy at all. Anyway, since a year has gone, I can't really remember how things happened chronologically but I will try. Haha! Let me just share some of my 2013-2014's (so called) "highlights." Mostly will be about 2014 since they're the ones which I can still freshly recall. Oh and most of the photos here are just the same ones I posted either in Facebook or Instagram, so please bare with my recycled pictures. haha

Among my very first "tasks" as a full pledged nurse is to give flu shots to the hospital's employees. Here, I reckon one of the doctors commenting that my team mates and I are good in giving vaccines, thus we should probably be assigned in the pediatrics department. I'm not sure if this had any bearing with how I ended up with my first unit, which catered to pediatric and obstetric patients. Being assigned there wasn't really my choice since I'm not certain about how well I deal with kids but I sure am glad & blessed I ended up there:)

August 19, 2013. I was only 3 months old when I unexpectedly had my first 24 hour duty! I came in for the afternoon shift, the weather got real bad that only a few lucky ones (or maybe not! haha) were able to come in for night duty. The next day, it was still raining terribly and it was flooded everywhere thus another morning shift for us. This definitely is something I would never forget, probably can be called an achievement - and hopefully won't happen, ever again! haha. 

The next few shots are among those "lucky" days where in I get to catch up with friends - and learn that we're still friends despite not seeing each other after sooo long! hahaha. I'm genuinely sorry for missing out!:( You know I'd always choose to see you guys if only I could. ;-) *sigh* When you're working on shifting schedules without fixed rest days, seeing your friends becomes a privilege and a challenge -- even more challenging when they're also working on shifting schedules or are attending Med school! Finding dates when you're both available is truly a blessing. Friends, thanks for the time and effort and for keeping me sane and grounded!;-)

Special mention to the best friend who's getting married in 2 years! From our 5th grade childish Sweet Valley moments to you getting engaged while in Med school! I'm so proud of you! I'm really excited for your big day;-) Hopefully, I wouldn't be as busy by then so I could be the best friend who should be contributing to the success of your ever-after wedding day:)

January 16, 2014 - The day I turned 24. I feel weird & old attaching that number to my name. Nonetheless, I'm grateful and blessed for 24 years of my existence, being surrounded with my loving family and friends. I know I haven't achieved much yet and I still have a long way to go. I'm not sure where life will be taking me, but I trust the Lord's plans for me:)

March 1,  2014 - My last day at my beloved unit, 6th Front. I am forever grateful to these ladies for teaching me what being a good nurse is all about, for embodying the statement: "Here, Malasakit is contagious." They say that this unit is a "training ground" for new nurses -- it really is. Everyone's welcoming, eager and more than willing to teach and I'm blessed to be here during my first few months of my nursing career:) Thank you for the skills, wisdom, memories and more importantly, the gift of friendship:)

"Will surely miss the witty & makukulit na kids, the adorable new born babies, the first time (& not so first time) mommies, the kindest residents, and of course my smart, beautiful and compassionate seniors & co-staff. I feel honored & blessed to have been able to work with the best:) Thank you my dear 6Front!:)"

So this is what it's like to be in the borderline of quarter life crisis, attending children's parties! It was indeed a fun, fancy and grand circus themed party, far from the children's parties of my generation. This makes me wonder how children's parties are going to be like in 20 years' time!

March 30, 2014 - My youngest brother's graduation. I will definitely miss coming back home to my dear alma mater specially now that the last of the Augustinian siblings has already graduated. Congratulations for making it despite being the naughtiest & laziest! haha Soar high & good luck with college, little brother:)

April 1, 2014 - Simply among my favorite days of the year. I'm still fascinated with how my parents ended up having the same birthdays with a 5-year gap. Plus how my high school graduation ball coincided with this day. What are the odds, right?:)

Glad I was able to squeeze in a nature kind of day trip. I sure need more of this! It feels real good to be around trees, fresh air, clean water and just be far from the city. Nothing beats the calmness and relaxing feeling of being in a province.

God's timing is always perfect. For some reason, I have been always fascinated with the Operating Room since my first exposure during college. This led me to joining an organization which serves people who are in need of free medical & surgical intervention through providing missions regularly. Moreover, this helped me decide which nursing field to specialize in.

In my chosen profession, nothing is ever easy. It's the kind of job (more like a vocation) which one won't last doing if you don't have the heart for it. Initially, I came to a point where I repeatedly questioned myself of my capabilities, of what am I doing, of what could have been if I chose a different (an easier - haha) path. But believe it or not, God brought me here. Each time I seriously thought of quitting, He does something and sends a solid sign (I'm very fond of signs haha) that I should continue. It became a cycle; I'd like to quit the next minute, He'd change my mind. I then asked for a bigger sign which reminded me that patience is a virtue and His time is indeed the perfect time:)

It isn't rainbows and butterflies. I have to adjust and adapt very quickly. From my previous unit, I already know and am already confident with what I'm doing. Now, it's back to zero. Daily, I learn. Daily, I conquer fears. Daily, I get nervous, anxious, tired, stressed all at the same time. Over the last 2 months, I get to have my daily dose of firsts in this field. But then I'd always remind myself that with nursing (or even with life per se), nothing ever comes easy. :)

I'm just thankful for the people who continue to help, guide, support and look after me. Thank you:) Special mention to the sister I never had. You're definitely one of the people I'm glad to have in this hospital. From our pre-employment days to our soon to be 1st year anniversary. I know I could always count on you. Thank you for always discouraging me from quitting back then. hahaha

Feels as if I've rushed this entry and I might have missed out on a LOT. But that's it for now:) I'll see if I could afford to make another one soon:)