Looking back at 2008

I usually write a month by month breakdown of things that happened but given the crazy year that I had, I don't think I have enough energy to do it. So ... I will do a recap ... best I could.

School: Nursing program started in January. First day of clinicals, I almost threw up because I had to clean a 70+ year old lady who had diarrhea and MRSA. Imagine me all gowned up with the usual precaution stuff and so paranoid that I'm gonna get MRSA and the crap all over me. I have never cleaned someone's poop before so that was a first. Ugh. This is going to sound very sadist but when I administered injections, I found it fun. LOL. It was very interesting. When the first semester ended, my classmates and I were so relieved. We went for a drink near school. That was fun. It was good to see people outside a controlled environment such as the school. I was shocked by some of their stories with their husbands (I think I'm one of the few who is not married). haha. The second semester was crazier because it was more in depth and so much more detailed. We weren't dealing with theories anymore, it was more organs/systems and the disease processes associated with each. Along with that, we had to know how to assess, diagnose, treat, manage, etc. each disease. I can honestly say, I cannot remember any of those at this very moment. Call it mental block or whatever. BUT if I'm in front of the patient, I can talk my ass off about the disease. I don't know why. I guess my brain works when it's put on the spot with the patient.

Work: Crazy as always. I now have a new boss. When it comes to responsibilities, it's not the same as before. I'd say a bit less than before. Actually, no, not less. It's about the same but I don't have the same set as before. Well, no. It is less coz I don't do some stuff anymore, but then some stuff were added to me. Whatever. Some of the people dear to me are no longer with the company. Some by choice, some were forced. There were several lay offs throughout the year. I'm fortunate enough not to be included in the list but hey, there's always next year.

Friends: Well, I don't have the same support system that I have back home. I do have very close friends here but it's still different compared sa Pinas. Back home, 1 text or 1 call, the barkada is there for you. I miss my friends back home. I miss my Ate Kaye coz she's like my best friend. I miss my parnter in crime RiaMigs. I miss my sis Penny with our coffee escapades. I miss Cla and Cathy with our all-nighter-conference calls. I miss my college kada eventhough we don't see each other much coz whenever we do, it's always super fun. I miss Nitropeeps with the wackiness and laughs. BUT, I'm still thankful for my friends here sa US and Canada. They're great people. Awesome companions.

Health: Well, I'm doing better. The thing that I had before is gone so I'm ok now. Healing good. But since school will start soon, I'm gonna get so stressed again so I'll have more migraines. Ugh.

Family: I miss them so much. Soooooo much. I only see them on webcam and pictures that my cousins post on different sites. =( It's depressing, especially during the holidays and birthdays coz I know they all meet up. We had several deaths in the family recently. My uncle, my grandfather (my mom's mom's brother) and my great-grand uncle (my mom's mom's uncle) passed away just this month. We also had several births ... my godson Jaden and my niece ... ZJ's sister (ZJ is my other godson) .... whose name I forgot (sorry Kuya RJ, hehe).

Partner: JM is great. It started out fun, but now, it's not fun. IT's FREAKIN' AWESOME!!! I've never felt this way before. I've never been this excited to see someone other than family. It's amazing. I'm not annoyed, I'm not irritated, I'm not tired of seeing him. In fact, I can't get enough of him. Things are very difficult, that I'm not going to deny, but he makes me so happy. A lot of sakura moments and tailed fox moments but, we get through it. It's a mature relationship, but not boring at all. I don't think I've ever been bored. Ever. Always fun, always interesting, always on my toes.

Myself: I've always thought of myself as a "do-it-yourself" kind of person. Don't get me wrong, if I need help, I will ask for it. I am not too proud to ask for help if I really need it. I'm usually a strong individual, I don't like appearing weak or stupid coz I know I'm not. I want to be able to stand on my own two feet. Not have to depend on someone to validate my existence. I don't like the feeling of frustration and aggravation when things don't go my way. (Yes, I am a little spoiled, just a little.) I hate feeling frustrated about something coz my chest tightens and I can't breathe well ... it can actually be seen on my face if I'm frustrated.

Resolutions for next year:
- Since I've been pretty much a snob this year, I'll try not being a snob this year. I don't even say hello to people. I don't even look up. I just look at my phone or look at the ground. Can't. Have to be improve my confidence.
- I have to be more confident, be less insecure about things I shouldn't be insecure about. I should start worrying about things that really matter.
- I must improve my time management skills. Along with that, I should know what to prioritize.
- Must be able to plan a successful ANL.
- Save money! Spend less! Save more!! Much more!!
- Know how to relax, unwind and reduce the stress.
- Finish school without problems. I have to be ready for the boards.