want vs need

Things I WANT but don't NEED (right now)
1. Running shoes
There's a hole near the right toe of my current running shoes that almost lends credibility to my running efforts. Truth be told the hole is probably due more to poor shoe quality than the wear and tear of running. I think I'll postpone buying new shoes until I actually earn the mileage.









2. Earphones
The earphones that came with my iPod are almost 2 years old. More gray than white in color now it's exposed wirings have been taped over many times (with Micropore!). I can barely hear anything from the right earphone. I tend to compensate by increasing the volume which is probably bad for my left ear. I don't get to use them very often now since I have started running without music. However, I am looking forward to using them when I go on duty in the hospital. I'm over caffeinated and on an adrenalin high during my 24-hour hospital duties. When I do have to time for a nap I need to listen to soothing music that can lull me to sleep.


3. Laptop Sleeve
A nice laptop deserves a good laptop sleeve, one that allows me to just chuck the whole thing in my bag and not worry about damaging my laptop. My old sleeve is way too big for my (relatively) new laptop. It does not really offer that much protection. I need one that is light and fits like a glove.







4. ER Season 15 Box Set
Yes, DVDs of the full season 15. After going through season 1 to 14 since med school I'm determined to see the whole series to its end. I once considered going into Emergency Medicine but I decided I wanted more patient contact (and follow-up) than an ER stay of 24-48 hours can give.



5. Tree bookshelf
Just because it's so damn nice to look at. But I'll probably need a forest to shelve all of my books.

Tree Bookshelf from designer Shawn Soh.










Things I WANT and actually NEED
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 17th ed

I have the 16th ed all highlighted, bookmarked and covered with notations. That's not to say I have read the entire 2 volumes. I still need to get the updated 17th ed though. I actually have the pdf of the new edition but there's nothing like the feel and smell of a new book to inspire me to study.






Yup, that's all I really need right now (and maybe a little less rain so I can run).

goal updates

Too much has happened that I haven't been able to write about.

There's the week-long Cebu-CDO-Camiguin trip, my camera breaking down, the tan-lines and getting really, really dark during rainy season.

There's letting go of my laid-back lifestyle of work/vacation to go into unemployment, to feeling really stupid during pre-residency and then being accepted to another residency program.

There's momentarily losing sight of my running goals as rainy weather put a lid on my running for July and August, and coming home bone-tired during my pre-residency in September (I actually fall asleep on the commute home).

But I'm back now.

I'm getting used to running on a treadmill. I've set new running goals for October and am on the brink of achieving them. I am glad that all the walking (and commuting) I did for pre-residency kept my weight down. At least after a full month with no runs I won't have to concern myself about additional weight wreaking havoc to my knees.

I have plans for a last vacation before I start my residency training in December.

It's nice to have goals.

maraming salamat po

Whatever I write today will never be good enough. So I'm keeping it as simple as possible (but not simpler).

Rest In Peace President Corazon Aquino.

Maraming Salamat Po.

this is a rant / this is a rave

Okay.

I was just in the worst traffic jam ever.


I just got home. A bus ride from Alabang to Batangas which usually takes 1 1/2 hours on a good day stretched to what seemed like infinity. I left Alabang at a little before 3 PM yesterday and arrived at Batangas at 2:40 AM today. My butt is numb from sitting in the bus for 11 hours and 43 minutes.

Contrary to what most people might think, the bus was not filled with impatient and grumbling passengers. I surprised even myself by not complaining. We were at a standstill most of the time, what use was complaining going to do anyway. It was just going to be a waste of energy.

I got some sleep on the bus. Most passengers did. Some ate their dinner and snacks on board. We listened to 80's music (mostly classic rock and pop), watched the news about PGMA's SONA, watched Pirates of the Caribbean (the first movie followed by the sequel) and was already half-way through the Curse of the Black Pearl when the DVD player just stalled. We then watched another film version of Tomb Raider 1 and 1/2 times (not the one with Angelina Jolie and with really bad acting). In between all these I was reading Haruki Murakami's Dance Dance Dance and would've finished the book if the bus lights weren't switched off late in the night.

I'm not feeling too tired right now, which is quite unfortunate as I can't get myself to fall asleep. I keep thinking about alternate travel experiences. If I was going the opposite direction I would've reached Ilocos Norte by then. On a different day I would've reached Bicol already. If I was on a boat instead I would've already reached Romblon. If I was in Cebu, I would've been in Camiguin already. If I was going to work, I would've already gone back and forth to Mindoro twice.

For most part of the bus ride, this was my view out the window. Not exactly a view to die for, but I'm really not complaining.


In truth, I will probably remember this as the shortest 12-hour trip I've ever had. In truth, this will probably be the best "worst traffic jam" I'll ever be in.

Going down the bus at the end of Diversion Road in Batangas I couldn't help but smile when the passengers thanked the driver and the conductor for a safe trip. We all laughed when one passenger quipped "sulit ang bayad". Truly, the bus fare we paid was all worth it.

last words

July has not been extremely friendly to me.

I'm back in Manila. I took an exam without reviewing and walked away hitting myself on the head. I must have written the most disjointed essay I've ever written. It's shameful. Now, I'm down to contemplating Plan C in my medical career path. Unfortunately, it's appearing to be just like the weather - gloomy, overcast and gray.

I should not be getting worked up. Saturday night I bought five Smiley stress balls, four of which I gave to my equally depressed and directionless friends. The last one is for me.

her morning elegance

Her Morning Elegance - Oren Lavie

Thanks to Aki for showing me this vid. Stop motion charms me no end.

I love it.