I have been in the US for almost 7 years now and while I constantly blog about my day to day experiences, I thought of creating another blog which will be more précised and descriptive of how it’s really like… not only in NY but in other states too as we continue to discover what this country has to offer. See you there!
IFC keeps on telling him that I have to learn driving and get used to it as well so I’ve been constantly practicing lately. 2 things about driving in NY… 1) there are just so many cars on the road; and 2) a lot of drivers are aggressive.
For a couple of times, he asked me if I can now drive in the highway. I said not yet. I still have to get comfortable and maybe avoid feeling tensed all the time. I drove home on Tuesday using the local road. Last night, I asked IFC if I could drive again and he said yes but he wanted me to use the highway. I asked him if he thinks I’m ready. He just said, “When are you going to try it? You would never know unless you do.” There are 2 highways that we can use…Grand Central Parkway (GCP) and Long Island Expressway (LIE). GCP has a lot of curves and bumps so IFC said I should use LIE until I get comfy. Well, I managed to get us home safe though I must admit there was a lot of traffic so I wasn’t running the state’s speed limit of 50.
Here are some lessons I learned from my driving experience so far… well for what I remember…
1) We went to Filene’s one time that when I parked, the divider line was in between the car. I had to reverse 2 or 3 times before I managed to park the car in between the 2 lines. IFC said that if I want to park somewhere on my right, I have to somehow position the car on my left so I will have room and that it won’t be skewed.
2) I was in the middle lane and someone from my right cut me to go to the left lane. I didn’t realize that right away. All I thought was he was cutting me to go to the middle lane and continue driving. I was still pressing the gas when I was supposed to be hitting the breaks. IFC (who is on the passenger side) pulled the wheel in a way that we wouldn’t also hit a car should there be one on the right lane.
3) I still have to work on my “judgment”… sometimes I go a little fast when turning; sometimes I thought I have enough space from the car in front of me that even if I don’t press the gas, the car is still running and suddenly I will realize I have to hit the breaks; or sometimes IFC tells me to avoid the holes/bumps on the road. I try but there are times that instead of avoiding it, all the more I drive on it.
4) Last night, I was unaware I went out of my lane 2 times. IFC said to always feel the wheel… that I have to constantly move it a little since the highway is not really straight.
5) The worst of all, I was driving on a two-way street with 2 lanes each. The oncoming car was partly on my lane (maybe he avoided something… I really don’t know) that instead of stepping on the breaks, I avoided it mostly taking the right lane. Thank God there was no car on my right! IFC said I definitely have to step on the breaks in that case. He said I can only do what I did if I looked into the side mirror to make sure there was no car and that I don’t have to take that much space in doing so.
Bottom line, I think I’m learning little by little… but I definitely need more time…
I find it really difficult to accept the “blame” when I know I’m not the person primarily responsible for it. I hope people would learn how to think first before saying anything. Being impulsive, more often than not, can be offensive!
My parents own 2 small stores in San Andres Bukid Market which offers dry goods... flour, sugar, and salt to name a few. I was really busy with the wedding preparation that I didn’t even have the time to pay a visit when I went home for a vacation in 2005. I know my father was disappointed with that. And so, when I was there last December 2007, I dropped by one early AM and even stayed for a few minutes to take some pictures (using my cell phone). :)
Most people who actually know me would probably find it weird (just like how I feel), that I enjoy watching the Olympics. I must admit though that IFC being so into sports has been a great influence.
Yesterday was the day!
As we were about to leave the apartment, I suddenly felt the need to do #2. I wasn’t sure if it’s because I was nervous or I really had to. Anyway, we were supposed to be at the Ambulatory no later than 830 AM. We arrived there at exactly 824 AM.
The paperwork at the Admitting was taking long. My doctor went out to the lobby and spoke to me… I introduced IFC as well. The nurse called me soon after. IFC and I went to the dressing room then proceeded to Exam Room 4 for preliminary testing… BP was taken, medical history was reviewed, allergies to drugs and latex, etc. etc. The anaesthesiologist came after, discussed how the surgery will go… I’ll be put to sleep (with a general anaesthesia), will breath in an oxygen tube, will have to have an endoscopy, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, tubal lavage and some other procedures that I can’t remember the names.
Then, we walked towards the operating room (OR). I was really nervous that time. All the more I got scared when I saw about 7 people (maybe more) inside the OR not to mention all those apparatus including the lights on the ceiling that I just saw on TV before. I laid down the table. A nurse started putting patches on my chest… I guess to monitor my vitals. The anaesthesiologist on my left started putting the IV. She said I’ll feel something like a bee sting and some kind of burning on my hand. While she was doing that, she asked me what my favorite form of relaxation was. I said “beach”. She asked “where?” I said “nothing specific as long as there’s water”. She insisted so I said “let’s say the Philippines where I’m from”. She said “I’m not taking you there… you can’t relax in a place where your family is”. How about I take you to Maldives?” The nurse on my right put the oxygen mask and said “breathe normally”. Then, I looked at the ceiling, it got blurry, and the next time I know I was in the recovery room.
My doctor approached me and said that everything is normal. The left fallopian tube turned out to be open… which is in contradiction to what my doctor thought with the result of the hysterogram. He said he’ll see me in a month and probably start giving me the “injectables” as supposed to clomid. I then assumed that he just did the laparoscopy and endoscopy. He didn’t have to do the rest. I mean I don’t see the need to be dilating a tube that is open in the 1st place.
Soon, IFC was there beside me.
A nurse said I can’t be discharged unless I pee at least a 100 cc. So beside the dextrose I have, I tried drinking as much fluids as I can just so I can pee and eventually go home. The 1st try, the nurse opened the faucet (which I think has a psychological effect to help) and left me in the bathroom. I couldn’t. I mean I felt my bladder was heavy but it just wasn’t coming out. I went back inside. And while the nurse was taking off the IV, I felt I needed to go. And so I did but the container showed it was a little less than 100 cc. But thank goodness the nurse said I passed.
IFC helped me dressed up. He got the car and a nurse walked me to it.
We were still in the highway when I felt again the need to pee. We didn’t know what to do. I put my jeans under my legs in case I can’t hold it any longer. IFC said “can you still manage it till we reach Kohls? “ I said I’ll try. But I can’t anymore so he stopped by Applebee’s and I told the lady (while showing my wrist tag) that I just came out of the hospital and I really need to use the bathroom. She was nice enough to let me go.
Then, I was home.
I just don’t understand why some people are nice when they need something from you and yet the annoyance in their voice is very obvious when it’s the other way around…
Remember that hysterogram I had on June?! Well it turned out that my left fallopian tube is blocked (based on the pictures from the x-ray). My doctor said he doesn’t know why so he needs to perform a laparoscopy. And for him to unblock the tube, he needs to do a hysteroscopy as well.
The doctor said it’s not really a problem since the right tube is open. The chances of getting pregnant are lower though. The thing is… if I ovulate on my bad side, then I’ll never get pregnant!
Anyway, I’m having the surgery this Thursday… must admit I’m kind of scared!
My desk is by the window. You’ll see the tress and even the cars passing by. I felt cold around noon today for whatever reason… I really don’t know. So to help ease that feeling, I turned on the wall heater I have near me. Yes in the middle of summer! Haha! I was planning on turning it off after a few minutes but I completely forgot. Then, 2 of my co-workers walked towards the window and one noticed it and asked... "Is that heat coming out?". I felt so embarrassed but didn’t really take it seriously. I thought that’s funny! :)
Nothing really special or interesting happened over the weekend. I practiced driving as usual. I must admit I still get a little panicky whenever I encounter aggressive drivers. IFC keeps on reminding me to be alert at all times. You can never tell you know.
Anyway, we also went to Roosevelt Field Mall… didn’t buy anything though; Walmart… got some groceries and supplies; and we ate at this “restaurant” that we were so disappointed with the quality of the food and service as well. IFC wants to go to this restaurant ever since but we don’t have any branch near us. We didn’t have second thoughts upon seeing the restaurant near the mall. But I don’t think we’re going back there again ever.
Pepe (Grandpa in French), as we used to call him, was Tita Laling’s father-in-law… a very warm-hearted and hard-working person. He was always in his “cardigan”, dressed neatly as if he had some place to go to. I can also remember how he was at the dining table… didn’t want any mess, always tidying up while eating. I guess it’s the “military background” that he had. He always talked in a gentle manner. And most importantly, he was a family man and a devout Christian.
Tita Gie has been inviting us to go to Tita Laling for the 4th of July weekend. I said no at 1st having been there just last May. Then, Tita Laling said that Tito Ken had to request an IV for Pepe as he wasn’t eating anymore and that the doctor “sort of” gave him just 2 more days to live. IFC suggested that we go as we can’t make it during the week if something happens to Pepe. And so we did. I felt so bad upon seeing his condition. He lost so much weight… imagine an 87 year old weighing only 60lbs. But he looked peaceful though. I really thought he was ready to leave… too tired and just wanted to rest.
Anyway, we had a little celebration for my birthday on July 5th. Tita Gie made some bbq, cooked pansit sotanghon and adobong kangkong. Tita Laling bought me a cake too. Weng was there with Billy so we had some fun time.
But the next morning, Pepe died. And in as much as we want to stay for the funeral, we just can’t.
To Pepe: Wherever you are, I know you’re happy and at peace. We will always include you in our prayers. You will be missed…
I read the reviews online (including an “Oscar buzz” for Heath Ledger) for the movie The Dark Knight... people were raving about how great it was. IFC and I watched it last Sunday. All I can say is… I couldn’t agree more! There was no dull moment. In fact, people were clapping from time to time. The actors were great. Christian Bale has proven it once again and while I’m not really a fan of Heath’s, I think he deserves the recognition (though I read concerns of some parents on the violent role he had in the movie).
What are you waiting for then?
Thanks to everyone who greeted me on my birthday… email, text messages, phone calls (Tito Ariel) and in person. It was greatly appreciated.
Greetings from family and friends (in exact form):
*****
Hope you have a good one with all the July 4 fireworks !
Tita Malu
*****
Hi Faye,
Advanced Happy Birthday! Many happy returns. May the Lord bless you and grant your prayer by giving you the one thing that you and Irvin have been wanting for so long.
Ingat kayo palagi.
Happy 4th of July na rin sa inyong dalawa. Enjoy the rest of the day.
Best Regards,
Samuelito Castillo
*****
Hey Girl!
Sorry wasn't able to greet you on your birthday. Had so much to do at home and at work. I hope you enjoyed your day with family and friends.
Wishing you good health, love and happiness. Cheers!
Regie, Song & LJ
*****
Faye--
Belated Happy Birthday, Sis! Blessings come your way.
Rene
*****
happy happy bday Faye! more blessing for a kind hearted person like you.
Regards,
Chen
*****
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAYE!
Here are my wishes for you ...... each rose
symbolizes a special wish from me to you.
One Rose for Long Friendship
One Rose for Unconditional Love
One Rose For Financial Wealth
One for Everlasting Happiness
One for Success
One for Knowledge
One for Beauty, inner and outer
One for Family
One for Honesty
And the last one for a long and healthy life
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY FAYE!!!!!
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!
Maridel
*****
Maligayang kaarawan Faye...nanaginip ako kanina nag ce-celebrate tayo ng birthday mo sa office..... sarap ng mga handa at marami..enjoy your birthday..
Regards.
Ernie Gutierrez
*****
Faye,
Happy Birthday po !
Wishing you all the best for this day !
Keep safe !
Joey
*****
happy and blessed birthday faye! ;-)
Rachel
*****
Happy Birthday Pipay!!! Wish you good health and beauty...
See yah!
Marie
*****
Advance Happy Birthday, Pepay!
Ruby
*****
happy bday faye!
Rona
*****
happy birthday!More blessings to come and wish you good health
tita baby and raphi
*****
Dear Faye,
wishing u the best on ur birthday.. may ur life be filled with happiness, people who love u and good health.
regards,
indira
*****
Happy Birthday Faye!!!
Miss you na! I hope we really do meet up next time you visit!
Take care!
Ricci
*****
Wishing you true happiness, peace of mind and more blessings to come... Happy, happy birthday Faye!!! =)
Erikitch
*****
Belated happy birthday Faye..sorry late na.
Vel
*****
sup2x? ei! happy happy birthday h!
Mickey
*****
Hey Girl! Long time no hear. Happy 34th Birthday! I pray for many birthdays to come.
Also for a baby soon... para me pinsan na ang mga babies ko...
I'm doing fine khit mag-isa lang, I'm still hopeful that we will be able to follow Lito very soon.
Hope to chat with you sometime...regards to Irvin.
Wishing you all the best today and always.
Love,
Irmee Cansino - Castillo
*****
Noel Jo Ann and Kids has sent you an ecard from 123Greetings.com.
*****
hi ate faye!!! ... howdy?...
from all of us, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
wishing u all the best...take care always...c u na lng sa chat..
muah!!!...
GOD Bless...we love you
ShAsHa
*****
Hello Ninang FAye!!!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!
wish you continuous blessings and happiness.
And most of all: a healthy baby soon.... :D
more birthdays to come...
love yah!
Regards,
Caryl/Roland/Migs
*****
Hi Faye,
Happy happy birthday sister!
Fatima
*****
Hi Faye!
As usual, I just opened my email today after so many weeks. Belated Happy Birthday and God Bless!
Hope to see you when you come back again to Manila.
Espie
*****
Hello faye,
belated happy birthday. Hope you had a fun birthday! God bless you. All the best to you and irvin.
cat
*****
Hi Faye,
It's your birthday today, isn't it? I wish you all the best my dear! Take care & God Bless!
ellen
*****
Hi faye, happy birthday! Mwaah… Ano nilu2 mo? o llbas nlng kyo ni Irvin? Wish ko 4 u, sana maging successful operation mo kung ma22loy man. Ok, mag enjoy kyo ni Irvin ngaun, bday mo e. Mwaah… Ingat kyo lagi!
Tita Aba
*****
Faye hapi bday! May u hv mre blessed n peaceful life. Luv u. T.Baby
*****
Happy birthday to you! :)
Tita Baby
*****
Happy birthday! With d grace of God, may u hav an abundance of all d good things specially good health nd happiness, I love u anak
Mama
*****
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Adoy
*****
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! REGARDS TO ERVIN AND GOD BLESS
Papa
*****
I got this from Caryl...
What Your Workspace Says About You |
 You are an organized and detail oriented person. You have your life in order. You are hardworking and driven. You have an excellent work ethic. You feel like you neglect your family and friends when you're working. You may work a bit too much. You don't switch careers often, and you intend to stay at your current job for a long time. At work, you tend to be an extrovert. You enjoy working with other people and drawing people into your work space. |
I started seeing an infertility doctor where it entails undergoing a series of tests. I had an x-ray called ”hysterogram” at the North Shore Hospital yesterday. I already had an idea of how it’s done even before going there as I was given this piece of paper with instructions and warning if you may call it as such. It was a short procedure… no longer than 5 minutes I think. All I can say is a loud OUCH! That hurt… a lot! Imagine feeling so much pain and they ask you to relax! Sigh! But I guess I really have to go through all these troubles if I want to have a baby…
We went back to the “dealer” on 5/31 to do some cancellations but the Business Manager was in a meeting. It was “supposedly” rescheduled on 6/2. However, we were surprised to know that she was out on vacation for the whole week. And so we waited till the next Monday which was yesterday. Guess what? She was right there… a few feet away from us… but she didn’t entertain us at all. She asked the salesman (SM) to tell us to call a certain number (which they can’t even provide) for the cancellation. I then showed the contract to the SM where it specifically stated that the cancellation has to be done through the dealer. The SM had to go back to her again for instructions. To cut it short… he took the paperwork, signed my copy and we left.
I am just so pissed off with how this whole thing turned out. I feel like she wouldn’t entertain us anymore because the sale is already done! Where is the so-called customer service then?!
Now we’re really thinking of filing a complaint to the DCA!
Having bought this car seems like “it was never meant to be” from the start. I hate to think of it as some sort of “bad luck” but the troubles are just never-ending.
Being a 1st time buyer, not to mention that we didn’t have an ample time to review all the documents while in their premises, the Business Manager’s (BM) approach looked like it was mandatory for us to get all the extended warranty/add-ons for the car. I must admit that it was written in one of the papers that these are optional. I still believe though that it is the BM’s responsibility to specify that which she didn’t. And while it’s not going to change the monthly mortgaged amount, it would have still been better if these add-ons were applied to the full amount owed. The problem is that the salesman picked up the car the next day after we bought it to install some things and finish the waxing. IFC and I (on separate occasions), told him not to as we wanted to cancel everything. He clearly said it has nothing to do with it. It turned out that $6885 worth of optional items can no longer be cancelled as they are already set up in the car. The only consolation is that we can put that amount on top of the resale value in case we sell or trade it in. We will cancel the rest amounting to $4295 tonight. Bottom line, it’s like we bought 2 cars.
Then on Saturday, we parked the car at a Burger King so buy IFC’s house slippers at a store across the street. It didn’t even take us 10 minutes and IFC saw the car being towed. I wouldn’t believe him at 1st but he ran and knocked on the driver’s window. He said we’re illegally parked as he saw us walked the other direction. We were asked to pay $150… in cash. He showed no mercy at all and when I asked for a copy of the receipt, he said… “Then, give me your driver’s license. I will put tax on it so you have to give me $13 more.” Again, being our 1st time, we just gave in to it to end the conversation.
Call us stupid but I still feel that it’s simply like taking advantage of other people’s vulnerability. This whole ordeal became a big lesson for us… that we have to be more wary next time.
I still can’t get over it though! Arrgghh!!!
We went to a co-worker’s wedding last Sunday. I’ve been so eager to witness a Catholic wedding here as I want to know if they also have the coin, veil, cord and candle ceremonies that we have in the Philippines…
1) Coin (or arrhae) signifies a groom’s promise to take care of his wife materially.
2) The Veil ceremony is being done by pinning it to the groom’s shoulder extended to cover the bride’s head and shoulder. This symbolizes the groom’s pledge of his strength and protection for his bride.
3) The Cord, in a form of number 8, is put over the veil. This represents unity and infinity.
4) Lastly, the Candle ceremony symbolizes 2 lives and 2 spirits are being joined together.
Anyway, they apparently don’t have these over here. While we didn’t understand the ceremony being in Korean, I was sure that it was very solemn and nice. The choir performed really well.
The reception was at Leonard’s which is very well known for weddings. It started with a cocktail which to me was like the main entrée already as there were so many variation of American and Korean food. I tried not to stuff myself so I could still enjoy the dinner… which was also good. The program went well. There was a lot of dancing. Alex professed his love to his bride and even said “saranghae” (meaning I love you) in the end. I can’t help not to giggle for having known what that word meant. I find that really sweet. Also, they (each) said something to their parents which made them very emotional.
Overall, we had fun!
Pictures here…
