Thoughts on Being a Guest Speaker

Well, today I “surprisingly” found myself attending the “CSI Nights” event of the I love Iloilo team by Gawad Kalinga – I was listening to three amazing speakers and let’s just say I got inspired of what they were discussing. After the forum and the little chit-chats, I came across a college friend, Tracy. Yeah. Small city! So I said “Hi.” – technically I said her name… then for a brief moment, I disappeared like a pro ninja!

Some children in Cauayan, Negros. – “Do I inspire you, kids?” hahaha!

Britney is Not The Only One “Doing it Again”

I was on my way to my doctor yesterday and the song on my playlist was Britney’s popular hit “Oops! I did it again!” Just great! (insert sarcasm here) Remember that music video? With her wearing that red shiny tight-fit jumpsuit making her super hot?! That’s not the case with me. I was “hot” but not the hot-sexy type we see on TV. I was hot and feeling awfully crappy because I’m sick. haha!

Telling the world that I’m a GREAT nurse! Not the usual case of being sick. See what I mean?

When The Human Body Goes Into Overdrive

I really forgot that I have a “human body” to take care of. :( Is it just me thinking about the unlimited things I can possibly do with my body? Probably. Yes, I was sick for several days now. Big BOO! My friends and family would blame me for the excessive abuse I always do on myself – as if I had a problem with that haha. I doubted denied it. haha. It’s quite funny when my dad and I would argue about these things I would always close it with “I’m a nurse!” statement. Then he would just be quiet and do an “I-know-but-you-are-overworking” grin. :)

I jog 5-6 times a week and I love playing badminton – fatigue. Go figure!

Learn to say NO

It was such a shame looking back. Me shutting the heck up and not standing up for myself when persuaded to take the course (Nursing) that I ultimately despised four years back. I mean, if you could redo your decision, would you opt for another course that you are sure that you’ll be passionate about? I do! I’d love to go back and pat myself on the back and say “I’m glad you made that decision.”

Well, at least I got the degree that they wanted. I’m happy because they are happy for me. (This was taken last March so I guess I was still fat haha!)

I grew up with a traditional Filipino family, surrounded by visual artists, businessmen, doctors, and nurses. Oh and I admit that I don’t blame my parents for choosing a course that could probably help me with my future (let me earn dollars and support them). I should be thanking them for helping me decide. Maybe four years ago I was clueless of the possibilities in life and Nursing was a step closer to what they call “Greener Pastures” which BTW I am not interested in. Just to be clear of my intentions. Haha!

The Importance of Sleep

Have you ever thought about the words “sleep” and “less” when put together or interchanged would give you still a similar meaning? Nah, It just crossed my mind a minute ago. Like sleepless, less sleep, and sleep less. Having that in mind, I would like to share to you my encounters with sleep – well, because I tend to make my own sleep schedule (where day is night and night is day for me).

Welcoming you to my “home office / workstation” located just perpendicular to where my bed is at. This is me working at 4 o’clock in the morning with no signs of sleepiness.

Ever since I entered the nursing profession (when I was studying to become one, of course) the lack of sleep is nothing new to me anymore. I adjusted in that turmoil of endless Nursing Care Plan writing and Night Shifts. Somehow, I have taken that ‘nursing way of life’ with me and integrated it with my work. You may already know my work schedule.

Out of my curiosity, I took a sleep test just to check if I have any sleep disorders and such. Thank God I went to nursing school and learned to apply what I have learned in my everyday endeavors – especially to this ‘crazy’ lifestyle. Good thing that despite my topsy-turvy schedule I could still have that eight hours of sleep. This gives me an entire 18 hours to spend in a given day. That’s how I look at it.

Of course, caffeine in coffee plays a significant role in keeping me up. Now, I could do anything even without it. Hey, I may have a different sleeping time than you but it does not mean I lack sleep or I have insomnia. Just to clear things.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET SOME SLEEP?

• Sleep helps the brain commit new information to memory.
• Chronic sleep deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite.
• Serious sleep disorders have been linked to hypertension, increased stress hormone levels, and irregular heartbeat.
• Sleep deprivation alters immune function, including the activity of the body’s killer cells. Keeping up with sleep may also help fight cancer.

These are the important tidbits that I would like to share to all of you. Keep in mind that sleep is vital to us – it is like air and water! Let’s condition ourselves to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s get some sleep! Ciao!