Summer Days are indeed here.
No work today due to the EDSA celebration. Stayed at home to finish my Prodman paper due tomorrow.
Unfortunately, I had to contend with the heat that heralds the start of the summer months.
SO and I are headed off to Tagaytay tomorrow to join his folks at their place. Don't know though where we will be going on Sunday. It's our day to celebrate our anniversary.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Wake-up Call
Ever since I can remember, I've always fought a losing war against my weight. After all the battles that I've fought, I only recall one fight that I won and that was on my second year of high school (the only time that I had a waist line of 27"). I don't know why I was so focused on losing weight that time, but if I remember it right, I was tapped to be a bridesmaid of my uncle's wedding and the dress was something that I could only wear if I was a size 8 (short skirt and off shoulder neckline).
I can't recall how many pounds I lost that time, but I looked great in that wedding! I managed to retain the weight until after high school graduation.
The pounds started to pile in upon reaching college. I don't know if it's because I started eating more, or because I hung out with a group of guys who eat as if they're running a marathon. And when I started working, I gained more and more pounds. Fourteen years after entering college, I gained a total of sixty pounds.
Sounds horrible, I know. I tried to lose weight but I can't seem to find the same focus that I had before. I grew complacent and I found solace in food. I ran out of hope that I will never be sexy thin as my siblings or my mom are. I will always be the fat girl (but with the brains) in the family.
Last November, we had our annual physical check-up at work. I was not that worried since the previous year before that, I was told that my cholesterol levels were at a normal high and I knew I worked on that last January 2004. In fact, my gym instructor told me then that I'm "safe" already.
But when I got my blood chemistry results yesterday, I was so surprised that I went cold all over and cried.
The good news is that I have no diabetes. My glucose levels are normal. However, my cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid levels are in the alarmingly high levels. I dropped whatever it was I was doing and rushed off to Makati Med to consult with our family doctor.
While trudging towards Makati Med, I tried to figure out what caused my cholesterol to jump up. I figured that I must've gained all the pounds that I lose last year and at that time (end of November), I was eating like crazy due to the upcoming Christmas season.
I listened numbly as my doctor prescribed medicines and gave me my diet and other instructions on how to lower my weight and my cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acids to manageable levels.
My doctor also discussed the repurcussions if I have not done anything.
Cholesterol, as we all know, hardens the arteries. Tryglicerides, are calories not used and transported to fat cells to be stored. Excess triglycerides are linked to coronary artery disease and can even lead to diabetes. I was basically a heart attack and diabetes patient, waiting to happen. Uric acid causes pain in the joints (aka gout). It's not as alarming as previously mentioned two, but it's something that I have to bring down, else I'll be limping or complaining of aches for the rest of my life.
Now, here I am, miserable in my second day of diet. According to my doctor, I can only eat the following:
1. fish - tuna is out of the question since it belongs to the mackarel family and they have high levels of uric acid (or is that cholesterol?). fish suggestions are bangus and lapu-lapu. They should be steamed or boiled or whatever but NEVER fried.
2. vegetables - not beans. Again, high levels of uric acid.
3. fruits - my glucous levels are ok so I can eat any fruit.
4. rice - plain not friend or anything else. Just plain boring boiled rice.
5. chicken - as long as it's not fried and remove the skin.
I ate only salads the whole day yesterday, yougurt and bread. I got more depressed when I learned that I can't eat oatmeal since it's high in uric acid (actually, surfed the web and yeast based products are also not allowed. So I guess that removes bread from my diet as well. Kill me now).
I get terribly cranky, miserable and depressed when I'm put in the spot like this. As I said, food is my solace. I have this psychological and emotional relationship with food and it won't be easy for me to get over it. Maybe I need to see a shrink to help me get through this. I already warned my SO about my mood and he's taking it pretty well. He said that he'll stick with me and will even eat the same stuff that I will eat. I thought it was pretty much bull but I was touched last night. The food served here at home was menudo. He was in the process on putting the stuff on his plate but when I just asked for carrots and potatos, he put everything back and just weeded out the aforementioned vegetables. He gave most to me and ate some for himself.
The first few weeks will be difficult. It always is. Food is my habit. Food is my vice. To just take it away like that is indeed painful. But it's for the best. After my heart-to-heart talk with my doctor (pun intended), I don't think I can eat another bite of unhealthy food. I'll go on whining and complaining but deep down, I know that what I'm doing is for my well-being. Besides, it might make me sexy enough for my dream wedding dress (haha).
So this is it. This is my wake-up call. My make or break year. I'll be turning 30 at the end of this year so might as well do it with a big bang. I'm planning to have a party at Mcdonald's or Jollibee to celebrate with my godkids and hopefully by that time, I've lost enough weight and will be fit enough to greet the next decade of my life.
I can't recall how many pounds I lost that time, but I looked great in that wedding! I managed to retain the weight until after high school graduation.
The pounds started to pile in upon reaching college. I don't know if it's because I started eating more, or because I hung out with a group of guys who eat as if they're running a marathon. And when I started working, I gained more and more pounds. Fourteen years after entering college, I gained a total of sixty pounds.
Sounds horrible, I know. I tried to lose weight but I can't seem to find the same focus that I had before. I grew complacent and I found solace in food. I ran out of hope that I will never be sexy thin as my siblings or my mom are. I will always be the fat girl (but with the brains) in the family.
Last November, we had our annual physical check-up at work. I was not that worried since the previous year before that, I was told that my cholesterol levels were at a normal high and I knew I worked on that last January 2004. In fact, my gym instructor told me then that I'm "safe" already.
But when I got my blood chemistry results yesterday, I was so surprised that I went cold all over and cried.
The good news is that I have no diabetes. My glucose levels are normal. However, my cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acid levels are in the alarmingly high levels. I dropped whatever it was I was doing and rushed off to Makati Med to consult with our family doctor.
While trudging towards Makati Med, I tried to figure out what caused my cholesterol to jump up. I figured that I must've gained all the pounds that I lose last year and at that time (end of November), I was eating like crazy due to the upcoming Christmas season.
I listened numbly as my doctor prescribed medicines and gave me my diet and other instructions on how to lower my weight and my cholesterol, triglycerides and uric acids to manageable levels.
My doctor also discussed the repurcussions if I have not done anything.
Cholesterol, as we all know, hardens the arteries. Tryglicerides, are calories not used and transported to fat cells to be stored. Excess triglycerides are linked to coronary artery disease and can even lead to diabetes. I was basically a heart attack and diabetes patient, waiting to happen. Uric acid causes pain in the joints (aka gout). It's not as alarming as previously mentioned two, but it's something that I have to bring down, else I'll be limping or complaining of aches for the rest of my life.
Now, here I am, miserable in my second day of diet. According to my doctor, I can only eat the following:
1. fish - tuna is out of the question since it belongs to the mackarel family and they have high levels of uric acid (or is that cholesterol?). fish suggestions are bangus and lapu-lapu. They should be steamed or boiled or whatever but NEVER fried.
2. vegetables - not beans. Again, high levels of uric acid.
3. fruits - my glucous levels are ok so I can eat any fruit.
4. rice - plain not friend or anything else. Just plain boring boiled rice.
5. chicken - as long as it's not fried and remove the skin.
I ate only salads the whole day yesterday, yougurt and bread. I got more depressed when I learned that I can't eat oatmeal since it's high in uric acid (actually, surfed the web and yeast based products are also not allowed. So I guess that removes bread from my diet as well. Kill me now).
I get terribly cranky, miserable and depressed when I'm put in the spot like this. As I said, food is my solace. I have this psychological and emotional relationship with food and it won't be easy for me to get over it. Maybe I need to see a shrink to help me get through this. I already warned my SO about my mood and he's taking it pretty well. He said that he'll stick with me and will even eat the same stuff that I will eat. I thought it was pretty much bull but I was touched last night. The food served here at home was menudo. He was in the process on putting the stuff on his plate but when I just asked for carrots and potatos, he put everything back and just weeded out the aforementioned vegetables. He gave most to me and ate some for himself.
The first few weeks will be difficult. It always is. Food is my habit. Food is my vice. To just take it away like that is indeed painful. But it's for the best. After my heart-to-heart talk with my doctor (pun intended), I don't think I can eat another bite of unhealthy food. I'll go on whining and complaining but deep down, I know that what I'm doing is for my well-being. Besides, it might make me sexy enough for my dream wedding dress (haha).
So this is it. This is my wake-up call. My make or break year. I'll be turning 30 at the end of this year so might as well do it with a big bang. I'm planning to have a party at Mcdonald's or Jollibee to celebrate with my godkids and hopefully by that time, I've lost enough weight and will be fit enough to greet the next decade of my life.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Allergies
I was proud that I never had allergies when I was growing up. My only allergy was from bagoong isda and dust (for my asthma). I remembered eating that when I was a kid and my whole body started swelling. It started with a small pantal on my arm, and next thing I knew, it was spreading. My mom took me to my pedia and they gave me an anti-allergy which conked me out after drinking it. After that, I avoided bagoong isda like the plague.
Lately though, I'm discovering that I'm allergic to things that I'm not allergic to before. Case in point, shrimp.
I love shrimp. I really really do. I love them buttered or on pizza or anything! It's my favorite seafood.
Late last year, my groupmates and I had our presentation at school. While we're waiting for class to start, we ordered a seafood pizza from Yellow Cab. A few minutes after consuming a slice, I could feel my lips swelling. As in swelling! I stopped eating and drank lots of water and spread vaseline lip therapy on my lips. I was hoping that my classmates would not notice my lips while presenting and would just think that it's lipstick.
After that episode, I avoided yellowcab's seafood pizza and started experimenting on shrimp. I found out that I'm allergic to "non-fresh" shrimp. Fresh shrimp are ok with me.
I also accidentally discovered that I'm allergic to certain kinds of lipsticks.
I was saddened by this realization because I love make-up, even if I rarely wear them. Everytime a relative comes home from abroad, I always ask for make-up. Last Christmas, a couple of friends gave me lipsticks as gifts (Clinique and Avon).
Last month, I bought a tube of lip gloss from In2it. I've been using this specific brand for quite some time and I'm very happy with the results. Weirdly though, my lips started swelling after using the lip gloss. I thought it was just a fluke so I used it again last Friday, and with the same results. I'm still soothing my lips with Vaseline up to now.
This is all frustrating because I can't eat what I usually ate, nor could I just use make-up as freely as I did before.
It's easy dealing with food allergies, but it will be difficult with regards to make-up. I have to find out the components of the lip gloss and do some comparisons. I'm going to buy a tube of lipstick from VMV (noted hypoallergenic brand) later and see whether I'm ok with it. Or maybe I can try Bodyshop. I have an important interview on Wednesday and I need to look my best (and that involves make-up!).
Lately though, I'm discovering that I'm allergic to things that I'm not allergic to before. Case in point, shrimp.
I love shrimp. I really really do. I love them buttered or on pizza or anything! It's my favorite seafood.
Late last year, my groupmates and I had our presentation at school. While we're waiting for class to start, we ordered a seafood pizza from Yellow Cab. A few minutes after consuming a slice, I could feel my lips swelling. As in swelling! I stopped eating and drank lots of water and spread vaseline lip therapy on my lips. I was hoping that my classmates would not notice my lips while presenting and would just think that it's lipstick.
After that episode, I avoided yellowcab's seafood pizza and started experimenting on shrimp. I found out that I'm allergic to "non-fresh" shrimp. Fresh shrimp are ok with me.
I also accidentally discovered that I'm allergic to certain kinds of lipsticks.
I was saddened by this realization because I love make-up, even if I rarely wear them. Everytime a relative comes home from abroad, I always ask for make-up. Last Christmas, a couple of friends gave me lipsticks as gifts (Clinique and Avon).
Last month, I bought a tube of lip gloss from In2it. I've been using this specific brand for quite some time and I'm very happy with the results. Weirdly though, my lips started swelling after using the lip gloss. I thought it was just a fluke so I used it again last Friday, and with the same results. I'm still soothing my lips with Vaseline up to now.
This is all frustrating because I can't eat what I usually ate, nor could I just use make-up as freely as I did before.
It's easy dealing with food allergies, but it will be difficult with regards to make-up. I have to find out the components of the lip gloss and do some comparisons. I'm going to buy a tube of lipstick from VMV (noted hypoallergenic brand) later and see whether I'm ok with it. Or maybe I can try Bodyshop. I have an important interview on Wednesday and I need to look my best (and that involves make-up!).
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Sunday, February 13, 2005
My Valentine's Celebration
It's been quite a weekend.
After our gruelling Prodman midterms yesterday, Leo and I proceeded to Alabang where we had dinner with his family at Vivere. Vivere is this rooftop restaurant where you can see a nice view of Laguna de Bay. It's really nice if not for the cold. There are also hotel rooms available in the building. Unfortunately, I can't say much for the food. It's nothing exemplary. If you're going there, just go for the view and not for the food.
This morning, we drove to Tagaytay where we had lunch at Sonya's garden. It's an out of the way place but people still flock to that restaurant. They're known for their organic food. They serve a fixed meal of salad, bread and pasta. They grow or make everything that they serve. The food is really delicious. Worth the travel.
Before leaving their house, Leo gave me my Valentine's gift. It's a white gold necklace as shown below:
I gave him a shirt from Celio.
Over-all, it's been a good Valentine's albeit a bit early. We're still going to meet tomorrow although to study for our Accounting midterms. We don't intend to go out and join the throngs of dating people. We're not really fond of crowds.
After our gruelling Prodman midterms yesterday, Leo and I proceeded to Alabang where we had dinner with his family at Vivere. Vivere is this rooftop restaurant where you can see a nice view of Laguna de Bay. It's really nice if not for the cold. There are also hotel rooms available in the building. Unfortunately, I can't say much for the food. It's nothing exemplary. If you're going there, just go for the view and not for the food.
This morning, we drove to Tagaytay where we had lunch at Sonya's garden. It's an out of the way place but people still flock to that restaurant. They're known for their organic food. They serve a fixed meal of salad, bread and pasta. They grow or make everything that they serve. The food is really delicious. Worth the travel.
Before leaving their house, Leo gave me my Valentine's gift. It's a white gold necklace as shown below:
I gave him a shirt from Celio.
Over-all, it's been a good Valentine's albeit a bit early. We're still going to meet tomorrow although to study for our Accounting midterms. We don't intend to go out and join the throngs of dating people. We're not really fond of crowds.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Funny and Early Valentine
Valentine's came early for me.
My boyfriend sent me flowers 3 days early. I don't know if he wanted to make a statement, but he sure did get everyone's attention at work when he sent me the roses.
They were so beautiful when they first arrived. I have never received a boquet of RED roses before. The roses that I have received before were either white or peach but never red. Nevertheless, those two dozen roses were beautiful, moreover when the buds had dew on them when I took them out of the plastic. Good thing nobody else read the card (everyone surmised that the flowers came from Leo) because there was no sender indicated on the card (does "Anonymous" count?). Since I know nobody else in his right mind would send me flowers, I immediately called Leo up and thanked him.
Here's me at my workstation with my roses.
Since he gave me flowers early, I gave him my gift as well. I got him a polo shirt from Celio. I noticed that he has been eyeing that shirt for quite some time. I hurried off to Greenbelt 3 on my lunch break and after so much dithering, bought the polo which hopefully was his size.
Anyway, we're going to celebrate either Saturday or Sunday. I don't know what his plans are but he said he has another present for me. I don't want to hope but well, I'll just condition myself to think that it's some kind of electronic thingee or probably something else. Ay wait, maybe it's that trinket that I showed him at Market Market! sometime ago. Ongano. Durn. Oh well, so much for that ever elusive proposal. But hey, I'm happy with the flowers.
My boyfriend sent me flowers 3 days early. I don't know if he wanted to make a statement, but he sure did get everyone's attention at work when he sent me the roses.
They were so beautiful when they first arrived. I have never received a boquet of RED roses before. The roses that I have received before were either white or peach but never red. Nevertheless, those two dozen roses were beautiful, moreover when the buds had dew on them when I took them out of the plastic. Good thing nobody else read the card (everyone surmised that the flowers came from Leo) because there was no sender indicated on the card (does "Anonymous" count?). Since I know nobody else in his right mind would send me flowers, I immediately called Leo up and thanked him.
Here's me at my workstation with my roses.
Since he gave me flowers early, I gave him my gift as well. I got him a polo shirt from Celio. I noticed that he has been eyeing that shirt for quite some time. I hurried off to Greenbelt 3 on my lunch break and after so much dithering, bought the polo which hopefully was his size.
Anyway, we're going to celebrate either Saturday or Sunday. I don't know what his plans are but he said he has another present for me. I don't want to hope but well, I'll just condition myself to think that it's some kind of electronic thingee or probably something else. Ay wait, maybe it's that trinket that I showed him at Market Market! sometime ago. Ongano. Durn. Oh well, so much for that ever elusive proposal. But hey, I'm happy with the flowers.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Midterms
It's that time of the term.
It's been quite a while since I actually took midterms. As I mentioned before, last term was pretty light. But this term is different. I just got back from some sort of group study where we discussed our possible answers to tomorrow's midterm exam. At least the professor is making it easy on us. So far, both my midterms are open notes and open books. Hopefully I'll do good in these tests.
It's been quite a while since I actually took midterms. As I mentioned before, last term was pretty light. But this term is different. I just got back from some sort of group study where we discussed our possible answers to tomorrow's midterm exam. At least the professor is making it easy on us. So far, both my midterms are open notes and open books. Hopefully I'll do good in these tests.
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