SSF

This book revealed a lot of things not just about food but also about our government, our politics and the greediness surrounding the world. It is sad how some people will do everything and anything to secure their financial position or to increase their monetary wealth. This book is really an eye opening.  I have always thought that our government protects us from everything. Every establishments whether it be food services or hospital services get surveyed, inspected yearly and get fined for violations but it is sad to know that this food tycoons are able to bypass the restrictions just because they help the economics. USDA is in a big dilemma with protecting the consumer and helping the agricultural industry. It all revolves around money. 

Money is the root of evil, as they said. And it’s the sad the truth.

 Sure, food companies did not want to produce unhealthy or obese population, but of course they want people to buy their products. So even if the product is not healthy to consume and exceeds the dietary recommendation, they have to go pass the limit because they need to sell.And be honest, Us, consumers need more flavoring in our food because when a food taste bland we don't buy them.

It is really interesting how food manufacturers spend billions of dollars to get the right formula for the  “bliss point” of sugar, “mouthfeel” of fat and the right pinch of salt that will send consumers over the moon, once they tried the products.  Food inventors and scientist dedicated their time to get the right formulation to get us “addicted” to these products or as they advertised it “crave” their products. It’s also interesting to know that even those scientist that invented the products avoids consuming their processed food. I have never been a fan of processed food. I always prefer home cooked meals. But when the situation became unavoidable I try to moderate my intake. I actually started restricting myself with drinking soda to once a month for a year now and hopefully in time I will be able to avoid it completely.  Moderation is key. 

TEN THINGS I'M GRATEFUL FOR

1. My family.

2. My boyfriend and his family.

3. Genuine friends I'm surrounded with.

4. Thankful that my love ones in the Philippines was not affected by the typhoon.

5. For the house I live in.

6. Food in the table.

7. For my job.

8. For being able to live life comfortably.

9. Good health for me and my family.  

10. I'm thankful for the strength I'm given to balance work and school.

Ang Aking Pamilya

My biological father left for Japan when I was four months old. Due to personal problems in between him and my mother the relationship did not work and they decided to separate. Growing up, I will always hear people call me “Little Peter.” Whenever people see me, they will tell me I look just like my father.  I used to get annoyed when they call me little peter but at the same time I’m curious on how people see our resemblance. My mom said I copied almost everything from my dad, my favorite food, my choice of hobbies, the way I speak, the way I act, my choice of music, my talents and so on.  When I was younger I feel like my mom probably hates me because I will be a constant reminder of her failed relationship with him. I did not feel the void or the “awkwardness” of our situation because I have good support coming from my extended families. My aunts, uncles and specially my grandparents tried to fill in the missing pieces which I am very grateful for.  My biological father communicated with us here and there and he did not remarry. I feel sad for the life he chose but that’s life. I just pray to God that in old age, someone will take care of him wherever he might be and I’m still hopeful that he will find someone as his companion. The last time I heard he went back home to their ancestral home in the Philippines after twenty four years (my age).

My mother was a single parent for awhile but eventually she remarried when I was six years old. I remember first time seeing my soon to be step dad in his blue lacoste polo shirt and jeans, specially his mustache. I remember how those mustache felt when he tried to kiss me on my cheeks, I didn’t like it but at the same time I felt excited that I am going to have a father. I did not have problem adjusting to the new situation because my step dad treated me and my older sister like his own. The only thing I did not like at first is how the rules at home change. Certain rules that a father will implicate for the safety of her daughters but eventually I abide to it because I understand that its for my safety. What I remember the most and treasures a lot was when he drops us off to school in his brand new jeep. I remember feeling very proud of him specially when my classmates starts to stare and I’m like “HEY EVERYONE! THIS IS MY DADDY.”

I feel very blessed to have a person like him in my life. He taught me what unconditional love is. Now that I am older, I appreciate him more because he continues to show, that my sister and I are not different from our other siblings. He gives us the same support and affections he gives to his biological children. I do not feel the difference of our family to those who have a “normal” one. Now, I have a total of five siblings and together we are one big happy family.

Materialistic (AN: chapter 5)

Remember The Reason For The Season

I agree with Lauren Smith’s essay. The holiday season is not materialistic. Yes some people may express their gratitude to their love ones through expensive gifts but this is not necessary. As Smith stated, “Each gift that is given or received is done so with love and selflessness.”  It doesn’t matter what kind of present your giving those dear to you. This gifts can be as small or as inexpensive as long as it comes from your heart. You can give cards, bake goods, personal letters or like what my little sister does, her drawings.

       Our family usually exchange gifts with each other. We will have our wish lists posted on our refrigerator, not listing the exact item but rather describing it such as, “Something red, something soft, something sweet.” In this case, we will always be surprise in what kind of gifts we’re going to get. I have five siblings, and none of them are working yet because they are still in grade school and high school. They are very creative with their gifts. Every christmas I will receive candies, letters, drawings and something inexpensive but very nice and thoughtful. See? you don’t have to spend a lot to show your love to your family. Every Christmas Eve, we will wait for the clock to strike midnight and then we will sing a happy birthday song to Jesus, give thanks and exchange gifts. My mother will prepare foods for us to share while waiting for 12 midnight. We share stories, watch a movie, play board games and share a sparkling cider or two. My mom and dad will share their wine of course.

       

During holidays, my mother makes long distance phone calls to her siblings in the Philippines. We also get to see our cousins from the Philippines through webcam chats. Sometimes we will have family reunions during holidays. We will go to San Francisco to be with my relatives or to San Diego and spend Christmas with them or vise versa. For my family, holidays specially Christmas are the time where we are able to spend some time with our love ones. Being together eating and creating fun memories with your love ones are the best part of the season.

GAME FACE ON

         It was three years ago when I graduated and received my Diploma in Nursing. Since then I had been procrastinating whether I should go back to school to get my Bachelors Degree. Years passed and I didn’t even noticed that I have been working three years. I guess I’m enjoying my job too much that I did not think of getting my bachelors anymore. What I don’t like about nursing though is that, it doesn’t matter how good you are or how well you can perform your job. What matters is the title you have after your name. So if you don’t have a BSN, it will surely limit your job description and  your income even if you can perform the job as well or better than others.

Now I can say, Goodbye Procrastination and Hello! College life. Again. I am taking steps to be closer to what I have dreamed of. It’s not easy to work full time and go to school full time, but it’s worth it. And yes I am proud of how I can handle and manage this altogether.

I feel like since I already experienced working, my goal as a college student has changed. Now I am more serious and motivated because I already experienced first hand how it is “out there.” Before when I was in college in my teenage years, my mom will always tell me “You’re lucky I’m sending you to school and you don’t have to go to work.” I appreciate my parents effort then, but now I can put more meaning to what they always lectures me. Because YES I was indeed lucky then. Nothing to worry about but go to school and study. Now that I’m working and going to school at the same time, I feel really overwhelmed at times and wanting to give up. Going to school is expensive, specially if you’re like me who did not get approved to any financial aids. Everything is out of pocket and I’m too embarrassed to asked my parents for financial help because they already did their part in putting me through a nursing school that cost them five digits! All I’m holding into is that, after all of this I will be able to reach my dream, broaden my options in health care field and I will be more compensated with my job. That’s what keeps me motivated. With all of that in mind, I know I can face my daily 6:30am alarm clock with my GAME FACE ON!

Reality TV shows

CHILDREN SEE, CHILDREN DO

I find it really hard to start this blog because personally, I do not watch television shows. Nowadays, I do not find anything interesting about television shows. It’s not like those old days where you can turn the television on and find something interesting to watch where you can actually learn something. I don’t actually feel safe when my younger siblings watches the television because even in cartoons there are shows that shouldn’t even be considered a children’s show. 

Most of the time when I turn on the television or browse the internet I will randomly see advertisements or commercials about honey boo boo, The Kardashians, Girl next door etc. and I will wonder who watches this kind of reality TV shows? I don’t even know if some of it really happens in “real” life. Sometimes I find myself praying and hoping that it doesn’t happen in real life. Some of this shows shouldn't even be allowed to be viewed by general public specially the young ones.  Sex, money and fame are usually the theme for these shows. How to be pretty, how to be rich and famous.  And apparently, if you want to look for the Mr. Right you just need to join a reality TV show called “The Bachelor.” And after he kissed and dated all the women in the show and he thinks he liked you the most at the end you will get married to him. How romantic is that?  

I really wonder why people are fascinated with reality TV shows. Maybe for them it’s a escape from the reality or maybe they are curious about how the rich and famous leads their lives. Do they have problems just like you and me? What can they do that a common people can’t? What separate common people from hollywood people? And maybe its a relieved for them to see that they are humans just like all of us. Because believe it or not some people wants to see that people from hollywood are not perfect and they are capable of doing dumb things just like any other human beings. Nobody leads a perfect life and yes, those perfect, rich and famous people have their own struggles in life. These are just some of the reasons I can think of why Americans are hooked or entertained by reality TV shows. 

Anyway, there are some TV shows like America’s Got Talent, Survivor, Amazing Race, Project Runway etc. which showcases people’s talents, how they fight for their dreams, determinations, skills, and how far teamworks can take you. They are entertaining and at the same time very educational. These are the shows that they should produce more.

Reality TV shows has a big impact in our society. Media all in all has a big influence to our nation, specially to the younger generations. As they say “Children see. Children do.” Ever wonder why there’s more teenager that’s anorexic or has eating disorders? Blame it to social media. But there’s also good influences from these kind of shows like pursuing your dreams by joining talent shows. We just have to guide our loved ones on what to watch. I just hope that they have more restrictions to these kind of shows. But since they’re making big monetary gain with this kinds of shows, I do not think it will happen soon. Business is business.

Angels without wings

Thirty six patients, if you’re lucky thirty two. Patient unresponsive. Patient having chest pains. Code blue. Patient with coffee ground emesis. Patient fell out of bed. Patient pass out. Family complains and demands. Doing rounds with doctors. Carrying out doctor’s order, critical lab values, not to mention charting and documentations.  It doesn’t happen all at the same time, but sometimes it does. That’s how a typical day of a nurse is. Specially those that works in a long term care facility. 

Sometimes I ask myself, is it worth it? I had doubt my profession many times. Going home very exhausted and felt very unappreciated. In the first month that I worked as a charge nurse, I felt like giving up. Stress with how am I going to finish passing medication within the two hour period on top of answering phone calls, and attending to families concern.

“This is not for me,” I said. 

One day while doing my  medication pass, I was greeted by a warm smile by one of my patient, she told me thoughtfully, “Thank you for all you do.” And in that moment, I realized, “This is why I became a nurse, this is what I signed for.” Seeing your patient  was able to walk again. Patients that weren't able to talk or see, but touches your hands when you’re taking care of them. Thank you notes from families and chocolates as a sign of appreciation. Knowing that you’re one of the instrument that God used to help them eases their pains and aches. Hugs from families that really appreciates your care for their parents are some of the reasons why I chose to stay with this vocation. Yes, nursing requires patients and a lot of dedications. It can be very stressful at times. But going home knowing that you were able to touch life is a very rewarding feeling.