• GOIN THROUGH MAJOR CHANGES!!! Trying to get used to my first real job at the clinic (Asian Institute of Longevity Medicine), which is very different from my government hospital training. Now I have a lot of high-profile patients. Some are angels, some are totally maasim. Hehe.
• Also thinking of moving back to the south (i miss pque/LP. Now I feel like QC's too far.. after 3 years of settling in LOL).
• Stressed about my NCLEX.. I can't find time to focus on my review because I have to go to work 6 days a week. I'm trying to self-review during my idle time at the clinic.
• The clinic gave me a new cellphone with Plan. I just hope I don't go over the limit hehe :)
• The doctors at our clinic attended a week and a half long Stem Cell convention in Germany.. meaning, not much patients! Medyo nabawasan ang pagka-toxic namin. Yey! :)
• I got my certificate at the Lung Center of the Philippines already. Among 120 trainees, I ranked 35. Not bad.. but not enough!!! I was aiming for at least 20. Oh well, I guess there's really so much competition (or politics!). Bitter? :P

1. My training at the Lung Center of the Philippines is finally over!!! Wait na lang ma-absorb (one month waiting time).. wish ko lang hehe. :)
2. I got hired today at Asian Institute of Longevity Medicine (a high end medical facility at Makati)!!! (stem cell, genosense, chelation, etc.)

Tiis lang.. then ang daming blessings! Sobrang thank you Lord sa pagbibigay sakin ng lakas :)

What can I say?! I'm crazy about notebooks!!! Too many to fit in one photo 'tehehe. Aside from clothes & chocolates, I also splurge on notebooks. Each one has a different purpose. I am very meticulous with my notes and I can only study properly when I like the paper quality. I also have one particular brand of pen that I cannot write without (it's rare and always sold out that's why I have a stock pile of it already). Some of my friends would say I'm so OC about it -- maybe I am.. but whatever works for me, right? ;) Whenever I look around Powerbooks or Fully Booked, I always end up buying a notebook that I adore. Among my favorite notebook brands: Kukuxumusu.

Remember the Time, Black or White, Jam, They Don't Care About Us, You Are Not Alone, Heal the World, Will You Be There, Earth Song, Blood on the Dancefloor, Ghosts, Bad, Jam, I Want You Back (Jackson 5 days).

The video below is my top pick amongst all the countless MJ mini-movies, in case you haven't seen it yet. If you liked "Thriller", and i know that's a classic and everyone just loves it, but to me this one is crazier and way more entertaining. See if you can spot all the different Michael Jacksons in this amazing video, "Ghosts".

• NCLEX review lectures (even on Sunday..but I'm happy that I'm learning so much)
• back & forth Lung Center of the Philippines (so many requirements & physical/medical exams before starting the training on June 15)
• Makati (errands around Legaspi & Rada)
• Paranaque (visited my sick Lolo, and I was also supposed to meet up with a friend but she bailed on me at the last minute. positive = more time with my relatives)
• Bills, bills, bills.
• watched Angels & Demons with Pat at Promenade Greenhills

Tonight, I'm indulging in a marathon of Lipstick Jungle's Season 2. Sleeping in 'til noon! :)

What We Can Do to Stay Healthy (CDC):

• Stay informed (a reliable source for H1N1 in the Philippines is the DOH website)
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. It is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

DOH update as of this morning:

DOH STATEMENT ON THE CASES UNDER OBSERVATION (CUOs) FOR INFLUENZA A (H1N1)08 May 2009:

The Department of Health (DOH) today reported two more cases under observation since May 1. The total number of CUOs now stands at 17. Thirteen of these CUOs have already been tested negative for the H1N1 virus, while the remaining four are still under investigation. The age range of these cases is between 8 years old and 80 years old. Nine of these cases are males, and eight are females.

The countries of origin of these cases are as follows: Switzerland (1), USA (6), Ireland (1), UK (1), Republic of Korea (3), Canada (2), and Italy (3).All 17 CUOs were taken to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM), San Lazaro Hospital and Vicente Sotto Medical Center. Worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US CDC have already reported 2,371 cases with 44 deaths from 24 countries with reported cases. The countries include: Austria, Canada, Columbia, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Hong Kong (China), Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland, UK, USA, Guatemala, Sweden, and Poland.

The Four Agreements is a book by Don Miguel Ruiz. I bought the audiobook for my ipod so I could listen instead. Forget all those self-help books that teach us to "do this, do that.." This one is simple but full of wisdom.. powerful and inspiring but still realistic. Imagine how much inner peace it would bring us if we try to live by it :)

(photos may be enlarged by clicking on them)

Can you find what went wrong in the photo below? :D

Wealth without work. Pleasure without conscience. Knowledge without character. Commerce without morality. Science without humanity. Worship without sacrifice. Politics without principle.

-Mahatma Gandhi

above: parisienne by jessnextdoor

above: glam by jessnextdoor

above: casual by jessnextdoor

above: boho by jessnextdoor

above: summer party by jessnextdoor

above: casual vintage by jessnextdoor

above: tea party by jessnextdoor

1. Watchmen - Very deep, interesting, and stylish! One has to observe well to be able to appreciate its complex sci-fi content.
2. Monsters vs. Aliens - Predictable, but the detailed 3D graphics make up for it. I was especially fond of "Insectosaurus". A wholesome family movie :)
3. Marley & Me - I almost fell asleep, sorry. Should have waited for it on DVD instead.
4. Gran Torino - A must-see, I love Clint Eastwood's humor! The movie is not complicated and is straight ot the point.
5. Curious Case of Benjamin Button - The creepy love story makes a good movie plot. Although I felt like it ran a bit too long, it was detailed and very well-crafted.

ADDICT JESS: *puffs on a stick* Saraaaaaap... *blows smoke* You want?

CLEAN JESS: It's just normal to feel this way right now. Just keep your head straight and remember your goal. Try to flash forward to your future and imagine yourself. You know the consequences if you make the bad decision, even to the ones around you that you love.

ADDICT JESS: Just one. As a reward for all those looong days you've gone without yosi.. C'mon. *devilish smile*

CLEAN JESS: Please try harder. Forgive yourself for starting the bad habit, and start over. It's not too late if you stop smoking now. The reward is far better than any stick of yosi.. better health, longer life.

ADDICT JESS: Hmm, let's just put it this way.. think of it as a "despedida", smoke one for me will ya? For the good times you shared with yosi? >;)

But then again, these are all just my opinions and have yet to learn. I am just one of the many who are concerned.

*Completely off-topic footnote: I'd like to congratulate myself.. it's my second nicotine-free day!!! :) Am i finally quitting? I hope so! For the past few months, I've tapered down to one or two sticks a day and since just the other day I haven't smoked one cig. Hoorah! :) Dunno know why I waited 7 years before accepting that death from smoking is real. I'm praying that I can keep this up. *

Best part.. this is FREE!!! :D My boyfriend Pat & his group were each given Skullcandies. Technically, this isn't mine but Pat won't use it unless they have a gig where they gotta wear headphones. Ahh freebies, just love em. Woohaha! :)

(Grade school friends and I visiting Teacher Malou at the hospital: )

1. Push - Hmm I dunno.. so many superhero categories (movers, pushers, shadowers, bleeders, etc) with so much flashbacks. Maybe this would do better as a TV series?
2. He's Just Not That Into You - A romantic comedy that tackles relationship drama -- I thought I would relate to this, having gone through all the kinds of mess these characters were in, but I felt that the women's characters were stereotypical. Women are smarter and stronger than this. There are some funny moments.
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic - Having watched the trailer first, I thought this would be shallow and fall into cliche, but behind the silliness and goofiness, it does reveal so many truths! :) To be in debt during these times are the worst. Isla Fisher is charming and full of energy, she's great at light comedy.

Palawan 2006 with Pat, Macy, RG and Dax

Zambales 2005-2009 with Arliz, Bojek, Macy, Pugo, Pat

all are from my photo archive: http://jessdm.multiply.com/

• Marks and Spencer Extremely Dark Chocolate Covered Biscuit
• Hawaiian Chocolate Covered Macadamia
• Keebler Chocolate Lovers Cookies + Mrs. Fields Chocolate Covered Grahams (in the cookie jar)
• Super Moist Chocolate Cake
• Milo or Ovaltine Chocolate Powder (yes. pinapapak ko since i was a kid haha!)
• Bendick's Fine Milk Chocolate
• Lindt Cripsy Hazelnut Bar (no picture)
• Mrs. Fields Chocolate Crinkles (no picture)

(click to enlarge)

Happy Hearts Day everyone! Pat & I are heading to Zambales in a bit. Valentine's gift niya daw saken ang makasama mommy ko for a while :D

1. I'm an only child, my parents separated when I was 4.


2. I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 14.


3. When my cousins and I were little, we would sneak out during nap time and go to the park or catch dragonflies around the village. One time, Bebong's toes got stuck on his bike pedal and seemed like he was in so much pain. I cried because I was the only one with him and thought I was supposed to know what to do, being the older cousin. If I didn't bring him back in one piece, we'd get busted haha. A very old man approached and helped us. We got home and got scolded because it was supposed to be nap time for us kids. I tried to defend ourselves first, saying "Jesus helped us!" I thought that line was gonna save us hahaha! :)


4. I played the piano very well when I was 6-7 (forced piano lessons!). There was this mall that had a piano just standing there at the center. My mom told me that anyone was free to use it, so I played a little tune. But I got carried away playing Swan Lake, when I looked up, there was a crowd already and they were applauding. Nyehehe. Thanks to Mrs. Lopez, my piano teacher!


5. I started playing video games and computer games when I was 7.


6. I drew my first detailed sketch, that of a girl sitting down, when I was 4.


7. I was a major officer during my Citizen's Army Training (highschool), I planned the activities.


8. I won a logo making contest in our highschool, then my work was printed on tshirts that my whole batch wore every Friday! I also won the rights to name our C.A.T. Class, "Class Cannon!"


9. As kids, Bebong, Gaygay (my cousins) and I were usually out playing on the village streets, it had just rained and puddles were all over. When Bebong passed by my side, his bike's tires splashed mud all over me!!! Aaaargh! Being such a crybaby, I went home and told on him. The usual pikunan, and as usual, I'm the pikon.


10. I was a highschool nerd, as well as Miss Senior on prom night :)


11. I don't play any sports.. but I like ping-pong and chess.. do these count? Nyehehe :P


12. When I was little, I had a favorite 'safety' pillow that I named "Kuy-koy". Couldn't sleep unless I held it close to my face haha. I got over it when I was in highschool already! :D


13. I fall asleep faster when the TV is on.


14. I love pets! When I lived with the Custodios, I helped take care of Picoy the Parrot, the two pond turtles Batman and Robin, an aquarium of colorful fishes, and about 30 pigeons! I had three hamsters (RIP). Now I own two cats - a stray and a persian, but my mom takes care of them now.


15. When I was younger, I simultaneously lived in three households. Kakapagod, palipat-lipat. I was like a toy na pinapahiram. But it's nice to learn from so many different people.


16. Once, I opened a softdrink bottle and found a cockroach inside... after I sipped a little! Eeeeeeeeekkkk. I should have gotten compensation for that! :P


17. I haven't been on a plane ride or gotten out of the country. Yet.


18. I have a tattoo. A real one, okay! :D It's of an ancient tarot symbol..hidden somewhere! :P


19. I used to be so into Tarot and Astrology, but I didn't get to finish studying them.


20. When I was in highschool, a flood came and couldn't go home unless I crossed the waist-high flood water. No other path, so I did!


21. I am afraid of spiders. Seriously. It's probably that old movie's fault.. what's it called? 'Tarantula' yata. They are my greatest fear. There was this time when I woke up, I saw a big fat spider right in front, hanging from the ceiling. That second when I opened my eyes, I froze and couldn't scream. Another time, a big ass spider was hiding behind the door. I saw it when I closed the door shut. Surprise!


22. I had around 50+ barbies but I didn't get to preserve one :(


23. When I was little, I got scolded and spanked because I decorated my whole room with drawings using my mom's mascara :'(


24. My Lolo Manilo was a Chief Engineer at a ship and he quit because the ship sank and him and his crew were lost at sea for a week. They were just floating on a lifeboat somewhere in the South China Sea. He held on to his suitcase all those days -- no money or clothes were in it.. just pictures of his family. Grabe. I'll never forget how hard we prayed and how strong Lola was -- so calm and always held her rosary.


25. My vision is 375, right and left!

I had a simple combination of hungarian sausage in slices + spinach + onions + tomatoes + bechamel sauce + sunny side up egg + other herbs & spices. Pat's was more like a pizza because he added mozarella cheese and a whole lot of other ingredients :D

1. AUSTRALIA -- Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The little aboriginal boy is enchanting. Very moving and not the usual love story. Racism, women empowerment, slavery, war, tragedy, sexual abuse, dirty business and politics are among the issues. The movie is long but not at all boring. Worth seeing. All hail King George! Haha XD


2. BEDTIME STORIES -- Adam Sandler and Keri Russell. Charming and feel-good movie. I don't have to explain further how much I LOVE Adam Sandler and all of his movies. :)


3. YES MAN -- Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel. The plot: a man challenges himself to say "yes" to everything. So many laugh-out-loud moments! :D The story is predictable, maybe because it was designed strictly for laughs. Jim Carrey's silly antics are still very entertaining!


4. UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS -- Rhona Mitra and Bill Nighy. I've always been intrigued how the whole vampire vs. werewolves might have begun.


5. INKHEART -- Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany. Magical! They have the skill of bringing books to life by reading out loud. Made me wanna read my old books like Harriet the Spy and Secret Garden afterwards :D

I told Pat about it and he said that visiting butterflies signify a deceased relative's soul. Apparently, many people believe it. Then tears streamed down my cheeks, I couldn't control it. I had just remembered -- the night the butterfly visited me was the same night that I blogged about my Tita Rita who passed away many years ago. If I knew beforehand about the beliefs surrounding butterflies, I would have talked to it and not run away. I miss Tita Rits so much. Was it her soul, trying to comfort me during my quiet time alone? During this time in my life that I'm hurt, mistrusting everyone, and pushing them away -- is she here? Like she always did when she was still alive, when I was younger and scared of sleeping alone in a dark room, she would hug me 'til I fell asleep and stayed with me through the night. Pat said I shouldn't be sad about it, the butterfly was there to remind me "hey, it's ok." That last part of the blog I wrote about her, told her I miss her very much and wanted her to know I love her. I realize the response was shortly after the I published that blog entry. Maybe my Aunt was also trying to tell me "I know, and I love you too. You shouldn't be sad. Don't worry about me, I'm ok."

• transformation from one existence to another.
• elementals like the faerie enjoy taking the form of butterflies and hummingbirds to experience our physical reality and they can be very inquisitive entities.
• signs from departed relatives, could be warnings or just letting you know they're alright on the "other side".
• the dead are believed to go through a series of transformations in the underworld and are finally reborn as butterflies.
• disguised spirits, descending to earth.
• their fragile nature, powder-like wings, is a symbol of impermanence.
• signifies a death that may occur shortly after encounter with butterfly (some believe it's white, some black) or with a huge moth.

It now comforts me to think it could be my Tita's soul that I encountered. I'll never know. Whatever it is, I choose to believe that butterflies are magical and there's some sort of miracle behind them.