Greek & Stuff

CA -- I was checking out the farmers' market near our place. I suddenly thought of Ditas when I saw this goodlooking Greek guy (at least he looked like one.. and besides, he was selling olives and stuff). Here's how the conversation went:

Me: "Ditas!"
Ditas: "Ano? San ka?"
Me:"Farmers' Market. Alam mo ba yon?"
Ditas: "Ako sa Hopkins, o ano?"
Me: "Sosyal!"

The rest of the conversation was not much because apparently, several eyes were on her. Probably because she's new there, or perhaps as I usually tell her, "nai-insecure kasi ang ganda mo daw," as we both laugh. I wonder how she spent her birthday. Did you get the flowers??

My family and I were back home last month but we didn't stay that long. But it was enough, at least for me, to catch up with my family, relax a bit and go to a few places I haven't been to. I went to Cav, I definitely enjoyed wine- tasting but I think I appreciated it more because I was in good company. We went to Anvaya Cove and it's definitely a place I will look forward to visiting when I get back. I'll post pictures soon.

Happy birthday to us!

CA -- I just got home from Coffee Bean exhausted but Risa's article really made my day! My co-worker and I were actually talking about North face products yesterday and when I told her that I used it when we were backpacking, she seemed a bit surprised (well, I didn't tell her that I brought a lip and cheek tint with me).
I haven't had an entry for quite some time but if you're interested in Sea World, Aquarium of the Pacific and carousels inside a mall, let me know.
Oh, happy birthday to us, Risa! =)

On the freeway

Redondo Beach,CA -- I haven't posted anything for months and here's what I've been doing: Practicing how to drive around (Yes, I already got my license!)I headed to my aunt in Redondo Beach as soon as I got my own car. I've been working (Yes, I already have a job.)which made me decide that I have to review EKG and cardio meds. I'm learning money matters and tax system here. I spend time with my family, watch Lucas grow, run errands in between and hoping that we'll go out of LA county before fall starts. Sounds busy? I'm actually having fun and it's a new adventure for me. Photo from redondobeach.com

happy-sad

Los Angeles, CA -- it's time to go home. my boss, my dad, and my dad's lawyer have been looking for me and, you know, all good things must come to an end.

my tita is the first pinoy i've seen in 5 weeks. she and my tito picked me up at LAX after my tiring brasil-argentina-lima-us flights. i only have several hours before my next flight leaves for manila. i spend it wisely by having american-style comfort food at their house: a peanut butter-jelly-banana sandwich with hot chocolate. i shower, nap, pack my things and have a strawberry milkshake and cheesecake afterwards (my relatives know how to fatten up their guests).

i'm catching the last philippine airlines flight tonight and will be sharing space with manny pacquiao, recent victor against mexican boxer diaz. i only know this stuff since the pinoys at LAX are excitedly talking about the pacman. when the man of the hour arrives with his entourage and media crew, people shout "manny! manny!" and a man yells "manny! what's up, baby?"

more stuff on sulamerica, when time permits.

see you in manila, chickies.

the most "GP" entry!

Torrance, CA -- I was having second thoughts of posting this 'cause it is SOOOO wholesome compared to Ditas' "meaty" entry. Oh well, just try to look at my shoes!;-)

How it started

Los Angeles,CA -- I wanted to cry when I saw Janice get off from the shuttle, more so when we met Risa 2 days before they left for Rio. I was so happy that the South Am plan pushed through (even though I'm not joining the girls..) We reminisced about how we actually came up with South America. I was personally asked a couple of times why we decided on South Am. I'd always tell them that it's because of a Swiss couple we met in Sagada--Jean-Philippe & Caroline.

Later on, while talking about learning the salsa and waiting for Justine at her surprise despedida, Risa looked at me and asked, "alam mo ba yung blog?" We were thinking of the same thing but didn't know how to start. Then we met Sparklemind, and "mypseudobackpack" was born.

While the girls are enjoying their adventure, I'm hooked on the Travel Channel, taking down notes on food, people & places, and planning on where we can take Lucas. I think I'll let Lucas explore South America by himself when he grows up =)

Any suggestions for baby- friendly places? Please spare Disneyland!

first stop: L.A.

Lawndale, CA - after a 13 hour flight out of manila with a 20 kilo suitcase and a 40 liter backpack i arrived in LAX on may 25...exhausted. along with the USA men's volleyball team and a pack of japs headed for vegas, immigration inspector asked me the purpose of my visit (stopping over before rio de janeiro, sir) and customs officer asked me if i brought longganisa and balut (no, but i could bring you some next time). once out of the airport, i hurriedly took my supershuttle ride which joy so kindly booked. 20 minutes on the road and i was at joy's doorstep!

i had missed joy so much it felt surreal to be seeing her, this time with 6-week old lucas and hubby rico. twas great catching up on a year's worth of life stories.

risa and i spent our last day in L.A. with joy and her boys over breakfast at denny´s and animatedly planned our next big adventure: turkey/morroco/greece in april ´09.

first things first, though - vamos a sul america!

About Her Recovery

Harbor City, CA -- I was searching for a tunic dress online and looking for what's new in one of my favorite boutiques back home, I Love You Store, when I came across this site: www.aboutmyrecovery.com. Although the site was intended to be therapy for a mom's loss, i think it turned out to be a labor of love. It is inspiring (and you don't have to be a mom to be inspired by some of her entries), and informative as well.

Ladies, can you write something about how you are preparing for your South Am adventure?

My Baby is Here!

Harbor City, CA -- Here are the first few things that I did after Rico and I were told by my obstetrician that our baby is coming.
1) Shave my legs
2) Exfoliate
3) Plucked my eyebrows
4) Charged the camera
5) Pray
6) Try to stop giggling with excitement
38 weeks, few Tums, 40 -something pounds and tubes of anti-stretch marks later, my Lucas finally arrived.

I had to stay for a few days in the hospital so when the baby was asleep, there was pretty much time for "his pictorials"



If you'll ask me, "Was it all worth the time, pain, the drama and losing a South Am adventure with my fellow pseudobackpackers?" After seeing him all I can say is "Yes, it is." After all, training a little traveller sounds fun. =)

My NY in NY (New Year in New York)

Manhattan, NY -- I just have to share this picture.


Hahaha. Somehow, I was the only one who found this amusing. Everyone else was waiting for the crystal ball to drop. Duh...

Happy New Year!

missing home

Neptune, NJ -- I'm on a roll...

A few nights ago, while I was desperately trying to iron my clothes, I was listening to Gary V ( I know, I know -- very CHIMAY moment) when suddenly "Pasko na sinta ko" started playing. I couldn't help it - I just bawled. It must be the combination of the cold weather, Gary V, the upcoming holidays, homesickness, and just the desperation with ironing. I called up Joy. She asked me what would make me happy at that moment. And my reply was a paper bag full of hot pandesal. That's it. What I would do to have a pandesal right now.... :(

it's been a while....

Neptune, NJ -- Joy and I are talking on the phone as I am writing this entry. It's been a while. We haven't written any entries lately because nothing much has happened.. well to me, I don't know with Joy. You have to ask her. Anyway, I promised to post highlights of my Chicago trip, so here it goes...(sorry for the delay).

CHICAGO HIGHLIGHTS
> The Lake - I stayed with Betsy who lives very close to the lake. I jogged around the lake every morning and it cleared my mind of worries and regrets, and my soul of pain and loneliness. And it didn't hurt that hot shirtless guys ran around the lake that time too! :)

> The City - I just miss the city life. I loved being able to use public transportation to get to places, I loved having to dress up to go out (even just for coffee), and I just loved seeing a lot of people walking, talking and what have you.

> The Shops - My eyes almost popped out when I went to Macy's! Tear welled up in the corners of my eyes as I surveyed all the wonderful make-up, clothes, shoes, bags, etc. It was so different from my weekly shopping sprees in Target or Walmart back in Neptune. (mind you: I still didn't have a car around this time making mall-shopping more difficult; there is actually a nearby mall that has Macy's and all the other wonderful shops)

> My friends - Chicago is my home here in the States. I consider my high school friends my family. I can just be me with them. I don't have to worry about being judged. They love me for who I am. Nikki and I had long conversations about our goals/lack of goals in life. Jennet and Mark showed me how to be stylishly married. "Dona" Icay and I planned our "Skinny Bitch" diet as we searched for a venue for her grand wedding. And Betsy became my mom for a week, scolding me for the wrong decisions I've done so far and advising me about life and love. I love them dearly. They're my pseudobackpackers for the mean time ...until our much-awaited reunion in Rio de Janeiro.

Lomos of Chicago

Chicago, IL -- Hey, I miss you girls and boy :). I just got back from a one-week vacay in Chicago (I know, I know, I should try other states). But it's been lonely (and cathartic) the past month that I really needed close friends around me. And since you guys are a thousand miles away, I chose the nearest place where I can find "home".

I just want to share some lomos I took. I'll tell you more about the trip next time. Right now, I really have to study. Aaaaargh....

Btw, I hope someone writes about their trip to Sagada, since some of you vehemently refused to accompany me to that majestic (and magical hehe) place. I have some friends here who would like to see more pictures of the Philippines.

The Kulasas raid Chicago

Chicago, IL -- Last July 14, I went to Chicago for the weekend to attend my very close friend's wedding. I took an hour long train ride from Neptune to New York to catch the flight to Midway Airport in Chicago. I was post-call so I was dead-tired. Because of my zombie-like state, I unfortunately got off the wrong stop. I was supposed to get off at Penn Station in NY, but I got off at NEWARK Penn Station, which is still in New Jersey. I was so pissed because I was so tired and sleepy, and I was afraid I was going to miss my flight. I finally figured out what to do after looking at maps and train schedules. I took the PATH train to 34th St in NY and from there took the subway to La Guardia Airport. My flight was at 4:00 pm, I got there at 3:45 pm. I literally sprinted like a mad woman from the airport entrance to my seat in the plane. (Now I know how it feels to be in Amazing Race). When I got to Chicago, I immediately called my friend Jennet and told her what happened and reminded her how much I love her that I was willing to go through all that mess just to be at her wedding. Awww. That night, we had a very tame bachelorette party (no naked men mind you) in downtown Chicago. I was soooo happy to see my close high school friends again. Suddenly we were back to our high school mode -- giggling crazily, insulting people as they pass by (LAIT CLUB!), doing crazy poses (pouting, open mouth..) for the camera(s) (Note: Pinoys are crazy about picture-taking so every one has to have her own camera, and poses should be repeated for each camera.), dancing like there's no tomorrow, and fighting over very expensive vodka ($400 for a bottle!). Just imagine the ruckus when my friend Nicole accidentally dropped the bottle on the table, causing some of the liquid gold to spill! Betsy and I were ready to smack Nicole on the head. (Typical Kulasa behavior..hahaha)



The wedding itself was very emotional and memorable. I always cry at weddings, but this time I cried way too early -- as Jennet was marching down the aisle all by herself. I was just so happy for her. My other friends, Icay and Betsy, hated me because they started cyring as well. It was a very elegant and poignant affair. Peninsula's Terrace looked so beautiful against Chicago's skyline (just look at the picture c/o Jennet). And the weather was perfect for an outside party. We (again) wreaked havoc at the dance floor, dancing with the boys (Jennet's nephews) and the old men (Jennet's in-laws). The highlight of the night: Nicole (my crazy but very sweet friend) getting so drunk and flirting shamelessly with the bartender! Yey, Nicole!

A Day at Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA -- It's my nth time in the U.S. but I never headed to any beach in California until yesterday. Unlike the beaches back home, the water here is FREEEZING cold; and unlike in NJ, the lifeguards are not really something to look forward to. Check out "lolo lifeguard!"=)

After spending the morning people-watching and sunbathing, my friend Vern and I decided to go to the Third Street Promenade where Hollywood stars are often spotted. It's a place for shopping and dining. (Photo below is from seeing-stars.com)

Unfortunately for us, we didn't see any celebrities but we definitely enjoyed browsing through books, window shopping, and feeling that we are actually considered skinny here. =)

Funny story

Neptune City, NJ -- Just got back from the ER. I had a surprise call from my sister back home (Manila). I miss her dearly. Anyway, I gave up my Globe roaming line since I already have my mobile phone here. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to inform all my friends that I don't have my Globe line anymore. I didn't think this would be a problem. But then, I just found out from my sis that my mom has been using my Globe line back home. She received this text last week: " Hello Doctor Dee, how is Neptune treating you? Nakahanap ka na ba ng ka-jugs?"

My mom came up to my sister, showed her the text, and then asked her what "jugs" meant. My sister nonchalantly answered, "sex". My sister then burst out laughing at my mom's panic/terror-filled face.

Bwahahahahahahahaha. The things that happen to me.


P.S. To all my dear friends -- please do not text my mom.

Cali

Somewhere in Cali, US -- People have been wondering about what I've been doing for the past 3 weeks and so to satisfy their curiousity, here are several things that have been keeping me busy:
-Barnes and Noble (where I got my reviewer!)
-Review
-Bourne Ultimatum
-Talking with Deets about McDreamy, her apartment and how she survives with just water and liquor in her refrigerator

-Eating chocolate chewy cookies and strawberry torte from Torrance Bakery.(Check out the pics. Yum!)
-Review
-KTLA and CNN in the morning, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune at night (E! channel in between. Sorry, no wowowwees for me.haha!)
-Ryan Seacrest's radio show
-Review
-Laundry
-Cleaning-up the house where I am staying at
-Grocery for some food, highlighter, and nail polish!
-Making coffee from Trader Joe's and India (thanks Risa!)
-Drooling over some sexy pumps in the mall
-Checking e-mail and our blog

You see, I'm busy even if I stay inside the house most of the time. Right now, I'm just happy to be here doing what I'm doing. It's just that... I often wonder when my next facial treatment will be ;-)

work, work, work

Neptune City, NJ -- I've basically told you everything that's been happening to me - including my social security woes - well, everything except work. So this entry is devoted to my work. I started work July 1, as the Pedi resident on the floor and on night float (a.k.a servant-of-all-who-deserves-no-sleep). The first day was very traumatic for me. I remember running out of the hospital and hiding in my friend's car because I was too ashamed to be seen crying. I was seriously contemplating packing my bags and heading home (not to my apartment, but HOME home -- Manila). I have an open return ticket and I know I can go home anytime. I didn't want to call my parents because I know they will get worried. I texted Joy but warned her not to call me because I might just burst into tears. Work was hard, but that's nothing to me, as long as I love what I'm doing and I know it's all worth it. It's difficult for me because even though I love kids, Surgery is still my first love. So I kept thinking what I would be feeling that moment if I was doing Surgery rather than Peds. And it was more difficult because my senior (who has no plans of becoming a doctor, but is nonetheless finishing his 3rd year of residency) kept muttering how our work sucked. Then add the nurse factor. The nurses gave me a rough time. They questioned most of my orders (even something as simple as Tylenol), made me do manual labor that even nurses don't do (carry a seizing baby to CT scan in my right arm while pushing the IV stand with my left hand and with the chart inserted in my left armpit), and they were just unfriendly. Well most of them, except of course the Filipino nurses. They really helped me out. I remember one nasty comment by one of the non-Filipino nurses thrown my way as I was talking to one of the Filipino nurses in Tagalog. She said while looking at me from head to foot, "So are you two from the same tribe?". I seriously wanted to punch her. Anyway I restrained myself and sweetly told her that no, we are not part of any tribe, and yes, we do wear clothes and no longer live in caves or hunt down animals in the Philippines. Aaaaaaargh!

Anyway, work is getting better everyday (I hope). I've become closer to my senior. I am very grateful for his honest opinion about our work, and I consider him as one of my confidants regarding my first love (Surg). The nurses are a bit friendlier, and somehow I think I've proven to them that a) I actually know something, and b) I come from a civilized society. I am learning to love work as the days go by. I see more interesting cases, and meet more lovable patients (see picture above -- one of my cutie patients).

Oh by the way, I have some bad news. Dr. McDreamy is (gasp) married. Oh well. I don't think I'll have the guts to take his pic anyway. Just use your imagination and picture a hot tall guy in tight green scrubs. (arrrrrrr)

HOMYGASH!

ER, Jersey Shore Hospital, Neptune,NJ --- HOMYGASH! I finally saw Dr. McDreamy.

I was busy examining a patient when he walked in the PEDI ER. He's tall, hot, had a nice bod (plus he was wearing small scrubs -- for better biceps viewing), had nice hazel eyes and most importantly, he's a SURGEON. I smiled. He smiled back. HPPPPPPPP. My eyes were burning.

I immediately texted Joy in Cali. She asked me what song was playing in my head. Nada. He was so hot my brain completely shut off. Complete silence. All I could hear was his smile.

Suddenly, life had more meaning.

Bwahahahaha.

Life's a beach: The week before work started

Neptune, NJ ---A week before work started, I crashed in my colleague's apartment because my apartment was not yet ready (and because of my previous dilemma - having no social security yet). She lives in Belmar, a city beside Neptune where the beaches are located. This is the boardwalk where I jogged everyday. Sorry, I didn't have my camera when the HLIRS's came running by (HLIR's: hot lifeguards in red shorts). The beach is pretty much HAWK territory because I was the only "colored" person there. The bars beside the beach were also HAWK-infested, hence, weird dancing (jumping with a lot of arm flailing movements) and tube socks were usual sightings. Wasn't able to cherva jah jah jah because I was afraid of getting hit with said flailing arms.

I enjoyed going to the beach, although it was a luxury because you have to pay each time your toes hit the sand. But I had to be generous and share my hotness every so often. :) Haven't gone back to the beach since work started. I can feel their pain, their longing for my presence. bwahahaha. But I can't do anything about it -- my patients come first. (Actually, I'm just too busy and too tired to even step outside my apartment.) Life has been sooooo different since. (Watch out for my next blog.)