Carpe Diem

ialmost 4 months working here in saudi and all i can say is i still have a lot to learn. from cardiac arrest to hospital policies, there's still a long way to go. i feel stupid most of the time and all i can do is laugh at myself when i got home and promise to do better next time. 2 days ago i got scolded by a consultant after giving clexane to a patient who is suspected of having pulmonary embolism. dont worry i didn't kill the patient, the medication would be of help to the patient but my fault was i did not hear that the doctor order some blood investigations. Either i did not hear him or he did not order the lab work ups immediately because he was really rushing me to give the medication. i dont want to admit that everything was my fault but who would they believe a new nurse or a consultant. all i can do is go home and heal my wounded pride. everyday is a challenge because there's a lot of responsibility. At the end of the day, a simple thank you from a patient or relative would be enough to keep you going. Its hard work, sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating but i can manage.

It's my 1st month here and so far i'm enjoying my stay and the work. It's challenging but i'm coping well. The people here are nice but of course there are some you can't and won't get along with, all you have to do is to ignore them. Most of the stuff here are really cheap especially the popular botiques and gadgets. Compared to the price in the Philippines where i can only dream of buying, here if i want to buy it, i really can buy it. But i miss my daily dose of jpop, jdrmas and the american series that i watch. I miss the freedom, the booze, family, friends. I love the work and i hope i stay where i am now until my contract expires, or i hope i would have the chance to work in ICU. Anything can happen.

My thoughts about this book... so far my favorite among all that I've read. This is a story about the friendship of two children, Amir, the son of a rich and well-respected man in Kabul and Hassan the kind-hearted son of Ali, the servant of Amir's family. I've learned a lot from reading this book and made me appreciate more of the blessings i've received. It talks about friendship, loyalty, betrayal, love, effects of war, forgiveness, redemption, humility, hope and many more. I realized that although we are of different race, culture and religion when it comes to the way of life and how we deal with other people it's pretty much the same and if we set aside our own prejudice i think that we can all live in harmony. i was truly amazed of Hassan's character because i doubt if i can ever meet a person like him in this lifetime and also i know that i can never be that kind of person. this story definitely touched my heart and made me realize how lucky i am to be alive and well!

    two nights ago nahablot yung bag ko, bad trip talaga! galing ako training, tpos first day nung bagong shift ko s duty (2-10) e past 11 na kami nakauwi nung mga kasabay ko. basta nangyari don sa jeep na sinasakyan namin may pumara na lalaki tapos habang bumababa sya sabay hablot sa bag ko at takbo. nagulat talaga ko nakapareact na lang ako nung tumatakbo na sya at malayo na. yung tinakbuhan pa naman nya e sobrang dilim kya di na nahabol. hay... naku marami pang nagyari after that pero ayoko ng ikwento buong detalye. basta mga laman ng bag ko cellphone, PRC license ko at ska ng kapatid ko, top, pants and shoes (kay sis lahat yon, sorry tlaga sis), stethoscope. buti na lang wala akong dalang malaking pera non, mga 200 lang siguro, kya kung pera man habol niya, wala ka lang mapapala. nakakalungkot lang. wala na naman ako cellphone, pero at least ok ako, bi ba? kung sino ka man makakarma ka dyan sa ginawa mo. anyway, i'm over it, gusto ko lang ishare.

Since i'm still a bum i've been watching a lot of movies, so here's my list:

Gone Baby Gone - I like this movie because it has a very good plot and it was really well made (who knew ben affleck could direct?!). I think the ending was brilliant because it showed that there are choices in life that you would either be happy with or truly regret especially if you're choosing between something that you think is right (and would benefit a lot of people) and something which is lawfully right.

Once - Isay napanood ko na and I love it! For a movie that is so simple, i didn't expect it to give me such a warm feeling , the ending was just perfect and the songs were great! The story was bittersweet.

Across the Universe - This movie is amazing! I've seen it twice already. This is actually a musical and all the songs used were by The Beatles which i think was really genius. I love how they used the songs to tell the story of the movie and how all the actors and actresses were also the ones who sang their own version of the songs.

No Country for Old Men - This movie is such a nail biter! At first I didn't understand why people were making a big fuss over this movie but now I know. And all I can say is Javier Bardem you are sick... in a sexy kinda way... yes, even with that mop on you head... lol!

Mystic River - I probably liked this better than the book because I felt the emotions more and I still thought that david boyle is the victim. He didn't deserve all that happened to him. It was really sad.

Juno - It was cute, yes. Oscar-worthy, not really. But hey I'm not part the academy, so what do I know, right?

Into the Wild - Inspiring! I think it takes a lot of courage to do what the main character did and although he paid a big price for what he did, i'm glad he achieved the happiness that he really wanted.

Up next:
La Vie en Rose
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
There Will Be Blood
Doctor Zhivago
Lawrence of Arabia


***Wheeee!!! Tomorrow is my IV training!

    After 4 or 5 months of waiting USTH finally called me to take the exam at HR. My head hurt after answering all those things. Told me to come back on Friday to pass the lacking requirements. Told me they'll probably schedule an initial interview after that. Keeping my fingers crossed.

    The same day I went to quiapo with Gie to buy dvds. Oh the joy! Bought sex and the city (wherein 2 of the discs do not work, i have to go back and swap it with a more decent copy), private practice (just finished it a while ago, enjoyed it but sometimes it reminded me of house), compilation of slasher flicks (i'm preparing my stomach for the blood and gore), compilation of johnny depp movies (para daw kay eudel sabi ni gie), and the beatles mp3s. Wanted to buy the 30 rock, south park and other movies but i have to control myself. I had a blast! I missed Gie so much and her gushing about korean oppas and anime hotties.

    About the twilight movie, five more casting announcement and four of them are the other Cullens and i must say that the fandom is freaking out! My thoughts...hmmm... as long as they can act I have no problem but I'm kinda concerned about the actress playing Esme because I do not like Ava in Grey's Anatomy, so I still can't get over the fact that she will be Esme and I so not picture her as Esme. I do not know the other actors but the one playing Carlisle looks familiar and the actress playing Alice is kinda cute. I just hope they give justice to the book.

    Currently reading Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson, no complaints so far. Tried reading Crime and Punishment but I wasn't warming up to it but I'll try reading it again after this one.

    I finished downloading:
The Godfather Trilogy
Sophie's Choice
Schindler's List (amazing film!)
The Graduate (the movie was good but i was very disappointed about the ending)
Kramer vs. Kramer
The Piano (two thumbs up!)
The English Patient (didn't like it very much)
Taxi Driver (de Niro was so HOT in this movie!... in a psychotic kinda way)
Alfred Hitchcock films (i have yet to watch):
    Rear Window
    Rebecca
    Strangers on a Train
    Vertigo

Still downloading jdramas but I'm still compiling it so I can watch it in one sitting...hahaha!

If you want to try your luck and apply at Johns Hopkins the minimum requirement is to be an NCLEX-RN passer. Then contact SEAPCI at 8104033, they'll be the ones telling you what to do afterwards. I don't know how you would go about the interview process because the representatives from Johns Hopkins will not be staying long in Manila. They'll contact you about it. Good luck!

    Today, Eudel and I had an interview for the Johns Hopkins Hospital. When the interviewers arrived the first thought the came into my mind was "Holy crap! What did I get myself into?!" Three Americans and a Filipina will be doing the interview and I was so intimidated. During the orientation they told us about the hospitals, benefits, etc. And then we had a break after that will be the interview. Waiting for my turn was really nerve-wracking and I kept thinking that I'll just make a fool out of myself since I don't have the hospital experience. Then my name was called and Ms. Stevens greeted me and led me into the meeting room. At first I was really nervous but after a while I felt at ease because Ms. Stevens was so nice and so pretty and she understood the situation I was in right now, and she told me that most of the people she interviewed do not have experience also. She told me that I had potential and that I did a great job during the interview and what I really need is a hospital experience. After the interview I was feeling so elated that thought I might really have a chance with this. All I need to to have a job. I really need to get a job not just because of this but also relying on my parents for almost two years is just too much. I'll get a call from them after two weeks and see what happens. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I must say that going through all that was really fun and at least I learned something from it. It was a very good experience! Oh before I forget, I had two interview, the other one is Mr. Ong, he's from the agency and told me, about, petitions, processing and other legal stuff. If I was working right now, i'll probably have one more interview, and that is for the skills checklist which will be done by a nurse educator. Mr. Ong told me to keep them updated if ever I get a job ow what have I done so far.

    I really enjoyed this day, I was finally able to enter The Ascott and it was so fancy and the interior was really nice and spacious. They even provided us with snacks, yum! And even had our picture taken with I-forgot-her-name Ms. Nusring educator. Eudel and I were laughing our so hard because we had our picture taken in front of the poster of Johns Hopkins Hospital and I told her that next time we took that picture again it would be in front of the real JHH.

    Hahaha! Because I got lazy answering my paperworks, I was able to finally watch this movie. Considered one of the greatest movies of all time, I must say I was really proud to have watched it. I finally understood why everyone was gushing about this movie. I sat for 3 1/2 hours watching this movie and i never got bored, it was really good! For a movie made in 1939, i think it was done beautifully. The only complaint I have with the movie is......SPOILERS!!! PLS DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU'VE SEEN THIS MOVIE BECAUSE YOU'LL REGRET IT!... the ending, Scarlett dear, how could you ruin everything! You have the perfect guy, who is madly in love with you and you only realized that you were in love with him when it was already too late. She only cared about money and kept throwing herself to a guy who doesn't really love her. And I thought she would grow up after all the tragedies that happened in her life.

    I really love watching old Hollywood films, the beauty of the actresses before were different from those of the present. I also love the way they speak back then, I can't describe it but there's definitely something about the sound of their voice that makes you want to melt when they deliver those romantic lines, hahahaha... When I watched Gone with the Wind it reminded me of those novels I used to read written by Judith Mcnaught, how nostalgic.





*** I've been downloading films that I wanted to watch before but never had the time or finances, here are some the movies I've seen so far:

The Virgin Suicides - dark and haunting... it will keep you guessing until the end about what really happened.
Hard Candy - cool film in a disturbing kind of way. Think of a 14 year old castrating a 30 something year old pedophile.
Atonement - I know it hasn't been shown here but I can't wait anymore. It was a very good film adaptation. I love you James McAvoy! Amazing cast and amazing director, but i still suggest that you read the book before watching this.
Resident Evil: Extinction - the story was lacking... didn't like it very much.
Little Children - kinky!

Next on my download list:
The Piano
Taxi Driver
The Godfather I,II,III
The Isle - I read that this movie was so sick that people would pass out or vomit because of the gruesome scenes. This is going to be a challenge for me me!

Still thinking of movies to download, any suggestions? Anyone seen Sophie's Choice or The Graduate?
*sigh* I wish answering those essays were as easy as writing this entry.

    I never knew that applying for a hospital in the US would be so hard especially if it's the no.1 hospital in the US. I think it was a week ago that I got a call from the Southeast Asian Placement Center informing me that I'll be having an interview on the 5th of February in Makati because they were hiring nurses for Johns Hopkins Hospital. I talked to Kaye and she interviewed me for a few minutes and she said that she would be sending me an email of the paperworks that I need to answer and send to them by the end of January. The clock is ticking and I'm just starting to do it due to my procrastinating. These paperworks would be easier to answer if I am working at a hospital right now but I guess I have to rely on my RLE. I'm still going to do these, though I doubt that I would be hired, there's no harm in trying, right? Besides, I'll definitely learn from this experience. If I don't get hired then I'll try again next time when I have more experience, hopefully by that time I'll have a better chance.

Books

I've finished:
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - This is a very sad book but it has a happy ending. Confused? Basically the story is about Susie Salmon who was raped and killed by their neighbor when she was fourteen and how her family dealt with her loss. It was heartbreaking to read and I would never want any people to experience this kind of pain (although that's just probably wishful thinking). But as I go through the book and read about Susie's loved ones on earth I realized that even through all the suffering you can still live happily ever after. But of course that's not possible if you're alone, you really need support system to help you pull through. At first I didn't know what to feel about this book but I now I think it's really wonderful and if you're into that family theme, it's a must read!

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane - I was not wowed by it but I enjoyed reading it. At first it would seem like a typical suspense/mystery novel but there's more to  the story than what you expect. All I can say is that people are scary because you never know what they're really thinking.

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami - This book is definitely a page-turner. I liked the story a lot but it left me with so many unanswered questions. Kafka is such a great character that you can't help but be pulled by his charm. The story was so interesting that I have to read, read, read so that I'd know what would happen next. As I said it left me with so many questions but trust me when I say that you would not be disappointed. As a matter of fact it made me want to read the book all over again so that I would know if I missed something. Also, Kafka for me was so inspiring, I liked the line when the Boy named Crow would say to him that "you are the toughest 15 year old in the world". It makes me want to toughen myself up and face whatever is out there head on.

( Read more... )

Since I'm still enjoying the new year and the fact that i have no life i'll just share my thoughts about this book. First of all, I never realized how lacking my vocabulary is until I read this book (read it and you'll know what I mean). And second, I totally love this book! The story was so amazing that I totally forgave Mr. McEwan for having such a slow start.

AHHH!!! I Love her album!!! I recommend it to everyone! Her voice and her songs are amazing!!!

I'm finished reading the twilight series (why does it have to be so complicated?!) and i'm continuing to read this one. i started reading the ebook but my back hurts from sitting in front of the PC for too long so I decided to just buy the book. i'm not yet finished with it but i'm liking it so far, it's different from the books i've read. sometimes i get confused by the time traveling thing but it's ok once you get the hang of it (hahahaha). i'll write more after i'm done with this. hmmm... i'm spending my christmas money with books because i want something to occupy myself, when my mind is idle i tend to think of a lot of things (things that sometimes are a bit deppressing). Ok next on my list would be Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. i've been wanting to read his works and i finally bought one, i'll try to buy another one after this.

On My List:
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold ---> i'll definitely be buying these one
Atonement - Ian McEwan
Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (i also want to try classics)
Pride and Prejudice + Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

Haruki Murakami novels (Norwegian Wood, Wind-up Bird Chronicles, etc)
Neil Gaiman novels (isay i'll be looking for his works next time na pumunta ko sa fully booked)

Most of the books have been or will be made into a movie but i just want to read it because the movie adaptations tend to suck, so i'll stick to reading. Gah! i wish i have tons of money so that i'll be able to buy all of these. To those who loves reading like me i suggest you buy your books in fully booked at serendra because it is definitely a book haven. i got to only see the 2 floors and i was practically drooling..hahahhah... i loved it and i'm definitely going back there to hunt for more books.

**edit**
ok, i'm done with this book.... my thoughts, i must say it was a very good read. the first part and the later part were probably the most important parts of the book. the middle was a bit draggy for me but as you get closer to the end the story unfolds and you will get to find out more about henry's time travel and why he can't explain to little clare about everything (during the first part). i thought the ending was touching and i got a little bit of teary-eyed, so that must be a good thing, right? all in all i enjoyed reading it!
 

Ok, so i've been hearing a lot about the guy who they want to play Edward Cullen in the film Twilight and i agree with their choice that Gaspard Ulliel should play the part. He's soooo HOT! Truthfully I haven't seen any of his films but I've always wanted to watch A Very Long Engagement (way before I even knew him). Too bad he's already 23 and the author doesn't want an actor playing Edward who is over 21 years old, so sad.... Robert Pattinson should do a good job or else I would hate him forever, he doesn't even deserve the role of Cedric Diggory, bleh!. As I said on my previous post he's not pretty enough to be Edward! Back to Gaspard, some of you might know him if you saw the movie Hannibal Rising where he played the young Hannibal Lecter. He's just oozing with sex appeal, I can't help but gush over him. Well, here are his pics to convince you of his hotness.


*** Another info is that the actress playing Bella Swan would be Kristen Stewart (Jodie Foster's daughter in Panic Room). Hmmm... that would be interesting, I think she'll do a good job playing the part and IMO she  fits the role perfectly. She's not too pretty but she looks intriguing enough for Edward Cullen to be completely interested in her.

Gah! i'm reading this right now and it's so good! But I need a little break because my eyes and back are hurting from staring and sitting in front of the computer (yes, i am reading an ebook because i don't have the luxury to buy the book right now...pretty pathetic huh?). I wouldn't call it my favorite but I like the story a lot, an unlikely love story between Bella Swan, an apparently ordinary looking, boring girl and Edward Cullen, probably one of the most perfect guy you'll ever meet... well besides the fact that he's a.... we'll I guess you'll have to read the book or google him to find out. What I like about this book is how the author wrote the interaction between the two characters. The dialogs (or dialogues) that I would normally find cheesy or roll my eyes  made me smile like an idiot. She wrote it in a way that all I can say is... wow, in some parts of the book i even thought, "i want to be Bella!". I read very good comments about this book that's why I decided to read it and I was not disappointed. And the fact that it is going to be made into the film made me more intrigued. I'm a bit doubtful about the character playing Edward Cullen, to put it bluntly I completely dislike him. He's going to be played by Robert Pattinson a.k.a Cedric Diggory... ggrrrr... Can he even act? He's not even beautiful enough to be Edward. About the actress palying Bella, I think she will pull it off. Ok enough babbling and continue reading...

Hmmm... I think I've been away from western movies for so long that I don't know what's good to watch anymore but when I was surfing the net a while ago I found this movie (which is based on a musical of the same name) Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, directed by Tim Burton, it stars Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman to name a few. With the cast and director alone I can tell that this is going to be a good movie, I want to watch this but all I know is that it will be shown in the US on Christmas, so I don't know when it will be shown here.

Also, I've heard about this already but I didn't expect it to be shown already. A remake of the 2003 Korean film A Tale of Two Sisters will be in theaters by January. I'm curious about how the remake is going to look but I'm not expecting that it will live up to the original film because the original was already great as it is. FYI the character played by Im Soo-jung  is going to be Arielle Kebbel (the girl who brought the curse in the US in The Grudge 2) and Moon Geun-young's character will be played by Emily Browning (she's Violet Baudelaire in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events).

Lastly, have anyone seen Enchanted? Was it any good? I want to watch it because McDreamy's such an eye-candy but I don't know if it's worth the money.

A few days ago went to this link that lists the 10 most disturbing films of all time. I think that list was just his/her personal list not an official one, but it still made me curious. Unfortunately , out of the ten on the list I was only able to watch 1 and it was Takashi Miike's Audition and I'm telling you that is one sick movie, I can still recall some of the scenes and they weren't pretty! Well, that kind of movie is expected from Takashi Miike, another movie that I have seen directed by him is Ichi the Killer ( I don't know but for me this is more morbid than Audition because up to now I haven't finished watching this movie, I'm still finding the courage to watch the second disc). He also did an episode for the TV series in the U.S. called Masters of Horror titled Imprint, apparently this episode was too  disturbing for the US audience that it was banned from being shown on TV and was just released in DVD along with the other episodes of  the series. So the curious me downloaded this episode a few months back and immediately watched it with my sister... Man! I didn't know I was in for a ride. I'm not the type of person who covers their eyes while watching horror films but this 1 hour episode made me do just that. I don't know if I'm exaggerating but in my opinion it was really disturbing (I kept repeating this because I can't think of any other word that would describe those films)! Trust me people those films are not for the faint of heart and kudos to Miike for making those kind of films!