If you were asked, “What’s your greatest achievement, so far?” What would you answer?
Last week, we had our General Orientation Program in the hospital where I’m currently working. (Gosh, that sounded like an adult thing. Surreal.)
It was a five- day program which generally consisted of us meeting the different department heads in the hospital, as well as brushing up on our knowledge regarding medications. We even had a practicum regarding making medication cards.
For the record, I just wanted to say that I totally miss the usual stuff we have to do inside a ward. All I could think of during the whole lecture was, “How am I going to use this knowledge when I’m assigned in the Operating Room Complex?” Tss. Bitter, I am.
Oh well.
Then, there’s this usual activity regarding self- awareness where we have to write down some personal experiences. Each of us were given a piece of paper where we write down the following:
I guess I have not yet mentioned here that last April, I went on a solo trip.
Yes, I went to Baguio City (6- hour bus trip from Manila) all by myself.
Why? I just wanted to.
It was crazy, not to mention scary, but I tell you, it’s one of the most awesome things ever to be experienced by a person who’s not yet committed— getting lost in a city and discovering places by oneself.
Maybe I’ll discuss the details preceding this trip, but for now, let’s ogle at some pictures.
That awkward moment when you just had your period for the month, and then, you scrub in on a case of hemorrhoidectomy.
Bloody hell. Literally.
I felt like I was the one who lost a LOT of blood.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I just started working in the hospital last Monday— and I was assigned in the Operating Room Complex.
I used to watch Grey’s Anatomy, and I thought being part of a surgical team is cool. Somehow, I overlooked the fact that being an OR nurse is also quite stressful. But, I’m learning. That’s what matters.
Tonight, we had a simple dinner party with my relatives in celebration of my younger brother’s birthday and my Kuya’s wedding.
Afterwards, as per tradition, the females grouped together to play BINGO, and the males prepared the table to drink some alcohol.
As for me, always being the different one, I chose to read Volume 2 of Sherlock Holmes amidst the high pitched voices of my mom and my aunts.
Since I was seated closer to the group of male relatives, I opted to drink alcohol with them. Hahaha. It was just brandy.
Well, yes, it was just brandy, but after 10 shots or so, I felt dizzy, and felt like laughing all night.
But what makes my night interesting? It’s the fact that I was able to finish four Sudoku puzzles in a row, as well as finishing reading an adventure of Sherlock Holmes.
Got drunk— Solved Sudoku Puzzle and read Sherlock Holmes.
I just got home from a two- day trip at a province somewhere in the North. (Maybe I’ll post pictures later.) But let me tell you something first.
Let’s place everything in context first: This is probably my first out- of- town trip— which lasted more than a day— and which does not involve any school work— since 2009.
A dear friend died last night (March 31, 2012). He was 18 years old. March 31 was also his high school graduation day. :’(
I always thought he had an amazing voice. I always believed he was bound for something greater. He joined the choir, but I have always thought that he’s better off as a soloist.
He did follow his dreams. He joined various contests, and the last time I heard, he was a vocalist of a band. Listen to the song on the video. He was one of the singers there.
What I admire most about him, however, is his very close relationship with his older sister (who is also a friend of mine). That alone says a lot at how sweet this person really is.
I’m not really close to you, but you should know that I, like the hundreds (or probably thousands) of people whose lives you have touched, am deeply saddened by this.
Thank you for everything.
Just keep on singing up there, okay? We love you, and we will truly miss you.
The person from HRD (Human Resource Department) of the hospital: See, submitting your requirements won’t take too long. *smiles*
Me: *smiles in agreement*
HRD Person: Okay, then. Call me on April 13, so that you’ll know when you’re going to start.
Suddenly, wild and random thoughts ran through my mind as I said goodbye to the HRD person. I cannot accurately describe my feelings, so I’ll just share about 10% of what I was thinking on my way home.
I’m really going to leave my current job in four days. I’m going to leave my students. Nooooo.
Will I be able to continue RareJob?
I need to find an apartment.
Oh my goodness, I’m going live on my own— away from my family AND pay my own bills.
Will I manage?
This was what I have always wanted, right?
Okay, so my salary will be (enter amount here), then, (amount) will be for rent + electricity + water + internet connection.
I have to give some money to my parents.
I need to save money.
Oh my goodness, I HAVE TO TAKE A VACATION before I even start working here.
After the three- year contract, shall I continue being a nurse?
Which graduate study should I pursue?
Will I find my true love here?
Will my friends in Marikina miss me? Haha. Will they even notice?
I’m an adult. An adult. And I’m scared.
BUT, this was what I have always dreamed of since high school: INDEPENDENCE. I didn’t know it would also be scary.
Whatever, I can do this. I will most certainly enjoy my life.
But I don’t want to leave teaching.
I do hope I get assigned to an intensive care unit. Pleasepleaseplase.
Years from now, I will remember this particular day when I realized that I’m in a transition period. Lukewarm. Bittersweet. Anxious. Excited. Unsure.
I need some background music—any music— that will be perfect for all of those thoughts.
But for now, I’ll worry myself with my last lecture for tomorrow.
