Brendon vs The Tricycle

Tricycles (a motorcycle with covered side car) are an important part of daily life in the Philippines. They are the preferred choice of transportation for short distances.  The biggest challenge,  however, is that they are designed with Filipinos in mind, not 6’2” Americans. Challenge on! He is a gracious sport and willingly takes on the challenge with a smile on his face! Can he manage to bend himself enough to fit into a tiny side car? Who will win in this game of man vs machine?

As you can clearly see the side car is significantly shorter than my son.  Let the human folding begin!!!! It’s quite humorous to see my little boy, who grew into a very tall young man, fold himself up in order to fit into a tricycle. It might actually be easier to stick him in a box and mail him to our destination. He bends, folds, contorts his body until his head is able to clear the ‘doorway’. He wiggles his way into the seat; ducking and crouching since there is not enough room for him to sit straight up.  He looks like a rabbit crouching with his little paws dangling in front of him.  It’s quite entertaining and he takes it all in stride.

I am so blessed to be able to experience these things with my son and friend! He means the world to me and I am so thrilled to be able to share the world with him!

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Friends in the Philippines

For those that don’t know, I met my fiancé, Arnold, while playing Zynga’s Texas Hold’em Poker on Facebook.  The day I met my beloved we were also playing with another friend, Hilda. So she was there right from the beginning. She even once admitted that she suspected we would fall in love. Both Arnold and myself feel that Hilda is an important friend to us.  She knows what it has taken for the two of us to be together.  It’s been a long journey and its nowhere near over. So I was thrilled to finally be able to meet our dear friend. 

We met at the Mall of Asia for lunch.  Of course it was the traditional Filipino fare of pizza! LOL! We really didn’t care what we were eating. We were just happy to finally spending time together.  She is so adorable and is always a great source support for me.

Hilda, Arnold and I love and adore you! Thank you so much for being part of our love story. I hope to see you again soon. <3

Technorati Tags: Hilda,Philippines

Travel challenges for this chronic chick

In order to get from the good ol’ U.S. of A. to the Republic of the Philippines this ‘chronic’ chick had a one 38 hour day, over 18 hours of flights, 8 hours of connection times, 3 crappy airline meals, several naps, and 0 hours of real sleep.  First and foremost, being chronically ill requires one to think of every emergency situation in order to be prepared for it.  A severe migraine with nausea can be brutal on a 12.5 hour flight. Therefore, I must do what I need to in order to avoid a major migraine at all costs.

Drugs are my friend; but, I also carry an impressive array of alternative therapies.  I will admit that I use my painkillers a little more liberally on long flights. At home I am very conservative with my use of painkillers.  However, long flights seem like the perfect occasion to actually practice using the recommended dosage.  Even still, I am not able to sleep more than an hour or so at a time. So things like guided meditation on my MP3, journaling, biofeedback and rhythmic breathing are my friends.  They help keep my nerves calm therefore providing more relaxation during a difficult situation.  I also frequently get out of my seat and stretch. It helps alleviate stiff muscles and a stagnant mind. 

I did get a snippy flight attendant that told me I could not sit on the floor.  I was only planning on sitting for a short time in order to stretch.  I promptly informed her that I have a chronic neurological condition and that if I didn’t keep my body fluid I would be seeking medical attention for severe muscle spasms.  I wasn’t planning on sitting on the floor to play Tiddly Winks! Ugh!

Ultimately, the tedious flights, long connections and frustrations were worth it. Seeing his face waiting for me at the airport reminded me of every reason I make the sacrifice. It’s good to be back! <3

Technorati Tags: airline,travel

Confessions of a chronic over-packer.

In just over 30 hours I will board a plane for Detroit, connecting to Nagoya, Japan, and then onto Manila, Philippines.  I am allowed (for free) 2 checked bags weighing no more than 50lbs each.  I will pack 48lb in each. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the life of me I am trying to determine what on Earth I could need that would total 96 pounds.  But as I look into my already overstuffed bags, I think, “What could I live without?”  Everyone going to the Philippines needs 12 pairs of flip flops right?   Or how could I possibly live without 30 pairs of underwear, even though I will only be gone for 21 days? And I have to bring every kind of toiletry imaginable because, well, I’m a girl. Would you believe that I have to pack for changing weather? Hmmmm, no, hu? You’re right, its just going to be HOT. Which would lead you to believe that I could manage to pack less since I need smaller, lighter clothes. But my suitcases just don’t see it that way.

I guess my years in scouts taught me well. “BE PREPARED!” Certainly if I can’t fit it into one of these suitcases it must not be vital for survival.  And we all know that every girl needs 8 different bras for a 3 week trip, don’t we?  Ok. Maybe it’s time to get real with myself and admit that I can live without a few things. I think I can pack just one pair of black capri pants. Right? I can do this!!

 

 

 

Maybe………….

Parking

Yesterday was such a beautiful day!  It was a very pleasant 65 degrees, the sun was out and it almost felt like spring.  My sister sent me a text asking if I wanted to take a walk in  our local park after she finished working.  I gladly said, “YES!”   So my sister and friend, my niece and friends, and I went to the park to soak up some fine Oklahoma sunshine! 

The ducks and the geese were taking advantage of the weather by floating the pond. We adults walked the 1 mile track around the park 3.5 times while the kids met some new friends and played basketball. It was great just to be outside, be getting in my workout with the sun on my face, and Skyping on the go with Arnold.  I love having Skype on my phone. Even though Arnold is thousands of miles away I felt like he was right there walking with me.  Modern technology sure makes long distance relationships much much easier. After we finished our three and a half mile walk we sat and watched the kids play basketball. Ok, maybe there was more silliness and giggling than shooting going on but it was entertaining.  The fun part was that Arnold was able to watch them play too with the video chat thru Skype on my phone.  I love the fact that he is able to be part of these events and get to know my family before he comes here.  We all already feel like he is part of the family.

Being able to enjoy the good ol’ out of doors, made me feel so refreshed.  It got me thinking about exercise, feeling healthy, feeling relaxed and whole.  It made me realize that I haven’t had a panic attack in several weeks.  It also reminded me that I have been sleeping better as a whole. (Ohhh, sleep…. I need to dedicate a post to sleep!) I have been gradually increasing my workouts, eating healthier, feeling more calm, and just feeling more ‘normal.’  Have I found my magic key to the self-fulfilling prophecy of good health? I mean I know my version of good health will never be the same as a non-chronically sick person. I guess I always thought that a ‘healthy’ person should be able to work full time, take care of their home and family, work out strenuously, sleep restfully every night and manage stress easily.  Now, I see that my brand of ‘healthy’ is being about to walk 3-5 miles easily, work part time, be an active online Chiari supporter, sleep all night 3 nights a week, and to be able to recognize when I am being overly emo due to stress. So what if there’s laundry in the hamper or a few dishes in the sink.  Maybe this is the balance I have longed for.  Am I happier because I feel healthier?  Or is it the other way around?  Am I still going to have days where I am bedridden with pain? Sure and that’s ok because the other days are really coming into focus.  Life is Good!

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