The Next Half

Welcome to the latter half of 2008. I found myself quite bored, which led me to create this blog. I had a previous blog, but it was in Tagalog. Since my English writing skills were getting rusty, I decided to practice again. I ended up trashing the old blog since it hadn't been updated in ages.

A multitude of events took place during the past six months. But don't worry, I won't bore you to death with a recap of all the news. Instead, I'll bore you to death by sharing what happened to me during that time. Exciting, isn't it?

Let me begin by discussing a setback in my life. I failed to conform to the expectations of the "system" that requires a piece of paper called a "diploma" to validate one's worth in society. I'm uncertain whether this is detrimental or not. Should I desire to be judged solely based on my credentials? Or perhaps I should seek a different "system," one that recognizes my skills and talents without the unnecessary fuss of a resume. Does such a system even exist?

During this period, I found employment at a call center. They didn't hire me solely based on my credentials; instead, they valued my ability to converse in English. This arrangement worked well until I grew tired of dealing with Americans who enjoyed verbally abusing those trying to assist them. Consequently, I developed the habit of dropping calls, which unfortunately violated company policies. Ultimately, I was fired. Prior to that, I spent a week in the hospital due to various health concerns. To be clear, I didn't have four distinct conditions; the doctors simply couldn't identify the specific ailment. This is the reality of healthcare provided by HMOs here in the Philippines.

Initially, I was diagnosed with hypertension, but upon seeking a second opinion, the doctor suspected dengue fever and promptly admitted me to the hospital. I felt both nervous and excited, as it was my first time being hospitalized. You could say I was a "hospital virgin," as my perverted friends would jest. I suppose this is an experience every person must go through at least once in their life, akin to attending church.

Subsequently, another doctor examined me, believing I had a gallbladder stone. How on earth could a stone end up there, I wondered?

To determine the true cause of my ailment, they subjected me to numerous tests, treating me like a guinea pig. I underwent X-rays, ultrasounds, and an excessive number of blood tests. I suspect the nurse who took my blood samples aspired to be a tattoo artist. And you know what's really frustrating? I lost my appetite completely! For an entire week, I couldn't bring myself to eat. Every time I attempted to do so, I felt nauseous. Talk about unintentional weight loss.

After more blood tests, they finally identified the actual problem: Hepatitis A. It was only then that they noticed the yellowish tint in my eyes. So, they were able to diagnose it just by looking at my eyes? Does iridology truly work? I wish they had informed my arm, which had become a pincushion. And guess what the prescription was? Lemon drops. I spent a week in the hospital only to discover that all I needed for my condition was candy.

All in all, the first half of this year hasn't been too terrible. I'm eagerly anticipating the next half to see if I'll continue being a screw-up. Place your bets, my dear, all-knowing relatives!