Archive for July 2008 - Bisdak Babbles

Archive for July, 2008

Healthy Steps

July 7th, 2008 shiera

I can’t reach my toes without bending my knees. A bit embarrassing, but true. When I had those physical education classes in high school and college, only then did I “practice” reaching my toes just to get a passing mark. After completing those courses, I only worked up some sweat when playing table tennis, and that was around 4 years ago.

When I arrived here in Japan 2 years ago, I was “fat” compared to most of the Japanese (even Japanese guys) so I cut down my rice intake. Together with the stressful 4-hour traveling time to and from work, I was successful at shedding about 8 kgs.

But since April, I’ve been waiting for a new job assignment and there’s not much else to do but eat and sleep! To at least burn some calories, I’ve recently started an exercise regimen: walking/jogging/or just using the step machine. I hope I won’t get tired or bored with it. Even for just a short time, I’ve started feeling the benefits: (1) no more dysmenorrhea in my last period (2) I don’t feel sleepy at all during the day. Or perhaps it’s because I’m not spending the whole day in front of a computer in a very silent office?

Health

And So, We Met Again

July 3rd, 2008 shiera

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Last April, a month before my father’s death, he was hospitalized due to heart attack, the first attack. When he was still in the hospital, I promised to let him visit his hometown in Bohol after his recovery. He had always loved being with his siblings and relatives. A month later, he died in his beloved hometown. Mama, my sister, and Shaynna were with him in Bohol. From Japan, I had to go directly to Bohol.

As the taxi approached my aunt’s house, I saw Shaynna. I was torn between the fear of not being acknowledged by Shaynna and the dread of seeing my lifeless father. As I got off the taxi, I was met by my mother. At that moment, everything else flew away from my mind and all I could feel was far beyond grief. It was the deepest pain I’ve ever felt.

As I was crying my heart out, someone hugged my left leg and as I looked down, I met the eyes of someone I’ve been longing to meet again. I’ve always feared that my 3-year old daughter won’t come near me, being away from her for almost 2 years. She then stretched out her hands, urging me to pick her up, while saying “mommy”. At a young age, she seemed to understand everyone’s pain, my pain and unknowingly became my strength, my comfort.

Family, Sentiments, Shaynna

Magoong Beach

July 1st, 2008 shiera

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Before I start the series of recollections from my sad homecoming, I would just like to share some photos of my beautiful hometown.

One can’t find white sand beaches in Magoong, Linamon, Lanao del Norte. But for me, the beaches in my hometown are some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen.

This shore is facing Iligan City, so it’s easy to tell if it’s raining there or not. When it’s low tide, you can see the Siquijor island from here, too. Yep, no kidding.