My Dubai Exodus

Sunday morning. Oct 11. I woke up feeling the pain had subsided. But as I was taking a bath after breakfast, the pain got worse. So, I decided to take a leave at work and figure out what to do next. I called in sick and my office mate told me to go to the Filipino doctor so that I can at least know what is really wrong. I called the clinic and got appointment and dressed up and go. It wasn't long before it was my turn and after examining my stomach, the doctor advised me to have ultrasound. So, I took the metro to save time and got it done. I took the report back to the doctor and he said that I have this ovarian cyst about 18 cm and it needs to be taken out. I asked him if this is immediate because I am not due to come home until February and I plan to do this when I get home. He said, it's really up to me but he said the sooner it would, be the better. I asked him if he wouldn't prescribe any pain reliever, but he refused and said, "Ano pang magagawa non, e bukol na yan." So, I called the office and told them about it.

Tuesday, Oct. 13. After 2 days of sick leave, I reported to work. I told my office mate about my condition and she asked me if I wanted to go back home so that I can immediately have my operation. This was a good deed for her because she was already booked on Oct 29. I asked her if it would be okay and she said she understood because of my medical condition. We, then, called my boss so that I could ask her permission for an emergency leave. It wasn't hard to do this because she finally agreed and even offered me that she'll give me my air ticket benefit in advance. This is truly a blessing for me since I know I would need money for the operation. Once this has been set, I called my doctor-friend from the Philippines to ask for assistance at the provincial hospital. We arranged for the appointments and I was soon set to go home.

Thursday, Oct. 15. My boss was able to book me a flight the next day at 9.00 am. I called several friends to let them know I am going home.

Friday, Oct 16. I woke up and got ready and was at the airport by 6.00 am. I was upset because I was informed by several friends that Emirates Airlines has a baggage limit of 50 kg. but the check-in counter assistant told me it was only 30 kg. There was no point arguing so I ended up wondering who can I call at this early morning. I didn't think twice of calling my previous room mate, Cindy, and asked her the favor of taking care of my things [it's one trolley, about 25kg.] until I come back.

The plane touched down in Pinas at about 10.00 p.m. It was a good flight but I had to wait for more or less an hour to complete my baggage.

Honestly, it really felt good to be home. But, still, I cannot change the fact that I went home not to have a vacation, but to deal with my medical condition. I was half-happy, half-something.

October 5 - 12, 2009

The week of October 5 didn't begin right. I started to feel stomach pains; same kind of pains that I felt last August. And it didn't subside as days went. It got a little different, it got a little worse each day.

I remember perfectly that it was a Thursday that I finally sought medical help. Not knowing where to go [for people do not usually trust the medical system there... sad to say that it's a fact], I started to randomly look around the area where I work. I remember vividly walking under the sun while praying so hard that He lead me to the right people [like He always does]. The first clinic that I went to did not have the IM [Internal Medicine] doctor yet. I was told that he'll be there by 1:00 and they can arrange to pick me up once he's in. The receptionist took my phone number. I even though that this is good customer service but I felt I couldn't wait that long so I started to walk again and look again on the other side of the street.

I finally found one with a Filipina receptionist. It's not that it still matters at this point, but I still feel that it's a little advantage and comforting to have a little sense of home. I was told to sit down and wait for my turn but it wasn't long before I was called. The doctor was not Filipino. I am not sure of his nationality but he seems to have come from the Middle East and is probably in his late 50's. He's very courteous and examined me in the presence of the nurse [which is SOP if the doctor is male and the patient is a female]. After several minutes of pressing on different parts of my stomach - the upper part where I felt most of the pain - he asked me to get up and wait outside.

It wasn't long [again] before the Filipina assistant called me. She told me that the doctor felt something on my stomach but could not prescribe me any pain reliever since he has yet to find out where the pain is really coming from. He advised me to go to the Iranian Hospital, apply for a medical card and I could get as much as 40% discount on all the services; because it would cost me thousands if I will have the tests performed there.

I asked how much was the consultation fee and the Filipina told me that the doctor said he wouldn't charge me for anything. I really find this a generous act and admired the doctor for having done that.

I, then, went back to the office and asked permission if I can go to the said hospital so I can at least have the card, if not the tests. I was told to wait until the driver gets to the office. I did, but he never came. So, my office mate then told me to go home earlier than the normal so I can at least start to rest.

I was frustrated but couldn't do anything. It's going to be a weekend and I remember feeling a little worried about the tests that they said would cost thousands. I held on. I didn't want to preempt everything so I kept myself cool. It's going to be weekend anyhow. I can rest and hope that the pain will subside, if not go away. I hoped that if I continue to eat those laxative foods over the weekend, I will be okay by the beginning of the next week.

Saturday. The last day of the week. Before going to mass, I decided to go straight to the Iranian Hospital and get started with everything. After the mass, I started to walk to the bus stop to catch the one going to the Iranian Hospital. But halfway between the church and the bus stop, I felt like it's not worth it to take the bus to the hospital because I was still in pain. So, I took a cab. When I got there, I immediately look for the section that issues the health card, but was so disappointed to find out that they need certain documents which I do not have. Well, actually the only thing I have at that time was my labor card. So, I went home, disappointed again, and somewhat lost. Lost, because I am not even sure that if I get the health card, that I will go with this hospital for my test, or even later on, for my treatment, if there is a need.

October: Week One

The first few days went by as every day did. Nothing unusual. Dust has finally settled on our new place and we are finally enjoying its amenities. Once we went to the roof top to visit the building's gym but we didn't have the access card yet, so we hesitated to even attempt going to the pool area. After a few days, we, then, managed to. The card was given and my room mate and her friend had a good swim at the small pool. I stayed in the room watching a movie because I didn't feel like swimming though hot as it was during those times.

I remember having to make a little adjustment with my bus route. One of my bus mates taught me of a new route that will make me use the Dubai Metro, and ending up cheaper. At first, I kinda thought it wouldn't because of the idea that using the metro will cost me more. But it proved to be otherwise. So, this has been my route until I went home last October 16. The route was to take a metro from where I work. Metro station Khaleed Bin Waleed up until the station at the Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, which we simply call Terminal 3. From there, I will then take what they call the feeder bus [bus no. F8] to Al Qusais, where it stops right in front of our building. It turned out that this wouldn't charge me on the fare, since it is a feeder bus of the airport. So, the fare is just as much as it is when I take the regular bus. Also, this route takes me to work and home faster than the route that I have been accustomed to.

Last Days of September

I checked the date of my last entry, and it was still the Ramadan season back in UAE. A lot of things happened since then. My original plan was to start where I stopped before this entry, but I guess it would be a lot better if I start after the said entry. It would be hard.... no, it wouldn't be hard... no, it would be hard... well, I'll see how much of it I can tell. Not on this single entry. I choose to cut it into a series than bore you with it all in one sitting.

As of this writing, I am back in the Philippines. I got here last October 16 at about 10 pm. Only a handful of friends knew about it for it was unexpected, unplanned. Officially, it could be labelled as an emergency leave. It would have been totally the usual thing for an OFW - the much awaited vacation. But it wasn't. And this is what I will try to recount on the next days to come.

The last days of September was spent moving into another place [which was rather unplanned and even unexpected... also] and placing everything in its place in the new house. Plus the fact that we all need adjustments when we move into another place. The adjustments weren't as hard as I imagined it to be. Probably because I only have to share the room with one person and the whole flat with six others - a whole lot less than the usual, and a whole lot less than I imagined myself to be with. Also, probably because of the fact that I still ride the same bus, the same route, and still has the same travel time; because I moved into a place within the same community. A community I came to like and accept.

On Quotes

I love quotes, adages, etc. I follow a lot of people on twitter who has so many to offer. But it's a little disappointing that a lot of them are using them&not giving proper credit to the author, hence, it looks like as if it's their own. I know this people wouldn't mind being quoted by us.. But isn't it our part to give them proper credit & respect for their wisdom?
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from du

Checking

Up to now, I still couldn't bring myself back to blogging; with the Ramadan finally over. For several reasons. But primarily, it might be the fact that I am tweeting too much and I stopped my wi-fi access at home.

But whatever it may be, this entry is just about checking if posting via mail works on my blog. If it does, then I now might be able to blog even more often than I've really been.

Let us see...
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from du

Missing Blogging

It's been a while.

But I am still here. Like what I said on my previous post.

It may not take until after the Ramadan, for I think I am gathering back my thoughts.

Still Here

It must be the heat...

Yeah, it must be...

I picture my brain being sucked out dry because of the heat.

I can't put myself to write, I can't think of anything. I wanted to write about something but the end of the day, it seems to be gone.

Sucked out by the heat.

Brain drain?

Or it could be [temporary]brain drain.

[I hope I can get back before summer ends.]

Fifth of July

I was practically out the whole day. It was a cloudy morning so it was just okay to be outside. But as the day climbs to noon, heat started to rise and by the time I got to see the temp, it was already a 44C and it wasn't even 12 noon yet.

I had the opportunity to walk in a mini-park on an island on the place here called Al Muteena. I was kinda relieved to see date trees on the sides. But the thing is the only thing it could give you is a shade from the sun's rays, but not the cool breeze I used to feel back home when I am under the shelter of trees. So, as you may well have guessed, I again got nostalgic about home. Back home, a tree meant a shade from the heat and a cool breeze comes as you stay even for just a while. It offers rest and comfort for that short time you will stay. But here, I walked for over five hundred meters of date trees left and right, but it offered now breeze.

As I said, summer is officially here. This morning, my colleague told me that Ramadan will start on August 20th, as opposed to what I know which is August 21st. But who knows who among us is right? It will fall on either one of these days, depending on the appearance of the moon. So, we will only know once the moon comes out during one of those nights. That's how they do it here.

What You Want?

Another book came in today.

My friends know that I love reading so they let me know if they have a book that they can lend me. Last night, a friend brought me "Night Shift" which is actually an old book by Stephen King. Yeah, they know, too, that I am into SK's books. So, to give me a background of what the book's all about, I read the introduction, not by SK but by someone named John D. Macdonald.

And here I quote him ( his reaction when people say: they want to write):

If you want to write, you write.

The only way to learn to write is by writing. And that would not be a useful approach to brain surgery.

Stephen King always wanted to write and he writes.

So he wrote 'Carrie' and 'Salem's Lot' and "The Shining,' and the good short stories you can read in this book, and a stupendous number of other stories and books and fragments and poems and essays and other unclassifiable things, most of them too wrteched to ever publish.

Because that is the way it is done.

Because there is no other way to do it. Not one other way.

Compulsive diligence is almost enough. But not quite. You have to have a taste for words. Gluttony. You have to want to roll in them. You have to read millions of them written by other people.

You read everyting with grinding envy or a weary contempt.

You save he most contempt for the people who conceal ineptitude with long words, Germanic sentence structure, obstrusive symbols, and no sense of story, pace, pr character.

Then you have to start knowing yourself so well that you begin to know other people. A piece of us is in every person we can meet.

A damn good piece of advice for me!

Summer's Started

One of the benefits I enjoy in this room I have been staying in since March is the peace and quiet it offers. They deliberately did not have the t.v. for this reason, plus the fact that they say we do not have time for that anymore [we have internet access]. This means that I haven't seen one single TFC nor Orbit program since November last year. If I want noise - loud, that is - I grab my DJ-mode headphones and shove it on my big head and enjoy whatever playlist I feel like playing.

I have just finished the book "Blaze" by Richard Bachman. Insights are here and my summary is here. This wasn't in my line-up of books to read but I had to squeeze it in since it was just borrowed from someone else's accomodation's small library. Which means I'm only given a week. The book wasn't long enough, though so it wasn't that hard, since I am not really a fast reader.

Last night, I started with "First Family" by David Baldacci. Again, not in my line-up but my room mate found this book somewhere, read it, then gave it to me so I can read it, too. I am assuming that - even if it doesn't have a deadline - that someone else will be next in line, that's why I didn't put it off behind one of the books in my possession. I do not want to pass on it since I believe that every book has something good to offer, even if the author is not on your list.

Summer is - officially - here. In the middle of the week that just passed, I came out of our office building wearing my glasses when the lenses were rapidly covered with fog. I have read this, too, in one of the blogs I'm following. Day after that, I went out and it was scorching. I think it was the hottest so far, for this year and the others that I have been here. I felt the heat of the wind seeping through my clothes. That's the best I can do to describe it. I couldn't seem to find the right words to describe how hot it was that day. It's just not enough to say it's 45c on the temp. It was really a different heat, a different feeling.

MJ & CPDRC

I was looking for something that I thought I wrote on my blog and re-post it along with a different topic, but this is what I stumbled upon. The post was over a year old, turning two, soon. Now, I am travelling down on my own memory lane Click here for the once famous video and revived now that MJ is gone.

This video will live long... like MJ himself...

Could've Been Yummy

Ok.

This has been happening for about three weeks already.

Everyday, at least twice.

I open my mouth and stick it in. Hmmm... it's soft, very soft, it's like eating Jell-Os; that you didn't even have to bite.

Yeah, it's good, isn't it?

Well, it could've been yummy.

Only, it's a toothbrush, not a Jell-O.

Effin' soft for a toothbrush... And it's not even cheap. Not even among those cheap brands.

FFF

Fridays Fly Fast!

Really!

I woke up early to plant some grapes on my Farm Town. Grapes can be harvested every four hours and I can plant and harvest a few times today since I didn't have any plans. It was that early that I read about Michael Jackson's demise at the internet. I said, "another hoax?" So I read some links and found out it was true. Funny how some people nowadays make fun of other people's death like a joke which they can just take back after. I would say that I am one of those people who was somehow affected and disagreed when they were all over his personal life with controversies here and there. Now that he is dead, I wouldn't be surprised that some of those people who bad-mouthed him are the same people praising him for his greatness. What a cruel world!

Anyway, after that came the once-in-two-weeks chore of getting my matress under the sun to get rid of Mr.&Mrs. Smith. But of course, not after we had our breakfast. "Sunning out" the matress has been a task since we were invaded by the presence of Mr.&Mrs Smith and I realized that this can also be a good practice as part of hygiene.

My room mate invited me to go with her at the City Center to buy an external disk drive for her son. So this is not a completey stay-at-home Friday. I wasn't surprised when I kept on hearing several stores playing Michael Jackson's songs. I was surprised though that I noticed and was in fact quite melancholic about it. When I heard "Black and White" playing on one of the electronic shops, it was like seeing him come alive on the tv screens [in black and white] dancing on some[thing that looks like the African saharas]. This is how I recall the song's MTV back in the 1980s.

It wasn't like I noticed that this Friday [like those past] is again about to finish. Another room mate of mine sighed as she called my name saying Friday's almost done.

P.S.

While we were out hailing for a cab under 1300H heat of the sun, I couldn't help but notice how hot it was. I didn't check how hot the temp would be today but it was freakin' hot! Then it was like I was waiting for the time when some clouds will hide the sun for a few seconds of shade. In our language, we call it "kulimlim" which is somewhere like cloudy. It was like I wanted to space travel and be in my country to have this moment. Oh well, I realized that this moment wouldn't come as I looked up and didn't see any clouds rushing in the sky like cars speeding up at the highway. And again, I was melancholic about home.

Oh well...

Lastly, I reminded a friend earlier this week that we are all given the same 24 hours a day when she whined about her busy days. But this time, I didn't want to tell this to myself since I also wish there could be more during Fridays - even just on Fridays.

Copy me on QRT.

In The Process

I tweeted/plurked yesterday that I didn't sleep well the other night because of a couple of Mr.&Mrs. Smiths for company. If you don't know who they are, you can read about it here. Well, this is the time that I do mind having them around more than ever. I am still in the process of getting over the book I just read - Duma Key - which was full of things that you can imagine, good and not-so-good and those-that-you-don't-want-to-imagine-at-all. So, I just plugged into my playlist till I dozed off to sleep [with about 2 hours left to wake-up time]. Oh well, I coped. That's good enough.

Last night, I slept with the lights on so that Mr.&Mrs.Smith couldn't visit me [as I did about a month ago; which worked]. But it turned out, it pissed off my room mate above my bed [yeah, bunk beds we have here] who couldn't sleep with lights on. Tough luck! I am still actually thinking about what to do tonight as of this writing - whether to leave the lights on or off or to put some Mr.&Mrs.Smiths on her bed to keep her awake like me. Nah! That would have been bad.

I woke up this morning with a 1-missed-call message. I checked the time: 12.43. Who the effin' hell will call me at that time? I was fast asleep by that time last night due to 2 nights of not-so-good sleep. So last night, my body's got no choice but to slumber. I really don't like it that much getting calls at these times and didn't pick up. It makes me kinda worried why call at this time. But I didn't call her that early since I know she's not a morning person. So, I called her at about the time that I am sure that she's up and working. She told me that she just thought of me because I haven't called her since she got back here last May 6 [or 7?]. Awwww.... I could've answered back, "That's sweet!" But instead, I told her, "Wow. How demanding given the fact that you didn't even call to tell me you were leaving at an earlier date."

She gave me some reasons but my mind drifted to something else as she spoke; which my mind normally does when I know for a fact that those were just excuses. Call it narrow but sometimes I ought to be this way. Then she got a call so we had to say goodbye. Told her to just give me a call when she's not too busy. Click! Call ended. Sad to say I am still in the process of letting it go. I don't know how long it will take. Some things are just not meant to let go just like that.

I was at the Knowledge Village this afternoon for some client's insurance. I can't tell you exactly where it is in Dubai. But I can tell you that it's between Jumeirah and Dubai Media City. The last time I've been here was I think last November [that was in Dubai Media City] with a friend for one of her important errands. This is one of the best places in Dubai. Neat houses, roads and all. I saw the Atlantis at some point while I was in the bus. I think I saw it also out of my client's window, but he himself couldn't confirm. This makes me think of what I've read on the book I've just started last night: It was funny how little things could be perfect and no one ever saw them (Blaze by Richard Bachman). I just said that maybe he isn't aware of it since it's the same thing for him everyday. Then he said he ought to check it one of these days. I replied with a smile.

I've been lagging on my GoogleReader so I decided to read some earlier [since I got home earlier]. I have been following a blog and I discovered a song about the Emirates. You can check it here. This one is from this blog here.

Attrition ++

I didn't go out the whole day. We were supposed to because we thought that the a/c maintenance schedule would take some time. But it was done within an hour so we just opted to stay home and read.

I was practically busy the whole week and am glad for that. I don't want to complain about anything right now. I am just happy with what I have. This is because as the sun sets and we are just about to whine about Friday being done, one of our room mates [the newest - who just moved in this month] was saying that she's just going to be here until the end of this month. She was told by their management that she will have to go on forced leave and that they will just be informed when she would be called again to come back here. She planned to go back home once the company gives her the go-signal and stay there until she is called back - if she ever will be.

Sad to say, this is a common thing these days. I wanted to say 'this is a common thing these days here in Dubai' but that would be limiting the scope. I was just with my GoogleReader earlier and read about unemployment rates rising in some other places. So, it's not right to say that it's only here.

Anyway...

I am still with the Duma Key. I can't wait to know what else is there to know. I want to know more about Elizabeth Eastlake and her family, or should I say Elizabeth Eastlake's and her family's secrets. I wrote on my book blog that I was nightmarish on a certain point; and this isn't the only time this happened to me when I read SK. He never fails to do that to me; never fails to amaze me. It's been so long since I have read a book by him; so long that I lost count as to how many years has it been. I know it's not too late catching up; considering that I've missed a lot of his books already.

More Hits

Apparently, I have observed during the past several weeks that my book blog here is having more hits than my blogs.

I don't really have anything against it, really. It's just that it was just an experiment; and I am kinda liking the result so far.

Because Twas A Good Read

Everything's kinda light lately. I am still excited about this one thing with our company although there was a bit change of plans. I do not want to pre-empt everything that's why that's all I am going to say for now.

Well, the good thing about yesterday was what I read on my Daily Dose. Some or many of you might have this, too, and it really pays to keep one every year. There was a poem there by John Newton.

The Kite

- John Newton

Were I but free, I'd take a flight

And pierce the clouds beyond their sight

But ah! Like a poor pris'ner bound

My string confines me near the ground.

The kite does finally manage to tug itself free, but instead of soaring higher in the sky, it crushes into the sea.

Then the commentator said; be careful of things that you let go, for they are the ones that might be holding you up.

I just think this is a very nice thing to ponder on. Especially during these times.

And another good poem.

I read this from the book 'The Duma Key' by Stephen King, which I am reading right now. Edgar Freemantle sometimes read books for Miss Elizabeth Eastlake and they both were teary-eyed [and I was, too... honestly!] as he read it to her. The title was never mentioned but the poem was written by Frank O'Hara. I am not sure whether this is just a part of the poem or this is the whole poem itself. But part or not, it's still all good.

Have you forgotten what we were like then

when we were still first rate

and the day came fat with an apple in its mouth

'it's no use worrying about time

but we did have a few tricks up our sleeves

and turned some sharp corners

'the whole pasture looked like our meal

we didn't need speedometers

we could manage cocktails out of ice and water'

'I wouldn't want to be faster

or greener than now if you were with me O you

were the best of all my days.'

Too Many, Too Little, Too Good

I wrote on my quicknote last night [or was it on twitter or plurk... lol] that I wasn't feeling well last night. Ugh! I hate it when I don't feel well on weekends. It's practically the only time that I have more time to read and stay on the internet on the same day. I ended up sleeping at around 8.30 [screams too early... SUCKS!] and doing water therapy. I also ended up waking up almost every hour just to pee and drink more water. But I am telling you, this is really effective because I am feeling well the next day. Well, I have to feel well. I promise a friend/room mate that we'll go to the mall today and I just can't revoke that. I am actually telling that to myself. hehehehe...

So, we had our breakfast early and went out just as scheduled. It was a good timing, too, since our room mate planned to clean our a/c and it's really going to be hot [as hell] to stay in the room.

One thing I hate about shopping for groceries in a mall that's kinda far away is that you will end up bringing so much and opting to ride the cab on your way back that you normally do by bus. Which means that you actually didn't save buying on on-sale items because of the fare. But even so, what I only look forward to that is the lunch we have with other friends and the fact that I can spend as much time as I like browsing for books to buy.

Which I did. Mimi had to leave at about 2.00 to meet her hubby at the other mall so I ended up alone and had my own time to shop for books. Jeesh! I have a long list. While on it, I thought: Too many books, too little time, too little money to buy them all. I initially picked up about four books and found some more that is on my list, but ended up buying just two because I felt like these two wouldn't be available for long. Actually, I found both books on this blog here and thought I'd give it a chance. Ulysses by James Joyce is something that I haven't seen on the stand since I've been browsing for books here. Right now, I only saw two copies [different editions] and I figured it might be gone by next month's pay. So I picked that one. The other one is Gomorrah by Roberto Saviano. I am afraid that this might be banned later on if I didn't get it now since it's a non-fiction book about the Mafia. I really can't tell you how much I wanted to include Stephen King's Bag of Bones, but I had to resist since I already have two [one is Duma Key which I am reading right now and the other one is Just After Sunset]. I bought both of this on sale so good enough for me!

If there is anything I didn't like about today, it's my migraine trying to push itself. So, since I am disappointed about my reading, I opted to try buying a pain reliever which I never believe would take it away. I went to the nearest cooperative supermarket to do the rest of my grocery and took a pack of Panadol. Oh my shit... it did work!!! That's why I am online now and can do my internet stuff. My bookshelf is updated, too.

So, it's been a good two-day-off weekend.

I am off to reading...

Copy me on QRT.

Need A Hand?

I know... We all thought this is only in the Philippines. I saw this posted on our gate the other day. Good thing I already captured it, because it was gone the very next day.

I swear no pun is intended. Just to show that it can also happen in other countries. Not only in the Philippines.

There'd be more...

Not LIke Any Other

• The past week has been toxic. Aside from the fact that I have been unusually busy, there is something unusual going on that I choose not to talk about at the moment. I think I'll reserve it later once everything has been resolved.

• But the main reason for my no-post week is the fact that I got effin' irritated with the connection. I don't know why it has been that bad that out of the four hours that I was online for each day, I spent like probably 45 minutes waiting for those websites to load on my system. I primarily thought that it might be my aging laptop that is having a hard time. But I got to talk to one friend of mine and she was also complaining of their connection at their place. So, logically, it's not my lafytofy but the connection itself. Well, today is a little impressive since it's been back to normal. And my Google Chrome experience is back again. Awesome speed really as compared to the explorer.

• My aborted move is really worth it. From that day that I decided not to move, I have been thankful. It's not that it could have been worse. It's the fact that I didn't have to make adjustments that may not even be worth it at all.

• I don't know about you but since the 4.0 has been out, I think opening Multiply is easier. So far, I am experiencing faster loading than it used to be. I do not have anything against the format. I will have to get myself familiar first with the features before I would be able to tell which is better - that's how it works for me. But so far, the experience has been positive; and I hope it stays that way.

• If you have been visiting every so often on my Mulitply page, you might have noticed that I integrated it with my Plurk updates but took it off after a few days. I would have let it stayed. But the thing is, some of the updates gets stocked on my page; updates that were a day or two old already. The thing is it should have been the present updates only that should show. I am giving them to correct this bug (if they ever correct it), but who needs it now that the "Quicknote" is there. The only thing I didn't like about Quicknote is that it doesn't show the time and date of the post, which I think should be better. Yes, it shows when you "View All" the quick notes, but not on the list itself.

• During the start of the week, I started with two more books, planning to double-read them since the one is classic and the other isn't. But the classic kinda bored me that I stopped and the other one was borrowed by a friend who I couldn't resist. Actually, she came in zooming to my desk looking for a good book and I am always glad when someone gets their wind for reading so I gave it right away. This left me to choose again on the several books that I bought on sale. Yes, you're right. I ended up picking up Stephen King again. Admittedly, I haven't touched anything Stephen King lately since I have this plan of exploring other authors. But man, when I started to read his book, I just realized how much I miss the guy's style. Again, this is not to compare. I have read a couple of books from entirely different authors and they indeed write as good; some are even better. But I just love the way he writes.

Comfort and Convenience

I guess I spoke too soon.

The move that I have been dreading didn't happen after all. I thought... and thought really hard. The thin line between comfort and convenience was almost invisible. But luckily I was able to at least see. I was able to settle all the issues and figured out a choice.

I know it would be convenient for me if I move to the other place. It's near my work and all. But the comfort I have here where I am at right now is still a big factor. It's hard to describe but it's an entirely different concept.

You might laugh at me on this but one of the main reasons why I chose to stay here is that there is a place where I can hang my towel to dry with air and sun. Honestly it was one of the deciding factors. It's quite important to me.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Alright.

So, it was a relaxed Saturday. I had a super, dooper brunch with my friend; her treat for her birthday! It was a good treat and I will have to say good food also - we ate at Coco's. I've actually forgotten when was the last time I pigged out.

Anyway, going home was a little piss-off thing. I had to wait for the only bus route and since it was soooo hot, I had to divert and take an extra route and fare just to get myself out of the heat and sun. Only because that particular stop doesn't have those airconditioned icebergs (is what I call them... those waiting sheds) which is the main reason why I diverted. Second being the fact that the only route that passes by that place to mine sometimes takes a whole one hour wait. Yeah, wait only - travel time not included yet.

But all in all, it's the same shit, different route. Because all in all, the bus wait and the travel time was the same. Oh wait, I think it was even more by about 20-30 minutes. Ugh!

I dunno the temperature today. I couldn't monitor since I was out and constantly forgot to look at those places where billboards offer the date and the temp. But what happened was I was under the sun for about 30 mins before I got my first ride, and luckily about 30 minutes more inside that iceberg waiting for my second ride. So, by the time I got down, I went straight to the nearest store to buy water. I glugged [it's not a word? Well, then, that's how it sounded... indulge me here, please] half of the liter before I started walking, and the rest intermittently while at home. Only then did I realize when I had to pee that I suffered dysuria because I've sweated out all my water that I didn't have anything more left for pee-ing when it was time for me to go.

Remind me to bring water at all times from now on... at least until Aug. 21, which is the start of the Ramadan.

Anyway...

I said that I was moving, and started to sort things out. But, I will have to do one extra task which is the only thing I can think of so that I'd be able to bring everything in my new place clear of Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

Oh, I'd like to introduce first this term because I think I might be using it at least for a while. Well, Mr. & Mrs. Smith are those illegall occupants on my bed [and clothes, too... embarrassing!] who becomes active every night when the lights are turned off. Don't ask me how I came up with this term. It's just that it's the first thing that came up when I was thinking of a 'pet name' for them.

Yeah, we have this shit here. But at least not on the place where I used to stay two months ago.

Anyway, I figured it would be best to wash my clothes again [even if they are clean] just to extinguish them. Hopefully to really take them off my things! I'll pack it outside in the morning [from hanging directly to the bag] before I get them to my new place so I'll be secured that it's free of Mr.&Mrs. Smith. I am not saying this will work out 100%, but this is the only thing I could think of right now. To drown them in a water from the faucet that's hot enough for coffee... well, it's summer here and that is that.

Oh well, let's see what happens...

New Moves

I wouldn't say that it all came too sudden. But however I look at it, it still feels this way.

For the second time in the span of two months, I am again on the plans of moving to another place. But this isn't even my doing, not even my choice. But as they say, it seems that this is a part of life here.

I am lucky to find out that this place I am eyeing is still up for rent. I talked to the caretaker/manager of the building and I was able to come to terms with him and settle all my issues. It's just up to me when I can move. This all happened before twilight.

On my way home, on the bus, I had these thoughts about moving. There would be no more bus rides for me in the morning and on the way home; I am moving to a place near my work, which is even less than five hundres steps away. I wonder when the bus card system will finally be fixed and they will have one system going. I wonder how I will spend those times that I was supposed to still be travelling. I wonder about a lot of things I can associate with moving.

You might say I am excited. But I still hate the concept of moving; especially if I am not really up to it. It's just that it is now the only choice left.

On books...

Finally, I am done with "Twilight."

I do not have much to say about it, honestly. I was actually surprised that the few pages left when I checked was a preview of the sequel. I think when I cam to the prom night, I wasn't expecting it was the end. I was thinking about something else, something more. I thought there is still something bigger that's going to happen, bigger than what already did. It's not that it's a disappointment. It's something more of expectations.

But with regard to Meyer's writing, I can say that for me she's got that style. I admire it, really. There are a lot of the things she said that surprise me, that makes me realize those things are possibe, that she has this way of articulating my thoughts - those hard ones.

Tonight, I am off to a new adventure. I am a little excited because this is something new, something different for me. I am starting with the book "The Last of the Mohicans" by James Fenimore Cooper. Another classical novel. It's about the Indian tribe - the Mohican tribe - of the 1700s.

Dead Tones

Part of my job is making cold calls to companies inquiring about the insurance requirements. This isn't easy as some of you might have thought. It's hard to get to the right person because sometimes, they are too busy. Other times, there are those who pretend they are the right person. But that's another story.

Some calls are funny. People tend to converse in their own little, weird ways... Most of the time, though these are not that frequent, these things are what me say, "I love my job!" because it works as a therapy whenever those times come that it looks like it's gotten a little too much. I sometimes write down these 'responses' and go back to them from time to time to remind me of the fun part of my job. They serve as perks.

What doesn't happen too often is getting that dead tone. Back then. The dead tone that I call is that steady, continous tone that means that the phone is no longer in service. It wasn't that much when I started. But it has been quite often these days. You might say "Recession," and I say, "Yes," to that without hesitation.

But even so, I couldn't help but feel this [little bit] of certain sadness that I couldn't comprehend and articulate whenever I hear this unfamiliar-that-is-becoming-familiar tone. It seems to me that this is another addition to the mortality of business which has never been a good thing. Because all things being equal, it is never easy to let go of what used-to-be a good thing... errr... even if it was never too good a thing.

Anyway...

Bus Card System Updates. I rode a different route on my way home having been from the abra (boat). Well, as I have thought so, the system is not yet in full operation. I rode a bus which do not have yet the machine for new bus cards, so I ended up paying cash again. I wonder when this system will be in full operation.

Well, being at the creek did me some good. It's always been my favorite place here. So, I still had a good time even though it's like 42c [that hot]. Although it is never my thing to ride the boat on business attire, I chose to for some reason. It's a good thing that it's not that humid, but the ride was a little bumpy and shaky since it's kinda windy and being on the tail of a big dhow even made it a little worse.

Implementation

Today is the last day for the buses to accept payments in cash. That was what I heard about two days ago. The thing is I just couldn't confirm if this is true or not. Because as I said on my last post here, no one knows when it's really pushing through. Well, I'll wait for a few days then blog about it.

But anyway, here is what I have experience last week using the new bus card.

I rode the bus and guess what? The bus doesn't have the machine. Now I have to pay cash, which I didn't bring. I have like a whole bill and the driver reacted that my money was big. So, I politely smiled and screamed in my mind: That's because I have the damn bus card! He had to make me sit first so that he can prepare my change. It wasn't that bad on my way back, but still the bus didn't have the machine.

I was so pissed off because of the inconsistency. If they are trying to implement it, they should have both options for buses. The funny thing is, some buses do not accept cash, while other buses do not accept cards. I really think it should be either or, not neither nor. The whole point is if all buses are not ready for the cashless or card system, they should be accepting cash on any buses, too.

I realy wonder what's going to happen when they finally stop accepting cash. Just a few minutes before I started writing this blog, my room mate just came in telling me her story. She was waiting for the bus for like about 10 or 15 minutes, only to be asked to get down by two buses because they are not accepting cash. But again, lucky for her, because after about 30 minutes, there is another bus route that still accept cash. Another inconsistency! So, my question is, are they really ready for the cashless sytem tomorrow?

I just pity those people who are not really prepared for it, only because they were not informed about it.

On other things...

I'm just about half-way done with the book Twilight. Oh well, if you've been reading my posts, I have said several times that I've put off reading this for some reasons. That's why when I finished with "The Mill On The Floss," I decided not to double-read this time so my attention wouldn't be absorbed again by the other book. So, this is like a love story and a hero-story in one. Really, I can now say that I am not a fan of this hero-things. It's not that I have anything against it, I am just not into it. Edward and Bella's story is also really touching. But as I have said on my bookblog, it might probably be my romance-meter being calibrated often. One thing I can tell is that Stephanie Meyer is a good writer. Yes, she is. But then again, it might be the kind of story that I am looking for. I just want to know how this is to end, then I don't know what's going to make me read the sequels.

Transitions

I want to mark this day since this is the last day of my bus card. For this would really affect me. Ever since I've been here, I've been using this to move myself around. It's like a monthly subscription and unlimited, too. The thing is, they are removing it and replacing with a new system; and it is not monthly anymore.

The card on top is the old one. It has been my 'constant companion ' since I arrived here in Dubai and I should say that it really helped me through. Since it is unlimited, I was able to explore and study the transportation system; the routes, the numbers. Sadly, timing is not something I was able to study since it is perfectly unpredictable. I was able to familiarize myself of the routes on areas that I don't really frequent and can more or less tell the route of the buses by their numbers. Not all, but quite a number of them.

The card at the bottom is the new card. Disposable! Which means that after 10 rides, you throw it and get a new one. I should say this is not really very environment-friendly. The old one is more practical. I've had it for a year and I didn't have to get a new one everytime.

Anyway, the new system requires every commuter to buy this card for AED 18, and it is good for 10 rides. Eventually, buses would not accept cash anymore. It is now being slowly implemented since some of the bus routes do not accept cash anymore. The consequence is, a lot of people couldn't ride if they cannot buy the card. Card access is not a problem since you can buy it from the driver. But the thing is not everyone couldn't afford to pay AED 18 upfront. I just hope that these people would realize that by next month, they should allot enough money to get them through the month - their transportation allowance. Otherwise, they might end up walking to or from work. Until when is the ticket system? Who knows? That's why commuters should be preparing as early as now.

One question that has been bugging me about this new system is that the inspection process. With the old system, inspectors just take a look at your ticket and they know, because you have the proof - the ticket serves as the receipt. However, in this card system, how do we prove that we paid for that ride? I heard someone said that they actually perfected the system for flaws. That there is a machine that can actually detect that you indeed paid. How will we know? The fine for not paying a ride is AED 200. What if the machine fails?

Anyway...

Still on the road...

I remember blogging also about crossing pedestrian lanes here. Like I don't wait for the red signal, because I wait for all of the cars in front to stop. Recently, the Dubai Traffic Police has been vigilant about jaywalkers with a fine of AED 200 if caught. Some people are actually furious because of this regulation. And I say, "Duh!" They are just trying to protect us. Really. You should know how risky it is at the streets of Dubai. This article here shows some statistics and facts about the roads of Dubai. And believe me, I saw one taxi spin right before my eyes about two weeks ago. We shouldn't be crossing just anywhere we want... no, at least not here in this country.

I Miss The Rant

And it has been a week...

• I've not been busy, I must admit. I just got engrossed with the newest websites, social networking sites and all that has been fed to me ever since I can remember. I only had the time [and interest] to check it recently. Funny but one friend commented about me having several social networking sites. The truth is, I do not automatically go to these sites to create an account. It all starts with invites. I kind of ignore the first, second, third and fourth. But the fifth would finally get my attention. The thing is some friends are in this site and others are not; some are there but not on this so-and-so site. So, to have my updates of these friends, I join their sites. But true to what has been said about friendster before, those people who have like threeorfourorfive hundred friends are not even "friends personally" with those hundreds. And I really believe that. With friendster, I used have like just about 20, and it only increased up to a hundred after four years. So, right now, I tweet, I plurk, I am at FaceBook. With only about 20 people at the most per site, I am happy with what I have.

• Anyway, I've been also busy since the week began because of some backlogs as I got sick. That's why I once tweeted here that I love-hate being sick. And also, my GoogleReader seems to attract new websites at the rate of two a day, average. There are a lot of interesting sites that most of them occupies my online time; that which I actually enjoy. The only part that I don't like the most is that it takes away a lot of time from my book-reading. But, no qualms, it's actually working perfectly fine with me.

• If you have read about the OFW encounter I had last week, I have an update... surprisingly. I didn't mention that I gave her my visiting card [business card] for future reference and just in case. Well, she called me late this afternoon to really thank me [as per what she said] and to ask for an advice. She'd been looking for work and a lot are interested in hiring her. But there is a problem. It turned out she discovered that she's holding an employment visa and she would need a cancellation from her previous sponsor/employer so she can get another work. I told her I would ask around what else could be done aside from going to the consulate. Actually, going to the consulate would have been the best advice I can tell her but then, I have heard some news that it only does a little help, if there is any at all. I half-believe that, too. I guess she heard about it as well. Again, my heart bleeds for this.

O on JF

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/oprah-apologizes-for-slamming-author-james-frey/22495?nc

O Filipino W

Looking for a shade while waiting for the next bus, I ended up finding a woman who asked me, "What time is it?"

As if driven by instinct [or insinuated by her?], I looked at her wrists and found out she had a watch. Not only that, she has marks of wounds on her hands that I find hard to describe. I answered with a lump in my throat, trying to find more of what I could aside from what I already did. "It's 9.05... why? Are you running late?"

She said "No" and asked me another question right away. "Would it be okay to flash my name out?" Or at least, that was how I understood the question. I ruminated on it quickly, as she pulled out this cardboard from her bag showing her name. I said, "No," right away.

She said she's waiting for someone who is picking her up and they don't know each other. I told her not to flash her name because paranoia struck me that some bad guys might play a prank [at the least] on her and tell her they are the ones and might end up doing things. Yeah, I just find this act okay when you are at the airport, but not when you are in a bus station. There's also the chance that the police might spot-check her and all; I am not sure yet - and still had to ask - what kind of visa was she holding.

So, she told her story. She's been here for about three weeks now, working in Sharjah as a housemaid. No stories of maltreatment but the fact that she's working for a family of seven kids plus the husband and wife. The job is too much for her to handle. Washing all the clothes and dishes manually. Her visa expires in one week and doesn't want to continue. But her employers are trying to be nice to her the past few days when she announced that she's not interested. It turned out she's currently on visit/tourist visa and she escaped from her employer. When I asked for her passport, she said and motioned that it's under her bra. I said, "Ok, let it be."

It turned out her niece's friend is picking her up and they haven't met yet. I was supposed to be back to the office after this appointment but instinct told me to stay with her until she's with the person who's picking her up. It turned out she doesn't have a mobile so I said, give me the contact person and I'll call her to ask for their location. She ended up texting me for the number of the person. I waited and finally called the number. The lady said that she's still about 15-20 minutes away from us. She asked me if I can wait, adding please at the end of the sentence. I told her I'll wait. Until finally, 30 minutes after, she came and took her away.

My heart bleeds for this... even if it was already two days ago. It's hard to just make it go away. We've heard of these stories time and time again. But I never thought it would feel different when you've actually encountered one. Closed to tears, hands still bearing all the wounds, eyes expressing too much disappointment. Instead of assuring her that I'd stay until she meets with these people, I ended up convincing her that she can trust me. It wasn't hard though, because in her situation at that moment, that's the only thing she needed. I didn't leave her because of fear that she just might end up with some vultures of our own skin... which would have been the saddest part.

The photo above was taken while I was on my way to that appointment before this incident. Little did I know that I will have this encounter. The irony of it is, a lot of us feel proud to be OFWs. And the reason why I took this picture [while on a bus] is that I find a certain dignity seeing this on cars.

But how can one be dignified if she's being humiliated, deprived and overworked.

How can she be proud of what her life came about?

Scents and Sanity

Magrudy's will have a new set of scheme that meant we had to change our existing cards for a new one. I got an e-mail instructing us to request where the card will be delivered. I called the POC to let her know where I will be picking up my card. Told here repeatedly [I think about three or four times] that I'll be picking up on Saturday, which was the last.

All this transcended in our own native tongue.

When I got there last Saturday to pick up the card, the person there told me it wasn't there yet. And I was told that there should be another e-mail after the confirmation as to when I can pick up the card.

I guess the weekend rest did good to me and was just too refreshing for me to be pissed off and be irate at the store. But I wrote this on my planner:

Miscommunication sucks! To think we both speak the same language, our native one. Now I wonder why people do not ALWAYS understand one another.

Conclusion:

It's not the race nor the language, it's the LEVEL of understanding. Language SUCKS! errrr.... Or is it PEOPLE?

===============

My morning trip to Spinney's to get my breakfast of pancakes consists of walking a little bit further from my office and back.

On Sunday morning, I walked pass by this guy and couldn't help but smell his perfume. Deng! He's wearing too much! As he walked further, I said to myself [of course in my native language, but I'll translate it for other people], "He smells really good! It's familiar... what scent is that, btw?" I tried to think for about 2 minutes, or maybe 3, quickly submitting to the fact that I am no novice on perfumes. Then, suddenly, I thought, "Oh yeah, he smells like the perfume section of department stores."

I was laughing silently all by myself until it faded out of my mind.

I just love being outrageous sometimes. Well, I'm sure this is one thing to keep my sanity. LOL!

Some Swine Flu & Some More

Philippines. The DOH people is requesting funding of Php 90million for anti-swine flu plans. I was really surprised to read this article today at the Philippine Daily Inquirer online. My eyes almost fell out of its sockets as I read the header. I don't know if this is big or small for a fund. But I just couldn't believe that they are already seeking. But of course, we know it would take time for to be approved, that either the virus already has become a pandemic or it has simply gone away, before it finds its way to approval or disapproval. But that again, is an entirely, rediculously different story.

I have read it somewhere [forgive me but I forgot to bookmark or subscribe to give proper credit to the writer] that the Philippines has some hundred cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis the past year and no one seemed to have paid attention. Nobody ever bothered to "seek a Php 90million fund" to help them who already suffer. PTB has been a big problem in our country and I was a witnessed to that during my Caregiving years; and it has been since I can remember. People whom you assume to be of good health might be suffering and you wouldn't even know. The funny thing is we don't even have to 'put some additional men' in our airports [as part of their action plan for Swine Flu, that is] because for all you know, all along, PTB sufferers might just be the person you come across just as you are getting out of your house. Back in 2005, I remember my instructor in caregiving told us that statistics show 4 out of every 10 people we meet in the streets has PTB. Believe me, this got me thinking everyday for the next few days after that lecture, keenly observing people I cross paths on my way to school if they have the symptoms. Isn't that interesting that these DOH people are asking for Php 90 million for this virus that hasn't even gotten in our country?

I know that they have good intentions. But I also cannot help but think about their UNDERLYING motives. It is actually easier to grasp their para-sa-akin [for myself] gains than thinking about their para-sa-bayan [for the country] initiative; in which the ratio of PROFIT versus SERVICE is seemingly outrageous.

Call this a follow-up for that blog I read about swine flu and PTB. But I couldn't help but write about it [again… you could say] because I can't get my thoughts off that Php 90 million.

So much of Swine Flu today. Because tomorrow, I will call it H1N1 or Influenza A as per WHO terms here.

Anyway.

I missed my Jeff-Dunham-Friday. I had my haircut and this hot-oil-from-home experiment earlier which did some good to my hair [that's on both counts]… I got to oil my hair for this summer since today, I think it got to 50 degrees, and it's not even summer yet.

Who doesn't love shrimp? You might say no one, not even those who have allergies. But I just get bored eating it. You have to eat with your hands [yeah, you can eat it with spoon and fork but it takes another 50 years to finish] and the whole process of de-scaling [is it really what it's called? Enlighten me, please] just annoys me. Yeah, that’s what I had for lunch today. YUMMY! But I didn't have it for dinner again.

Oh yeah, I just got hooked up with Chain Rxn [Jeesh, I hate the way it's spelled] at facebook. Truly a nice game there. I just loved watching those circles expand and explode. I also like the concept of the game. It is not the usual avoid-this-avoid-that-or-you'll-get-ditched. This one, you have to figure out when these circles get as close to each other as possible and bump into each other, because the faster they bump into each other, the more points you earn. Oh well, it has been a while since I played a game. I got bored with PSP's Need For Speed Pro Street… truly a waste of money for me. Not too much time since I stopped playing after day 1. The fact is, I am still wondering why it was called Pro Street when you are just circling different race tracks and not on the streets. And oh, the graphics suck! Due to this, I got scared of getting NFS Undercover for fear of being duped by the game series the second time around.

Ok. I can continue to be outrageous. But I'll save it for another day.