Friday, July 31, 2015

Second Fibroscan

Took the fibroscan requested by my gastroenterologist during lunch break. So, proceeded to Makati Medical Center. Good thing that the SGPT (ALT) test I took last month is acceptable.

I wonder what the 5.8 means? Will be able to pick-up the result next Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Klean Kanteen

Because of the medical procedure I went through, it reminds me again how important it is to watch what you eat.  And of course, exercise.  Surfing the internet to understand the result, the cause and how to avoid, high fiber and exercise keeps popping up.

In order to "force" me to drink lots of water, been toying with buying a Klean Kanteen.  Since I am free to use the driver after office, went to Ayala Center.  Would be going to True Home by True Value at Greenbelt 5.  Already surfed where I can buy the Klean Kanteen.

Bought the Insulated Wide 12oz and Insulated Wide 20oz.  Buying two items will take PhP300.00 off.  I also wanted the Wide 40oz but it is not available in the store.  Would have to go to Rustan's.  I also bought a plastic chopping board (to be used to cut the fruits and vegetables to be used for the juicer) and bottle brush.  It is advisable to have a different chopping board for fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken, etc.

Was able to buy the Wide 40oz at Rustan's.

Went back to The Landmark to buy some groceries including the baking soda to be used to clean the Klean Kanteen.



1ml water (liquid) per 1 calorie

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Financial Wellness With Efren Ll. Cruz

Part two of the financial wellness seminar being conducted by our company.  I thought the speaker is the professor I had in MBA, and he is very good.  That is why, planned to attend.  Was I wrong.  My professor is Elfren S. Cruz.  LOL

Anyway, here are my notes on "Investment Insight:  Can you really beat the market?"

Speaker:  Efren Ll. Cruz
Landline:  216-1541;  359-3094
Mobile:  (0917) 505-0709
www.personalfinance.ph
Ya!man

Passive Investing Proponents
*  Efficient market
   = Price is collective wisdom of smart people
   = Random walk theory
      - News quickly reflected in prices
   = Very difficult to predict long-term proponents
* Stock picking and quick asset allocation changes a myth
*  Active management = high fees

Active Investing Proponents
* US data shows that index funds tend to outperform in better times

Three Practical Approaches
Warren Buffett
* Easy to understand, solid, enduring
* Management is after shareholders' interest
* Ignore macroeconomic factors, stock forecasts, short-term fluctuations
* Focus on discounted cash flow
Benjamin Graham
* Two types of investors
   = defensive
   = enterprising
*  Defensive Investor
   = 50% high-grade bonds (GS)
   = 50% stocks (25%-50% range)
      - 10 to 30 names only
      - large-preeminent and conservatively financed
      - long record of continuous dividend payments
* Defensive investor's stock selection
   = avoid overly small companies
   = sufficiently strong financial condition
   = uninterrupted dividend payments for last 20 years
   = no losses last 7 years
   = EPS growth of 33% in past 10 years
   = price <= 1.5x book value
   = price <= 15x average earnings of past 3 years
* Enterprising Investor
   = 50% high-grade bonds (GS)
   = 50% stocks (25%-75% range)
      - include foreign, ordinary preferred and secondary
      - relatively unpopular
      - bargain issues (temporary crisis)
      - corporate or debt restructuring
* Enterprising investor's stock selection
   = current ratio >= 1.5x
   = debt <= 110% of net current assets
   = no losses in past 5 years
   = some dividends
   = strong earnings growth
   = margin of safety:  price <= 2/3 of intrinsic value
Peter Lynch
* "tenbaggers"
*  study before you invest
*  Stock Categories:
   = slow growers -- growth same as GNP
   = stalwarts -- 10%-20% earnings growth
   = fast growers -- 20%-30% earnings growth
   = cyclicals -- periodic rise and fall in sales and profits
   = turnarounds -- liquid assets and debt levels are essential
   = asset plays -- hidden treasure
*  The Perfect Company:
   = Dull Name
   = Business is Boring
   = Spin-off
   = Unknown to Institutions and Analysts
   = Toxic waste or run by Mafia
   = Depressing
   = Operates in no-growth industry
   = Niche
   = People keep buying their products
   = User of technology
   = Insiders keep buying company stock
   = Company is buying back its shares

Value Investing
* Don't buy bonds
* Lend to companies
* Don't buy stocks
* Buy the companies

5 Steps in Portfolio Management
* Assess return/ risk preference
* Ask if you are all s.e.t.
* Before you invest, investigate
* Diversify
* Monitor results periodically

Next Steps
Ask
Seek
Knock

"Beat the Market versus Beat the Target."

Did not finish the seminar and walked my way to Ayala Center.

Bought first (discounted) movie ticket for Chain Mail.  Went to Mercury Drug to buy water and have lunch at Food Choices.  Went to Carolina's to buy a string to tie (blessed) Benedictine Cross medals I own as a necklace.  My brother sent an SMS to me last night asking again a Benedictine Cross.  He said he felt something odd last night and the kids just started crying without any reason.  This is the third or fourth time he asked me for one.  It is either he is losing the item or someone is hiding them (and I think I know who if this is the case).  He also asked for a Holy Water.  So left the items (Benedictine Cross medal as necklace and a bottle of Holy Water for my Kuya, and rosary bracelet with Benedictine Cross medal for Nica) before I left home.  Good thing I have stock and they are already blessed.


Now, my movie.  Students and teachers of a school are dying suspiciously--all because of not forwarding an e-mail chain letter.  Hopefully, tracing the letters origin and means to correct it would stop the curse.  Ho-hum...

After the movie, window-shopped plus a dessert of McDonald's vanilla ice cream cone and fishballs.  Attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Luk Yuen.  Would be buying Nana's diaper at The Landmark but decided to look for a juicer.  Most juicers I see cost about PhP2K plus.  Found one worth PhP800.00.  Bought it.  Weh!

Stopped at Pet Express to buy Tsubasa's dog food, SM Hypermart for apple and carrot (to test the juicer I bought), before proceeding home.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Endoscopy/ Colonoscopy

D-day.

Yesterday, stayed at home as I drank laxative as prescribed by my doctor.

Was already at Makati Medical Center at 8:30AM (should be at the endoscopy unit one hour before my procedure).  Because there were many patients, I was only served around 11AM.  Woke up around 1:30PM in the recovery room.  Was then advised to go to my doctor's clinic for her to explain the result.

Endoscopy

Esophagus was pink and smooth.  Z-line was noted at 40cm with no mucosal breaks.  The gastric mucosa has patchy erythema at the antrum and body.  There were several erosions at the gastric body with hematin stain.  Biopsy for uerase test was done.  There duodenum up to the second portion was unremarkable.

Post-Operative Diagnosis:  Gastric erosions

Colonoscopy

Scope inserted up to the ascending colon only due to looping of colonoscope.  The colonic lumen was tortuous.  There seems to have inverted diverticula ?/ (2) polyps ? 30cm from the anal verge.  Biopsy taken at the side of the ? polyp.  The rest of the visualized colonic mucosa was pink and smooth with good vascularity.  The hemorrhoidal vessels above the dentate lines was slightly prominent.

Post-Operative Diagnosis:  Redundant colon;  Sigmoid diverticula/polyp?;  Internal hemorrhoids Grade 1

My doctor gave me medicines to take and was advised that I'll have colonoscopy procedure again early next year.

After, went to Glorietta with Vangie to have our lunch at Bistro Ravioli.  Went to Mercury Drug to buy the prescribed medicines (will start to take it tomorrow).  Bought cake at Red Ribbon Bakeshop before proceeding home.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Just Fish

My mall weekend (plus 10,000 steps).  Since already watched Marvel Ant-Man yesterday and did not feel like watching the only movie showing at Glorietta 4 Cinemas I have not watched, decided to just window-shopped.  At least, I would surely reach my 10,000 steps goal.

For lunch, went to Kenny Roger's Roasters.  Will have their grilled fish.  Don't know but the one I ordered is wrong.  I thought that their Combo 3 is fish, so when the meal arrived I told the server I wanted the fish.  So they brought it back and gave me the Grilled Fish Fillet (added payment, of course).  And I thought that it has iced tea with it.  Talked to the manager about it and was advised that the meal does not come with iced tea.  He wanted to change it with the Low Calorie Meal but I said no because I am not supposed to eat vegetables.  Surprise!  He still gave me the red iced tea.  Thank you!

The problem with window-shopping, sometimes you buy things that are not even in your list.  Hehehe!  Also looked for a restaurant that is serving fish that my two friends will not be forced to eat what they don't like.  Went to Pancake House.  Explained that I cannot eat vegetables only fish and she showed me their items that fit my requirement.  Told her we will have our dinner there.  Weh!

Attended the anticipated Mass.  And, indeed, had dinner at Pancake House.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Ant-Man

A holiday--making it a long weekend.  But because of my procedure on Monday, have to be at home on Sunday because of the preparation (would be visiting the comfort room a lot!).

As soon as I arrived at Glorietta, bought (discounted) movie ticket for Ant-Man.  Proceeded to Mercury Drug to buy the medicines needed for the preparation.  Somehow, craving for the chili soup at The Soup Kitchen, so walked my way to Greenbelt 1.  Had a half soup of chili and half sandwich of chicken sandwich.  Then, walked back to Glorietta.  Passed by The Landmark to buy a screwdriver in their hardware so I can open and clean my Vornado air circulator.


Now, my movie.  In fear his invention would be used in the wrong hands, Dr. Pym retired and hid his invention until he found a former thief who can use the suit that gives size-changing abilities.  Lots of humor and action.  Nice welcome to see Falcon of The Avengers.  #ThumbsUp

Had a snack at Food Choices and Cupcakes by Sonja; then, bought groceries at The Landmark's supermarket.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Prep

Went to my gastroenterologist during lunch break.  Finally, was cleared to undergo endoscopy and colonoscopy. Pray that the procedure will be a success and result is favorable.  It is scheduled on Monday, July 20.

The following is the preparation prior to the procedure:

July 18,Saturday 

No veggies, no fruits, no meats except fish.
Can eat rice, egg, tofu, cheese, pasta noodles, sandwiches except wheat bread.

July 19, Sunday

Same diet as for breakfast and lunch.

5PM, Lactulose 60ml followed with 2 glasses of water

6PM, dinner with general liquids--lugaw, soup or ice cream (except choco flavor)

8PM, Lactulose 60ml followed with 2 glasses of water or 2 glasses of Gatorade (except red color) or clear juices without pulp

10PM, Dulcolax 4 tabs followed with 2 glasses of water or 2 glasses of Gatorade (except red color) or clear juices without pulp

July 20, Monday

May have unlimited clear liquids only until 6 hours before procedure, then nothing per OREM

Before 3:30AM, can take water, no solid foods

After 3:30AM, no water, no solid foods

1 hour before procedure, go to Endoscopy Unit.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Survivor Or Terminator?

Hair-pampering day.

But first, had brunch at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf of eggs ben.  A few minutes I arrived there to wait for the mall's opening, heavy rain fell.  Thank You, Lord, that I am already in the coffee shop by then.

Bought first water at Mercury Drug before proceeding to Chronicle Salon (the owner is a lawyer... must be the reason for the name. hehehe!)

After, was deciding whether to watch a movie.  Would it be Survivor or Terminator: Genisys?  Decided against it.  Wanted to be at home earlier.  So, just looked for the items on my list.  An LR43 cell battery.  Went to all watch service center, book store and photo lab, they only have LR41 and LR44.  My OMRON pedometer would be useless if it loses its juice.  Good thing found one on a kiosk.

Bought cake/rolls at Goldilocks before proceeding home.  As soon as I arrived home, called Shakey's to deliver our Sunday snack.  I was already at home when the heavy rain fell again.  Thank You!

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Final Girl Minions

Will have a movie marathon.  Already bought the tickets for Minions and Final Girl online via mPass last night.

But first, will take the blood tests requested by my gastroenterologist at Makati Medical Center.  I was served fast.

Good thing the rains stopped.  I will be able to do my "steps" from Makati Medical Center to Ayala Center.  In my usual walk, my first stop is The Landmark where I bought some small items to tick-off from my list.  Then to Mercury Drug where I bought water and masks (I was wearing a mask at Makati Medical Center... just to be sure).  I saw a character actor, Leo Lazaro, while paying at the cashier.  And of course, lunch at Bistro Ravioli.


The "Minions" is about the adventure of these pill-shaped creatures before they met Gru.  Their motivation is to look for a villain leader.  Cute.  What is funny is the guy beside me who is laughing his heart out.  Weh!

Before going to my second movie, went to the comfort room.  Noticed that since doing my morning exercise using my recumbent exercise bike, there is a change in my bowel movement.  I am a regular; but with the exercise, it seems to move faster and often.


Blonde girls have been missing in a town.  A mysterious group then assigns Veronica, who they have trained since she was a little girl, to take down a group of young men who kill women for sport.  Veronica will be the group's "Final Girl" to be hunted.  Hmmm... the premise is OK.

After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Yabu.  Over dinner, we discussed about 10,000 steps among other things.  One suggested Leslie Simone's videos in You Tube wherein you can do walks at home.

As soon as I arrived home, checked the result of my blood test online.

APTT (Automate 5), High 40.7 seconds, Reference Range is 26.0 to 40.0
RBC, High 5.12 x10^6.uL, Reference Range is 4.5 to 5.1
MCHC, Low 33.0%, Reference Range is 33.4 to 35.5

Thursday, July 09, 2015

Kettler 7986-896 Cycle R

My recumbent exercise bike has arrived!  Can't wait to try it.  It is a Kettler Cycle R.  Bought it on sale at JB Sports.


So, aside from the following:
  • 10,000 steps
  • no carbohydrates and sweets eight (8) hours before sleeping
  • stretch exercises for my backpain
I will exercise using my new recumbent exercise bike.  Through my surfing, found that the recumbent exercise bike is good for those with back pain, those who had a stroke, senior citizen, etc.

As soon as I arrived home, started first for five minutes.  "The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity."

Will start doing my exercise every morning before breakfast.

Saturday, July 04, 2015

The Breakup Playlist

Walked my way from Buendia to Ayala Center.  That's 2,500 steps.  Since I wanted to watch 2PM screening of The Breakup Playlist so that my movie watching won't eat up my attending the anticipated Mass, bought the ticket via mPass online while doing my steps.  And because I already have my ticket, had my lunch at Bistro Ravioli (wink).

Bought water at Mercury Drug, pedometer at Toby's Sports, then my movie.


Gino (Piolo Pascual) and Trixie (Sarah Geronimo), a law student, met at a Music Camp.  Gino has convinced Trixie to join the new band he is forming.  From there, they develop a relationship as they try to make beautiful music together.  Initially, I did not think that this tandem would click because of the "age" gap but they have chemistry.  I also shed a tear on one of the scenes.

After the movie, attended the anticipated Mass and had dinner at Luk Yuen.  Since I have the driver pick me up at the mall because it is raining, tried to tick off items on my list.  Somehow, two on my list are out of stock.  Will check next week if it will be available.  Then did some groceries at The Landmark.