Last Day Of The Year
Already "booked" Edgar, the driver. Will have lots to tick-off before tonight's festivity.
My niece Pam would be going with me for some of her errands. The mall I am going to would be open by 10AM, hers would be at 11AM.
Left the condo around 10AM as agreed.
1) Paid Meralco bill at
The Landmark's
Bayad Center.
2) Bought cake (with "Happy 2019!" written on it) plus other round goodies like
polvoron, macaroons,
puto at
Goldilocks in The Landmark Food Center.
3) Bought a basket of thirteen (13) fruits at
SM Makati.
Since we are already at SM, my niece bought a backpack at
Forever 21 to replace her broken one.
Glorietta is still close (it will open at 11AM), so we passed on the side of the mall to go back to The Landmark on our way to
Greenbelt 5. Gave instructions to Edgar to wait for us at the food court; but, he would buy the food I would be giving to Sintaro and the guard watching our property in Pasay.
In time, too, that by the time we reached Greenbelt 5, the mall is already open.
With all the drama regarding the driver with my Kuya and his second wife, I thought they would not be needing him today. Well, they did. Advised my Kuya via SMS that Edgar should be with me by 2PM because we have to be at
Emerald Garden Restaurant by 3PM to pick-up my order--our food for our
media noche. Said restaurant will be closed by 5PM for food pick-up,
My brother and I are sharing in paying the driver's salary. Actually, they use the driver more than me. I feel sorry how they treat him considering the loyalty he has shown specially when our house in Pasay was burned. Advised him that I would be getting him by March (Edgar tendered his resignation until the school ends) and have him drive for me (with my nieces) only. Thanks to the monster-in-law who has my brother in her tiny finger. Oh! And whose mother has a
mangkukulam for a friend. Me getting Edgar as driver did not suit my
Kuya. It's my decision. According to his wife, they have money and they can get helpers anytime. So I am sure they have money to get a driver. Their last helper left after two days being with them. Hehehe!
Back. Went to
Tempur because I wanted to buy their travel pillow. It is on a 10% discount. Then, we went to the salon my niece would be going to while I would be doing some window-shopping as my list is complete.
Oops.. She did not make an appointment. She can only be serviced at 12:30PM. Thus, had an early lunch instead at
Bulgogi Brothers. After lunch, we parted ways.
Was already at Glorietta doing my "thing" when she called that she is done. That was fast! It was actually 10 minutes or so? We thought it would take her about an hour. So, bought other things like socks and a box to store my socks.
Edgar TXTed that he is on his way back. We went back to Greenbelt to buy a 31%
Baskin Robbins ice cream. But we first stopped at
Pablo because I wanted to try this new store. According to Pam, Pablo is also from Japan. The cream tart is very good!
Like clockwork, we were at Emerald Garden Restaurant a few minutes before 3PM. My order is already there: Yang Chow fried rice, crispy fried chicken, birthday noodles, sweet and sour pork, shrimp salad, crab foo yong. I also ordered a small size of sweet and sour pork, and beef with broccoli for Edgar.
While waiting for 12 midnight, Pam and I were playing Nintendo Switch, a gift by her boss to her. Nice!
A blessed 2019 to all of us!!!
Aurora
Finally, received the items I purchased via Lazada that I have been waiting for. All for of them. Uratex cervical pillow, Uratex neck pillow, Uratex bed topper and a lie prone pillow. Was waiting for the cervical pillow hoping this will help with my neck (strain).
Since the size of the cervical pillow is not the regular one, will go to the
Mates kiosk at
SM Megamall to buy pillow cover for it. My niece is also going to Megamall to meet a friend. Thus, she went with us.
She went with me to the Mates kiosk. Then, we went to
Starbucks where she bought me a frappe. Yes! She will stay there while waiting for her friend who is arriving late. I passed by
St. Paul's and
Pet Express before proceeding to
Glorietta where I was dropped off.
Bought a discounted movie ticket for
Aurora 3PM screening. Had lunch Mongolian lunch at
Food Choices. Wanted to buy convertible pants to replace the ones that were burned. These are the pants I usually bring when I travel.
Walked to
Greenbelt 5 to go to
Columbia. The store does not have a sign that it is on sale. But it is! Was only able to buy two (2) pants in my size at 20% off. Even if I am not supposed to, bought a waterproof rubber/ hiking shoes at 50% off. My temporary member card was replaced with a permanent one; thus, I would be able to purchase regular priced items at 10% off. To top it, was able to get a free shirt with my purchases. Yeah!
Left my purchases at
The Landmark's package counter.
"Aurora" won 2nd Best Picture during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 Awards Night. Curious. I always knew that "Rainbow Sunset" would be the hands-down Best Picture winner and would most likely get most of the festival's awards.
When a ship crashed in their hometown's rocky shores, a girl is set to find the bodies of the dead passengers. Not scary.
Attended the anticipated Mass and we had dinner at
Rico's Cebu Lechon at the
Top of the Glo.
Bought groceries at The Landmark Supermarket before proceeding home. My brother was at Makati Medical Center's Emergency Room. Supposedly he would be there overnight. He was released instead and was advised to check first with his neurologist and endocrinologist.
Last Working Day Of The Year
The usual, it is the time I pay for the real property tax (RPT) of my condominium unit.
My itinerary:
a) Makati City Hall
b) Makati Medical Center
c) SM Mall of Asia/ Pet Express
d) Glorietta
I usually pay the RPT on the last working day of the year in full to enjoy the discount. Everything is smooth.
Next stop is
Makati Medical Center (MMC) to get the result of my X-ray when I went to the Emergency Room last Saturday. I also checked if the orthopaedic surgeon referred to me by Maxicare in our office has a clinic today. There wasn't any notice but the clinic is close. So, went to Maxicare in MMC. Found one but his clinic would be at 2:30PM still. Will be back.
Then, went to
Pet Express at
SM Mall of Asia. Was hoping to buy the dog treats liked by Tsubasa and Theo. Not available. But found one which was their favourite before. Bought some.
Next, was dropped off again at MMC to wait for the doctor. Lunch first at
Cafe France in MMC before waiting at the doctor's clinic.
Since nothing can be seen on the x-ray, possible that it is muscle. Explained what I did differently when the neck pain started last November. He advised me to do an exercise to be repeated 50 times per day in batches of 10.
After, walked to Ayala Center via the Dela Rosa elevated walkway. Went to
National Bookstore at
Greenbelt 1 to buy Brother TZe tape.
Did some window-shopping at
Glorietta before I was picked-up by the driver for home.
Very productive year-ender. c",)
Christmas Day
It is the first time I would be celebrating the Christmas Eve in my condo.
At 9AM, Edgar picked-up my dog Tsubasa to bring to his house. Camille will be with her dog. Doing a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie marathon with me is Pam, Lyn, Norlie and Manong.
At 10:30AM, Edgar picked us up to bring us to
Glorietta.
Our first screening would be at 12:10PM (mall opens at 12 noon); thus, ate early lunch at
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. As soon as the mall opened, we went to
Glorietta 4 Cinemas. One thing nice purchasing tickets online, we only have to queue to enter the cinema.
Our first movie is
The Girl In The Orange Dress. From what my niece told me, the story is based on a true story. Anna woke up in a hotel room with the most popular actor in the country. She must figure out how to get out of the hotel without being noticed by the media or the actor's fans. Like!
Before our next movie, had
merienda of Razon's
halo-halo at
Food Choices.
Next is
Otlum (backwards of "multo" meaning ghost). It is from the same group who brought "Seklusyon", also an entry of the MMFF last year. It is about a group of teenagers wherein part of the initiation is to stay inside a haunted house for one night. Ho-hum.....
For dinner, we went to
Kaya Express.
Edgar, then, picked us up with Tsubasa in tow. We passed by
Pet Express first to buy Prescription z/d for the dogs before proceeding home.
Meanwhile, my niece and her dog is at BGC.
Happy CHRISTmas!
For Cervical Strain
The following were provided to me when I was discharged due to my cervical strain:
Neck Pain
The causes of neck pain include trauma, biochemical injuries, degeneration, inflammation (arthritis), infection and tumor. In most cases of neck pain, no specific cause can be identified.
Patients may experience pain (may range from dull aching sensation to sharp and intense or "burning" sensation) and stiffness. Pain sometimes radiates to the upper back or arms, which may also be aggravated by neck movement and most often relieved by rest. Headache may be present as well. In most number of cases, patients have a history of excessive or unaccustomed activity or of sustaining an awkward posture.
Management
* Avoid activities that produce pain. Mild cases can be treated by rest with analgesic medications.
* Immobilization with a soft cervical collar is used if neck movements produces pain.
* Medications for relief of pain: pain relievers (Mefenamic acid, Ibuprofen, Celecoxib, Tramadol, etc. or muscle relaxants (Eperisone, etc.)
* Physical therapy for chronic neck pain (> 12 weeks)
* Traction, thermotherapy, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), therapeutic ultrasound in special considerations especially with chronic or inadequately controlled pain
* Warm compresses may be of benefit
* Follow-up with attending physician/ orthodontist is important
Watch Out For
* Neck pain not relieved by medications
* Progressive arm weakness
* Paralysis of arm
* Numbness of arm
* Difficulty swallowing/ treating
Will pick-up the food I ordered at
Conti's for our
Noche Buena. At 10:10AM, was already there.
Decided that I will buy a bag with wheels which I will use for office. Hopefully, this would also relieve the stress of on my neck.
My stops to look for the "perfect" bag:
Pacsafe Flagship Store at
Glorietta 5,
The Travel Club and
Delsey (have 15% off on December 26) at Glorietta 4,
Urbanize at Glorietta 3, luggage/ bag area of
The Landmark.
Had lunch first at The Landmark Food Center while thinking what to buy.
Decided to buy the one in Urbanize.
Oh! Already bought movie tickets online for tomorrow's Metro Manila Film Festival movie marathon with my "angels".
Neck Pain
The neck pain started the night of November 25, the day I went to
KARADA. Thus, the following day, went to our office's clinic. Was given medicines to manage the pain. It can be inflamed and muscle strain. After two (2) weeks, if the pain persists, have to go back to the clinic.
The neck pain resurfaced again, so went to our office clinic yesterday. Was given medicines again.
Went to
Makati Medical Center to pick-up the results from the Breast Clinic. Walked to Ayala Center, stopping by
Tito Pak's for lunch. Decided to watch a movie and bought a ticket for
Spider-man Into The Spider-Verse via GMovies mobile app.
Still have time before the movie, bought
Cabeau Travel Pillow at
True Value at 30% off. Used it while watching the movie.
Nice.
After, attended the anticipated Mass, supper at The Landmark Food Center, groceries at The Landmark Supermarket, passed by
Pet Express before proceeding home.
And I thought that that's it for the day. My neck pain increased that when I look left or right, it is hurting. My niece Camille brought me to Makati Medical Center's Emergency Room. I had cervical X-ray, was given medicines intravenously that it allowed me to sleep.
The result? Cervical strain and have to follow-up with an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Result
The result can already be viewed online. Thus, at exactly 3PM, checked online. There result of mammography (3D) and breast ultrasound is BIRADS 3. Thank You, Lord!
Will just pick-up the hardcopy this Saturday.
Family Reunion
After nine (9) years, family reunion was arranged. There's a special shirt made with each family assigned a colour (ours is blue). It will be done in the house of my cousin in Alabang. We have tapped one of my nephew, a chef, to cater for us.
A lot has happened during the week that my niece, Pamela, would not be joining. My nephew, Paolo, and his wife will pick us up.
Each family is assigned at least two (2) games plus the prize for said game.
It was fun! Thus, there were plans to continue the tradition.
Remilly's
Took a Grab to get to
EGI Mall. Remilly's have a branch there. Would be reserving fifteen (15) yema cake as a gift in the office. Would have to pay and have it picked-up on Monday. Saw in a website that Remilly's is one of the cakes to taste when in Manila.
Then, took a taxi to
Glorietta. Ticked-off a few more from my Christmas list. Attended the anticipated Mass at
Mary Mother of Hope chapel in
The Landmark, supper at The Landmark Food Center, groceries at The Landmark Supermarket.
Then proceeded home.
Mammography (3D)/ Breast Ultrasound
Already made an appointment. Was at
Makati Medical Center an hour earlier than my scheduled procedure. Result will be released on Monday.
Then, walked my way to
Ayala Center using the elevated walkway. Had lunch at
Tito Pak's on the way. It is a good time to complete my shopping list. Was able to do so, with a few left.
Since I would be picked-up late, decided to watch a movie. It is
Aquaman. Arthur Curry is the heir of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. When his half-brother Orm plans to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world, he has to step forward to lead his people to stop Orm.
Like. Unlike some DC movies that are serious, Aquaman incorporates humour.
Office To Home
At 1AM, Edgar sent SMS that he has to use my Civic to transfer his son from St. Clare's to Jose Reyes Hospital.
As soon as I saw it when I woke up, responded "OK
lang".
Then, my Kuya sent an SMS that Edgar would not be reporting for work because his son has to be operated on. This means, I would commute to work.
Good thing, the
jeepney terminal is near our condo that as soon as I arrived there, was able to get a seat in the
jeepney.
Now, how to go home. If I take a
jeepney home, it might take a long time to catch one. Checked Google map on the best route. I thought it would walking along Buendia. It is not. Actually, the recommended route is much nicer because path is flat. But the 31 minutes estimate is not true. Based on my activity tracker, it took about 4000 steps. My usual estimate is I take 10 minutes for 1000 steps; thus, it took me 40 minutes from the office to the condo.
Return
Yesterday, when I arrived home, learned that
7-Eleven did not accept the item I am returning which I ordered from Lazada. Since I asked my "angel" to go to a specific 7-Eleven, she did not try going to the other 7-Eleven which is a few meters away from the first.
I am planning to go to
Pet Express to buy the food supplement for Tsubasa and Theo for their skin, I decided to bring the returned item to the 7-Eleven across the street. They accepted it.
Hay...
Since I was already there, went to SM Hypermart hoping to buy the gift for Tita Leony including the cellophane as gift wrapper. Checked on the Ferrero Rocher--it is PhP135.00 more than in The Landmark!!! So, just bought the cellophane and proceeded home.
Edgar, the driver, went to Ella's because I wanted to know the prices of their products hoping to give them as gift. It is also then when I learned that Brad, the Boston Terrier, died yesterday. Sad...
Then, at night, Edgar called that his son, Luis, was brought to St. Clare's and it is a possible appendicitis and would need operation.
Immaculate Conception
Already made an appointment for the preventive maintenance of my HR-V. Edgar, the driver, already dropped-off the car at
Honda Makati. The car will be processed as soon as I confirmed via SMS to proceed with the service. Was picked-up by Edgar to go to Honda to sign papers and pay. This way, once the car has been serviced, he just needs to pick it up. Forgot the discount form; thus, have to go back to the condo and brought it back to Honda.
After, was dropped-off at
Greenbelt 2 to go to
Conti's. Would already make an advance order for December 24 and have lunch there. Then, walked my way to
Glorietta.
Then, bought discounted movie ticket for Wreck-it Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet. Went to
Made For U to pick-up my order and left it at the
The Landmark's package counter. To
National Bookstore, bought Didache as gift and gift wrapper. Then, off to my movie.
A wifi-router is added in the arcade. Thus, Ralph and Vanellope discovers the internet and new adventure. Like!
Left my items at The Landmark's package counter before proceeding to
Mary Mother of Hope Chapel. I should have known, there is a 4PM Mass for the Immaculate Conception. Was able hear the Gospel for said Mass.
After the anticipated Mass, we had dinner
Chili's for my very late birthday treat. We would no longer be seeing each other until end of the year for they have plans for each weekend.
After buying groceries, went to the office to drop-off my gifts (ordered from Made For U) and proceeded home.
Glucometer
Yesterday, my brother was discharged. That night, he's got LBM. Can't help but blame it to that "useless" person. My niece asked my doctor cousin what to do. He was asking for the CBG. And he doesn't have a glucometer! The "useless" was at Cash and Carry mall with drugstore inside it, she did not even think of buying one. Great!
So, my niece and I (with Edgar bringing along his son) went to Bambang to buy one. My niece also added buying additional strips and needle. At around 1PM, was at Espiritu to drop of the item and also take my brother's CBG. It is 247! When he was discharged from the hospital, it was only 190. Tsk tsk.
Went to Glorietta and have lunch at The Pancake House. The driver asked for vale so he can buy a phone to replace his broken one. Gave him and we went to my suki. While he is buying his phone, me and my niece went to my other suki to buy battery replacement--it is not available but will be ordered. Then, withdraw to pay the abono of my niece for my brother's hospitalization. Bought a bill of pancit luglug at Razon's and bucket of Jollibee Chickenjoy for our merienda. After, proceeded home.
Set-up the driver's cellphone at home so it will be ready for his use.
Discharge
Was thinking of having crispy pata lunch at
Tito Pak's during my walk at Dela Rosa elevated walkway. But learned that my brother will be discharged. Thus, have to withdraw. Was at
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf having lunch when I asked my niece (who is arranging for her dad's discharge from the hospital--without saying anything, we know who is useless in all these...) to meet me so I can give her the additional money needed to pay his hospitalization.
Paid the condo's Meralco bill at
The Landmark's Bayad Center. Looked for a microwave safe container where I can place my herbal eye bad when I heat if my hot compress. Was able to buy it at
Lock 'n Lock. Then, went to
Made For U to make my order. Will be able to get my gifts next week.
Attended the anticipated Mass at The Landmark's
Mary Mother of Hope Chapel. Had dinner at
Phobac and groceries at The Landmark Supermarket.
As usual, the "useless" made her presence felt. And I did not take it down.
