While searching the internet, I chanced upon a community blog of TN sufferers and was moved by the stories they shared. For a change, I was the one listening to the complaints and rants about their headaches and facial pains that I quickly joined to help and offer support . When I found out from my doctor that I had TN, I was relieved. The last thing you want to hear from your doctor is to say that it's nothing and it will go away, take a couple of aspirins and rest. I immediately searched the internet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARJMQ4zlsrk to learn more of my debilitating pain. My migraine and menopause on top of my TN is too much to bear. I had to recognize the problem and try to take pro-active steps. It will not go away and it can get worse so I had to find a comfort zone with the right cocktail of meds so I can keep my pains in check. I just have to learn how to live with it. It's not easy but I love life too much to give up. Connecting with TN sufferers keeps me sane. As a TN sufferer myself, it's good to know that you are not alone.
Seriously...I have become a blog reader more than a blog writer. There a blogs mostly about themselves and their children, pets, spouses and basically about their family adventures. Photo blogs with loads of pictures after pictures with captions. Blogs about their handicraft and needlework such as knitting and crocheting to name a few. Foodies share their gastronomic dining experiences. Tons of recipes from Indian to vegan, and others share personal issues about dealing with loved ones who are terminal or dealing with their own illness which I don't intend to blog about only because I already belong in a community of bloggers with TN.....What is there to blog about?
A lot! I just had to look for some inspiration from others who blog effortlessly.
Our Christmas celebration was unique, thanks to my husband. He surprised us with homemade fishing poles and baits. So what to do with the gears? We headed off to our huge swimming pool which he turned into a fishpond full of live tilapias.....hahahaha....we had so much fun!! It gave us so much pride and joy. We caught about a dozen fish and grilled it for our Xmas dinner. And for New Year's, we're having a barbecue party by the pool. And only you know what we'll have for dinner.
I found this cool site and for my first creation, I am honoring our graduates for the year 2009. And another one in the family is graduating this week in sound engineering. Graduates....you make us proud.
Me and my friends wanted to do something different for the summer. One of them suggested we go to Donsol and swim with the whalesharks. Our plane took us to Legazpi City where you can see Mayon volcano from the sky. It was a majestic sight. We first visited Daraga church and we headed off to Donsol. The ride took about an hour or so. Search Amazon.com for whalesharks
Happy campers with the towering Mayon volcano.
Daraga church in Legaspi city.
When we got there, we were so excited that we didn't waste any time. We changed to our swimsuits and we were off to sea. We rented a boat with spotters and a guide. Spotters watch the sea for shadows of the whaleshark. Once he spots a shadow, you situate yourself at the edge of the boat and when he says "JUMP", there's no time to waste and you must jump.
Our spotters looking out for the whale's shadows.
When they say jump.....you say...how high?....hahahahaha.
This is one experience that everybody must try even once in their lives. It is magical and exhilarating.. Swimming with the whale sharks in the beaches of Donsol, Sorsogon was unforgettable. These
creatures are docile and eat plankton that float in the sea. The first time I jumped in the water, I freaked out. I came face to face with the butanding with its big round eyes and slightly opened mouth. It was huge! I started to panic. After I got over the initial shock, I put my snorkels back on and I was enjoying my swim with the whale shark.
We capped the evening with a visit to the Talisay tree that looked like a burning bush. I have not seen a tree with blinding lights from the fireflies. My camera couldn't capture the spectacle. But the memory stays with me. It was outasight!
The following day, we rode the boat again to take us to the waterfalls. I felt so energized after the swim. It was a short visit but filled with memorable experiences.
This video says it all.....by the way, that's my hand with the wedding band..lol...
So it's christmastime and my brother and I are away from our family again. Every year, Christmas is spent with my husband and his family and I'm happy. But my longing to be with my son, my mother, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews and adorable Charles who is my mother's great grandchild consume me. I think of my youngest sister in France who celebrates with her husband and children and away from all of us. Christmas is joyous and festive but in reality, it is tough for those who are separated from their loved ones and I pray that their emptiness and feeling of loneliness be filled with God's love. Happy Holidays to all!!
While searching the internet, I chanced upon a community blog of TN sufferers and was moved by the stories they shared. For a change, I was the one listening to the complaints and rants about their headaches and facial pains that I quickly joined to help and offer support . When I found out from my doctor that I had TN, I was relieved. The last thing you want to hear from your doctor is to say that it's nothing and it will go away, take a couple of aspirins and rest. I immediately searched the internet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARJMQ4zlsrk to learn more of my debilitating pain. My migraine and menopause on top of my TN is too much to bear. I had to recognize the problem and try to take pro-active steps. It will not go away and it can get worse so I had to find a comfort zone with the right cocktail of meds so I can keep my pains in check. I just have to learn how to live with it. It's not easy but I love life too much to give up. Connecting with TN sufferers keeps me sane. As a TN sufferer myself, it's good to know that you are not alone.
