THE SIMPLE LIFE

“I can trust my friends. These people force me to examine myself, encourage me to grow." ~Cher

Oh how wise you are Cher. But in all honesty, I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who I consider my friends. As little as we may chat with each other - you know who you are. Over the years, you've seen me cry at least once - either out of joy or out of frustration, and on those rare occasions, simultaneously. You're the one who's not afraid of saying things straight up because you care about me more than my immediate reaction. Even if it seems like never, you're someone that I turned to when I needed to get another perspective. You're the one to always be open and share your experiences. Or maybe we don't even really interact but I learn from you by watching how you interact with others and reading your words. You're my friend because we know deep inside, we value each other's presence in our respective lives. Thank you...for being there. For being my friend.

And if you're still trying to figure out whether or not you fit the description - chances are, you do! The fact that you'd take the time to read up on my happenings means that you care about me - or you're just incredibly creepy! *laughs* I'm choosing to believe the former.

So the big news is: I am getting baptised on Mother's Day (Sunday May 13th) at New Life Community Church in Chicago, IL. It something that's been on my heart for a very long time and I'd like to invite you to come and celebrate with me. I understand that most of you will probably be spending time with family but I wanted to let you know and hopefully, you can just say a prayer of thanks with me. Shoot me an e-mail, MSN, Facebook...whatever means you'd like, if you want the time and location.

Much love,
~V

I woke up this morning all excited because I was going to be observing surgeries with the ophthalmologist that I work with at school. It got off to bad start cuz it began down-pouring as I left my apartment. And I was running late. Not to mention I had no idea where this place was. Took the wrong exit. Thought I went to the wrong medical building.

But I arrive. And surgery didn't start yet. So I got changed - actually got to wear scrubs and those little hair nets which was quite neat. Got into the surgery room and the resident told me that the tissue for the transplant wasn't in good enough condition so they rescheduled for another day. I was disappointed cuz I was so looking forward to it but settled on just observing cataract surgeries instead.

The first patient turns out to be an 8 y/o boy. I watched them bring him in, get him settled on the table, poke him with various needles and by the time they anesthetized him, I was dizzy & light-headed. I left to go to the washroom, barely able to see the door through all the spots. It was crazy, I was in cold sweats and shaking.

I calmed myself down enough to head back into the surgery room but just as I had the mask over my face, I felt nauseous and just wanted to lie down. It was so embarrasing to admit to my doctor that I couldn't stomach it and had to leave. All I could think about driving back was 'please let me make it home'. How sad is that?

So after staying in the surgery room for 1 hour, I have yet to actually observe a live procedure. It totally sucked cuz I've watch a bunch of different eye surgeries on video before in classes and I've never had any problems. Even when they did enucleations (removal of the eyeball); I was never one to be faint-hearted. Maybe it was the fact that I saw the kidactually walking/talking, not just some subject. Either way, nNow I have to face my doctor tomorrow at work, knowing that I couldn't handle it - especially after specifically requesting permission to watch him. *sigh* Just one of those days where I want to curl up in a ball.