Late Post.. Our Trip to Lisbon, Portugal (December 2017)

We had a major puente (long weekend/holiday) in Madrid, Spain on December (Day of the Constitution and Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception).  Our family took that opportunity for a quick get away to Lisbon, Portugal.  

It was our son´s first time to travel to Lisbon and he was just so excited!!!  We arranged our logistics: 

1.  Hotel Accommodation - we stayed in the city center in the marques de Pombal area, very accessible and well communicated.  We stayed in a 4 star hotel, indicated that we need an extra bed for our little one and we availed of the breakfast promo of the hotel.  This was a good choice, because we always wanted to stuff ourselves with good breakfast. hehehehe. 

2.  Travel arrangements - Portugal is a neighbor of Spain.  It is reachable by plane by a mere 55 minute trip or via train, night train which is 9 hours.  As our son is a lover of trains, of course, we took the Night Train - Train Lusitania.  We availed of the suite, where we have 2 beds and our own toilet.  Upon entering our suite in the Train Lusitania, it gave us feeling of being cramped as obviously it was not spacious plus we have our luggages.  But after organizing our things, the space was good for a family of three.  We changed into our pyjamas.  Our toilet was also provided with basic toiletries.  The night train also has a bar/restaurant where you can take a quick bite.  It definitely was not an Orient Express but the joy of having slept in the train was awesome and unique!!! Our son enjoyed the experience.  And it was indeed a realxing 9 hour travel time.  We were able to sleep well.  Though it was noticeable that the railways upon reaching Portugal are more bumpy. Hehehehe. It was breathtaking to see the sunrise!

The big day came and we enjoyed the sights, sounds, food and vibe in Lisbon!!! It was December so Christmas spirit was felt all over the city!! We were blessed with good weather during our stay, except on one day that it rained but not bad because we spent that day in the Oceanarium!

As we have a 7 year old son, obviously we made kid friendly plans and itinerary.  We made sure to visit the Oceanarium which was a blockbuster!!! It was huge and a has a wide collection of animals!!! We also visited the Science Museum/Pavilio de Conocimiento where my son just absolutely lost it!! He loved it there.. We built legos, we tested earthquake intensities, we played with the pendulum and a whole lot more and it was an absolutely awesome experience!!!! 

We also saw and eventually rode the iconic Lisbon Tram!!! 

We also made a trip to Belem where we saw the Torre de Belem and the Ministerio de San Jeronimo.  

We also made a trip to the Fatima Shrine.  It looked different without many pilgrims.  And it has tremendously improved from our first visit (2006).  

We had lovely evening walks in the Plaza de Independencia!!! 

The Lisbon metro is reliable though there are lesser trips than the Madrid metro.  But metro fare is reasonable.  

Food was awesome!! We ate the Pastel de Belem jajajaja, a lot of bacalao/seacod and frango (pollo).  But beware, most of the Lisbon restos will serve you with ý lot of appetizers but they come with a cost.. So better to say no politely and state your orders than bite the appetizers.  Jejejejeje 

My little one got sick on our last day but we were prepared as we always travel with our first aid kit.  Good thing my son´s fever was gone right away. 

We went back home to Madrid with our hearts full, overflowing with gratitude and love for the beautiful, relaxing family getaway.  Thank you Lisbon! Until the next time!!! 

Road to Wellness.. Trying Unorthodox methods to deal with anxiety

From the onset that I was diagnosed with anxiety, I have been open to trying all sorts of methods to deal with it and eventually end it. 

I am doing a combination of the traditional and non-traditional path.  

The Traditional path:  ongoing medical appointments with my general doctor, the psychiatrist and the psychologist.  I am taking in 2 types of pills:  preventive and anti-anxiety/chill pill.  

The unorthodox, non traditional path:  I am doing acupuncture which is traditionally oriental/Asian but is not considered as a scientific treatment here.  And recently, I have also tried the Flores de Bach en Castellano/Bach Flower Remedies in English.  Both are considered to reduce if not eliminate the occurences of anxiety. 

Acupunture is the use of needles on certain points of your body that helps the flow of energy.  It alleviates migraine, muscle pain and helps the body to physically and mentally combat anxiety. 

Flores de Bach, Bach Flower Remedies is consist of taking in flower materials diluted in water.  This solution does not contain any chemicals, is essentially not a legitimate drug or prescribed medicine.  This is not clinically tested.  However, the solution gives you a soothing effect that allows the mind and the body to relax and eventually enables you to deal with anxiety. 

I am also doing sacro craneal which is anti stress.  

I am hopeful that combining these traditional and unorthodox methods will help me overcome my anixety.  But most of all, I need to be patient (PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE!!!) and keep on believing that this is just a phase and that this too shall pass.  

As the Koreans would say.. AJA!! Fighting!!  So help me God!! :)  

Not my photos.. Lifted from the Internet.  thank you. 

Quien es tu mama??

For my mother dear.. Mahal na mahal kita Mama.  I love you very much Mom.  Te amo mi madre.  Saranghae Mama.  Wo ai ni Mama.  

Quién es tu mamá

- Mamá es esa señora que lleva en el bolso un pañuelo con mis mocos, un paquete de toallitas, un chupete y un pañal de emergencia.

-Mamá es ese cohete tan rápido que va por casa disparado y que está en todas partes al mismo tiempo.

-Mamá es esa malabarista que pone lavadoras con el abrigo puesto mientras le  abre la puerta al gato con la otra, sosteniendo el correo con la barbilla y apartándome del cubo de basura con el pie.-Mamá es esa maga que puede hacer desaparecer lágrimas con un beso

-Mamá es esa forzuda capaz de coger en un solo brazo mis 15 kilos mientras con el otro entra el carro lleno de compra

-Mamá es esa campeona de atletismo capaz de llegar en décimas de segundo de 0 a 100 para evitar que me descuerne por las escaleras.

-Mamá es esa heroína que vence siempre a mis pesadillas con una caricia

-Mamá es esa señora con el pelo de dos colores, que dice que en cuanto tenga otro huequito, sólo otro, va a la peluquería.

-Mamá es esa cantante que se inventa las canciones más tontas que me hacen reír y bailar

-Mamá es esa chef que es capaz de hacerme una cena riquísima con dos tonterías que quedaban en el refri porque se le olvidó comprar, aunque se quede ella sin cena

-Mamá es ese médico que sabe con sólo mirarme si tengo fiebre, cuánta, y lo que tiene que hacer

-Mamá es esa economista capaz de ponerse la ropa de hace cientos de años para que yo vaya bien guapo-Mamá es esa cantante que todas las noches canta la canción más dulce mientras me acuna un ratito

-Mamá es esa sonámbula que puede levantarse dormida a las 4 de la mañana, mirar si me he hecho pis, cambiarme el pañal, darme jarabe para la tos, un poco de agua, ponerme el chupete, todo a oscuras y sin despertarse

-Y eso no es todo… además trabaja fuera de casa.  ¿La ves? Es aquélla, la más guapa, la que sonríe

Road to Wellness: What I have been up to during the 1st 2 weeks of my medical leave

This post is to share with you what I have been up to during these 2 weeks that I was on medical leave.  

I was given new medicine to combat the more frequent/recurring occurences of anxiety.  Anxiety, in my case, manifests even during serene, quiet moments such as when I was in a bus, when I am quietly seated in my office desk.  My anxiety attacks are characterized by trembling, cold and sweaty hands, palpitations and uneasiness/discomfort.  

My doctor gave me new medicine that caused me more discomfort, making it terrible for me to stand and walk during the first week that I took the medicine.  Aside from that, I was basically low morale, very sensitive and exhausted.  Given these side effects, my doctor decided to give me this medical leave so that I will be in a "controlled environment" as the medicine take effect.  I have weekly doctor appointment for check-up though.

During these weeks, even if I am in the comforts of my home, I made myself busy doing the following: 

1.  I dedicated a great deal of my time doing basic yoga, meditation and long walks in my area.  



2.  I regularly do acupuncture and therapeutic massage. 

***not my photo. 

3.  I faithfully walk my son, drop him off to the school. i also completed arrangements for his summer camp.  Praise God!!

4.  I cook family meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Jejejeje 

5.  I surround myself and fill our home with beautiful flowers.  I have very beautiful pink and white peonies and pink daisies!! 

6.  I religiously go to the Church and say my thanks to my savior and asks for his blessings for my petitions.  

 Iglesia de Jesus de Medinacelli

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Delicias 

7.  I binged watch in Netflix, Something in the Rain, a Korean drama/love story that gives some good, giddy teeny bopper feels. Hahahaha  Hubby and I also had a date night and we watched Han Solo.  

 *** not my photo from the internet

 

*** not my photo from the internet

8.  I regularly check my office phone and connect through my office laptop attending to some urgent items and initiatives. 

 *** not my photo from the internet

9.  I am reading 3 self help books. 

10.  I AM JUST TAKING IT EASY. SEIZING THE MOMENT AND TAKING LOTS OF CARE.  

So help me God.  :) Thank you my Lord and my God and I know there is no wound nor ailment that you cannot heal.  In your perfect time. Amen.  

Welcome June.. Thank you May...

I culminated May 2018 and commenced June 2018 with my medical leave.  I have had recurring bouts with anxiety which impeded my day to day activities, impacting my work.  In spite of this occurence, it is not to say that May 2018 was an awesome month!! 

So May 2018, I would like to thank you for: 
1.  Keeping me stronger physically, mentally and spiritually - the anxiety attacks made me hang on to my faith deeper and have helped me trust my medical team who are attending to me.  

2.  My 41st birthday!! I had a simple celebration at home.  I just cooked Pinoy spaghetti and bought a small cake. The best part of it all was the beautiful Happy Birthday song rendered to me by my son. 

3.   My Valencia day trip that reunited me with my youngest brother who works as a photographer in an international cruise.  

4.  Our beautiful team building in the city center of the iconic Segovia, home to the famous Acueducto.  

And to you June, even if I started you in my medical leave.. I am just hopeful that I will keep getting better.  June is going to be amazing as it will mark the culmination of the academic school year and the commencement of summer!! Yehey!!! 

Let´s all be hopeful, prayerful, positive and kind. As always! Spread the good vibes!!!