mynameisjaysantos

[mynameisjaysantos]

The past few months passed by like a blur and i've been trying trying mostly to keep the stress at bay by prioritizing tasks, working out (inconsistently), eating and netflixing (after work). 2022 is indeed challenging and there's just a lot to do and a lot happening all at the same time. Its not that the tasks are insurmountable, its just a LOT. I probably just need to take a moment to take it all in ... and breathe. And remember Jason Mraz's wise words --- "I won't worry my life away." #latepost #lifeandtimesofyuan #cloud9siargao #siargao #travel #travelingpinoy #note20ultra (at Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci_Svv-Pa11/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mynameisjaysantos]

Wishing for more days to spend with family, friends and loved ones. I can wake up to this view everyday. Take me back. #sepanx #siargao #cloud9siargao #travel #travelingpinoy #lifeandtimesofyuan #itsabeachlife #itsmorefuninthephilippines #note20ultra #teamsamsung #snapseed (at Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte) https://www.instagram.com/p/CibGdm_hBUg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mynameisjaysantos]

This view over drinks and colleagues from all over APAC to cap off a long conference day. Feels great to be traveling again and seeing long-time work friends including new faces. #bangkok #work #lifeandtimesofyuan #PHrepresent #marriott #travel #note20ultra #teamgalaxy (at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd_3evVhRxL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mynameisjaysantos]

Quandary

Mom’s condition here at the hospital is not good.  Ever since getting admitted, she’s had other new ailments that needed treatment.  There were periods where i really thought she was okay and that we were going to be discharged.  Almost.  It has been a rollercoaster of emotions being at the hospital and seeing Mom sick in that hospital bed.  Gone was that energetic and strong woman who was always up ang about.  Mom’s frailty has been showing for in the past few years but since that osteoporosis and that fracture in her T12, her health has severely deteriorated.  Mom, the proud woman that she is, is still as selfless, not wanting to be a burden to her family.  But you see, the thing about seeing a loved one sick is that it binds families together.  My brother and my nephew are always there to take care of mom and i’ve had the same opportunity in the past few weeks taking care of her at the hospital.

Looking back, I can’t help but be proud of the kind of woman my mother is.  She has sacrificed so much for her family.  She was always by my sister’s when she was in and out of the hospital.  I never heard mom complain even if the seat beside my sister’s hospital bed was just the normal, hard, cold type - not the kind you can at least lean on or slouch to get some shuteye.  When my nephew was still in grade school and high school, she went to school with him and stayed at the waiting area the whole day, rain or shine.  It makes me wonder how she whiled the time away just sitting there the whole day.  You see, that’s how much she loves us. Its sad that we grew up in a family where saying "i love you’s” wasn’t a normal thing.  And as you get used to it, changing things can sometimes feel a little bit awkward.  What’s great though is that age makes you a sucker for more sentimental stuff like these and it doesn’t feel as awkward as it used to be.  I think that as you get older, you do realize the more important things in life - like family, real friends and making memories.  I do say “i love you” more these days and it does feel great to let you love ones not just know and feel it, but hear it as well.  I told mom “I love you.” the other night and she responded with “I love you too anak.” despite how she is doing.  I honestly felt so much love right that very moment.

Right now, the only thing i can do is to continue praying for what is best for mom.  She is a strong woman - a fighter.  And maybe there are fights where the odds are against you, it still doesn’t mean you can’t win.  I guess its over if you give up and i don’t feel like we’re at that point - yet.  Its really in God’s hands now.

[mynameisjaysantos]

Real Life Lessons this Past Week

1.      Get an annual physical exam (APE).  If you have an HMO, all the more reason you should take advantage of getting one.  Add hba1c to check your sugar.  If you can, test to know your blood type.  

 In my last APE, I noticed my TSH was out of range and consulted an Endocrinologist who diagnosed me with Hyperthyroidism after a series of other laboratory tests.

 Mama did not have a regular APE and it was only by chance we caught her creatinine was off the charts.  It was a required test prior to getting an MRI with contrast.  If we didn’t take that test, we would not have known that her kidney’s were not functioning well.

 Many do not do it for fear of finding out they are sick.  But c’mon, if you are and its detected early, there’s a high probability of getting treated before it gets worse.  Don’t be paralyzed by fear of the unknown.

 2.      Maintain organized copies of your and your family’s medical records.  The past year, I’ve been keeping tabs of our test results and prescriptions, filing them neatly in a plastic file envelop.  I also keep digital copies of lab results organized in google drive with access to identified family members.  There’s no point in keeping your medical records if only you can access it.

 Believe me, having these handy with you at the hospital will help you answer a deluge of questions from nurses and doctors.  They will ask you about your medical history including medicines (western & eastern) you took.  This is really the only PAST you can’t move on from.

 Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of details of mama’s previous medical procedures, laboratory tests, diagnosis, etc.  I have vague recollection but when they ask you at the hospital, you need to provide specifics.  This is why I am telling you this is important, learn from my mistake.

 3.      If you do not have an HMO, then prepare to shell out from your own pockets.  It is important to understand the limitations of your HMO so you are better prepared when it comes to paying the hospital bill. There is an age limit for coverage under an HMO.  There are HMO’s available to seniors but they are more expensive and the coverage is very limited.

 I learned years ago that hospitalization, without an HMO, can be a big financial burden.  You need to SAVE.  Personally, I practice saving 20% of my gross income monthly, without fail for many years now.  It was quite difficult at first but you will get to adjust to your reduced disposable income.

 4.      Make sure you have copies of your family’s identification cards – SSS, TIN, Passport, Senior Citizen’s, Driver’s License, etc.  Having all of these saves you a lot of trouble in filling up forms.  And yes, know your family’s birth dates (including the year) by heart.

 5.      Probably will not apply to everyone but sharing nonetheless because it has worked well for me in various medical situations.  Having a good credit history will help you get a credit card with a decent credit limit.  Remember that there are limits how much money you can withdraw from the ATM and during this time of pandemic, I’m sure many would want to stay away from the banks.  Banks are closed also during the weekend so unless you have stashes of cash lying around at home, then using a credit card is your next option if you need to pay a deposit or will be checking out during the weekend.

 If a patient will be transferred to the ICU, you can probably stay as a guest in your current room but this is not always the case since the hospital prioritizes patients. Check also what is the rate for staying as a guest as I was told it can be double the room rate.  Some hospitals have accommodations for this purpose but you need to check if there’s an available bed or get yourself on the wait list.

[mynameisjaysantos]

I know its a bit late but honestly just found the time to unwrap my gifts today. Each one as special as the next. Thank you to everyone who remembers and who take the time to include me in their gift list. Merry Christmas to everyone! #christmas2021 #lifeandtimesofyuan #note20ultra #teamsamsung #happiness (at Muntinlupa City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYEIx8lvW3e/?utm_medium=tumblr

[mynameisjaysantos]

Here's a throwback to the rain vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. Truly a masterpiece and a definite must see when you visit. Will get to see it again in a couple week's time. #latepost #travel #vacation #lifeandtimesofyuan #P20 #Huawei #mobilephotography #singapore #jewelchangiairport #changiairport (at 星耀樟宜 Jewel Changi at Changi Airport) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1GjAheH29d/?igshid=1i8zec6snh007

[mynameisjaysantos]

The #cloudforest is as beautiful as it was 5 years since i last saw it. Still a must visit for me if its your first time in singapore! #travel #vacation #familytrip #lifeandtimesofyuan #landscape #P20 #Huawei #mobilephotography #silhouette (at Cloud Forest At Gardens By the Bay) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz4oUS-nfKq/?igshid=a4ejl7dgvxj4

[mynameisjaysantos]

Maybe when i get a house, i'll have something similar for when family or friends come to visit and we can dine here al fresco. #fujintree #taiwan #taipei #latepost #travel #travelingpinoy #vacation #lifeandtimesofyuan #P20 #Huawei #mobilephotography (at 富錦樹台菜香檳 Fujin Tree Taiwanese Cuisine & Champagne) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzl-SbTAL20/?igshid=130jl0y74j4jr

[mynameisjaysantos]

Isn’t she lovely? Went plant hunting this morning. Such a lovely weekend! #coleusblumei #plantitosofmanila #urbangarden #plantsofig #condoliving #goinggreen #lifeandtimesofyuan #colorfulplants #homegarden https://www.instagram.com/p/BsPM9RbnQUu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kensiz2j28dg

[mynameisjaysantos]

There’s so much to look forward to this 2019 - new challenges, new opportunities. There’s no guarantee there’ll be no rough seas along the way but we need to find the courage to face our battles head-on. So yeah life, bring it on. I’m ready for ya! #latepost #autumn #travel #vacation #korea #seoulsearching #ehwawomansuniversity #xt20 #fujifilm #mirrorless #portrait #lifeandtimesofyuan #nofilter #travelingpinoy (at 이화여자대학교 Ewha Womans University) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsO3ITznze_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tjybodmkf8si

[mynameisjaysantos]

It wasn’t in our initial itinerary but glad to have stumbled upon Haneul park while researching. They say autumn is the best time to visit this place and it was indeed beautiful in full bloom. Fields of reed grass all around made it perfect for pictures. And pictures we took - lots and lots of it! 😊 (📷: @angeisme) #travel #vacation #haneulpark #southkorea #korea #seoul #seoulsearching #lifeandtimesofyuan #iphonography #enlightquickshot #pixlr #autumn (at 하는공원 Haneul Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqImdSqHUqh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=vuiva065xz8p

[mynameisjaysantos]

“Walk your own path.” is probably the best advice i can give anyone. You own your happiness so why live your life trying to please everybody or conform to society’s standards. You’ll realize soon enough that no matter how hard you try, you can’t please everybody. So do what makes you happy, have courage to make your own mistakes but learn from them. Live a life with no regrets. (📷: @ali_atotubo) #travel #vacation #seoulsearching #seoul #korea #fujifilm #fujixt20 #enlight #nami #namiseom #seetheworld #lifeandtimesofyuan (at Nami) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqG9GuvH2jh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=b2grms8u7i2d

[mynameisjaysantos]

While we came in a bit later than ideal to catch the autumn leaves at Nami, the place was still a great place to take pictures. It was around 1 degree in the morning so even with thermals, you can still feel the cold. Happy to have friends who take really good pictures. (📷: @ali_atotubo) #travel #vacation #seoulsearching #seoul #korea #nami #namiseom #autumn #winter #fujifilm #fujixt20 #mirrorless #travelingpinoy #seetheworld #lifeandtimesofyuan #uniqlo #palladium #snapseed (at Nami) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqF3T5Snzry/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ez8j8pyjxr22

[mynameisjaysantos]

The goal is to go for more natural healing so even if its a tad bit more expensive - health is wealth. #youngliving #deeprelief #oilbularyo #shinyhappypeople #naturalhealing #synergyblends #iphonography (at McKinley Hill) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoanfcXHfXI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=yihzz79quddh

[mynameisjaysantos]

The view this morning was amazing from my room at the 37th floor. Rarely i get the chance to see the city skyline of Ortigas and despite a bad cold, i didn’t want to miss the chance to take a memento. #landscape #skyline #cityscapes #ortigas #marcopolo #work #iphonography #snapseed #jaysantos #lifeandtimesofyuan #picoftheday (at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn3R_4QH8oC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mnbyv3bpdzjj

[mynameisjaysantos]

Because going #green is not just the in thing, its because they are more useful than just being decorations! #goinggreen #snakeplant #plants #condoliving #oxygen #iphonography #lifeandtimesofyuan #home