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Published by neil under birthdays, dangerous place to be on November 12, 2008
Archive for the ‘dangerous place to be’ Category
Perspective
Published by neil under acoustic guitar, andy mckee, dangerous place to be, music on November 7, 2008I was invited to play for the GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT held at CCF, St. Francis Square by Roy Fabella of Windsong. He wanted me to play “Rylynn“. I felt excited for the opportunity to play. I always wanted to do this. So it was a rather joyful moment for me.
What I didn’t expect was this.
I am familiar that CCF has a huge crowd, but judging from the seats and the nature of the conference, I knew this was going to be a big audience. I couldn’t feel anything. Either I was too nervous or was doing my best to calm down. I also thought why God put me where I was at that moment.
11:57 minutes before 2:00PM (my turn)
When I took this shot, I thought of how God must be watching me. And he will be looking at me further 11:57 minutes from then on.
Come 2:00PM, show time. I did not even once, glance at the audience.
Just did a simple bow after I played “Rylynn“. I looked at the audience and sighed a big relief and thanking myself that I did not glance at them. I would be too frightened. In all my years as a musician, doing solo numbers still freak me out. I don’t decline, but I don’t relax either.
Did I tell you there were plenty of people? It was a surprise to see siblings Tim Mallilin and Tiff Mallillin. He actually waved at me before my number.
I asked Ate Dits to take pictures of me, and I would argue this shot deserves a trophy:
Perspective - how do you see things?
I’m small compared to God. But sometimes I project myself being bigger than him. But in reality, He is bigger than me. In reality, regardless of how I stubborn I am, He watches over me.
This is my reflection on the photo above. I am but a small servant playing for a big God. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t aware I was projected on the screen. I’m happy to not know! God must be snickering at me for thinking this.
Anyways, Windsong rocked CCF after my number.
Kuya Roy was playing keyboards at the far left of the stage.
All in all, it’s a humbling experience for me. And I went back to office smiling.
Jurassic Park author Michael Crichton is dead
Published by neil under dangerous place to be, internet on November 6, 2008
The genius that he is, Michael Crichton has now left us. He now joins the fossils that of which he has ressurected creating a whole new world for all of us.
I will remember him for creating the Dinosaur world that all children have always been curious about.
This is one of the few books I have read and finished. And I did it because I had a book report while I was in 6th Grade.
If you’ve read or seen ER, Congo, and Twister, he’s the great mind behind it all. I didn’t see or read them, but I know my brother loves him for the stories he has written.
Rest in Peace Mike.
Source: Crunchgear
Sedated Radiated
Published by neil under dangerous place to be on October 23, 2008Ok. I’m drugged and really feeling groggy.
The premise here is that I have kidney stones. The left and right. One on each.
I’m rich and stoned.
ESWL -Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses shock waves to break a kidney stone into small pieces that can more easily travel through the urinary tract and pass from the body. You lie on a water-filled cushion. X-rays or ultrasound tests are used to precisely locate the stone. High-energy sound waves pass through your body without injuring it and break the stone into small pieces.
This was my procedure.
I hope I don’t grow another hand.
I lay down on the bed. Barely comfortable, but what can I do. Who would be when you’ve got gadgets hanging above your body and screens indicating life and death meters?
The good doctor approached and explained she will be pricking me on my right hand. Ok. I hate needles. The mere of thought of it penetrating my skin stiffens me. I don’t know how I manage to do it during an annual physical exam, but this one is the one with water in the bag dangling by your side (IV they call it) kind of thing.
“We need a smaller needle”
Those were the kindest words I heard.
And then I saw the needle. I thought if that’s small, I wonder what’s normal and what’s big. Medonwanasee!
It’s in now. Yes. She punctured me.
“The “water” is not flowing”
Uuhh. Do you have to prick me again?
Thankfully, it did eventually. I asked if that was the only prick they’ll do. Yes, they said.
Ok good.
By this time I was shaking. I couldn’t stop my lower body from shaking. I knew it was fear. I’ve never done this before. I never shook this way when I was circumcised, why now.
“Ah, he’s feeling cold”
The male nurse eventually redirected the AC to another direction. It stopped me shaking. Ok, so I am scared. But I was shaking because it was cold. All throughout I was thinking I have a strong mind. I should control myself. My resolve is firm. I should conquer.
By body just doesn’t want to cooperate.
Then the male nurse started plugging some things on my left arm, and my chest. Some sort of bio readers with cables on them. I saw the screen displaying graphs and figures I could not decipher. I only saw a big 98% number. I wonder if that’s my life points. I have 98% remaining. Hahaha.
By this time I was feeling numb because of the position of my left arm, right arm, and everything else. I can’t remember how many times the anesthesiologist told me to relax. Then they plug the oxygen in my nose. This is the kind that doesn’t cover the mouth. Just the nostrils, and she hang the remaining hose on my ear lobes. I thought I looked like a cool guy listening to his ipod.
I wasn’t really in pain during this time. I wanted to laugh really. I wanted to say “The pain! The pain!” and laugh and hurt at the same time.
My urologist comes in.
“Good morning”
“Good morning” (I was wondering what’s so good about this)
They started moving the bed. It felt like a dentist’s chair, only it was a bed. It had a gaping hole where your middle body would be lying down and it had some sort of large, circular, vacuum device lying there. It was the ultrasound device. It felt cold when it touched my mid body. I wanted to laugh. I’m ticklish! My weakspot has been discovered! And they moved it around, along with the bed. Argh! I thought this was funny, but I couldn’t laugh. And no, it wasn’t painful.
The anesthesiologist then told me she’ll put me to sleep.
Ok.
Then she did. I felt some sort of pain on my right arm where the IV was. I looked at her, baffled. She said, it’s really painful, but it’ll pass. It was the kind of pain I can handle for the meantime. My fear at this point is to suddenly wake up and find out what they’re doing, or not doing. Of course, they won’t open me up. But I don’t want to be whatever pain it might be when I would suddenly.
I closed my eyes.
Next thing I remember, I was being moved around. Kind of like what you see on TV, where you have patien’s perspective. You see ceiling lights moving above you, nurses and doctors talking.
“Is he dead?”
That would be the last thing I wanted to hear.
I woke up in an unfamiliar place.
There were other people. Alive people.
Nice! I’m not in the morgue!
I didn’t have to open my body bag and get out. I’m alive! Mwahahaha!
But I couldn’t bare to sit yet. I rested a little more. Every once in a while, some nurse would come by me and say breathe deeply. And I did. I did not see her face, but I was obliging to what she was asking me to do.
Then I was able to muster enough strength to sit. And I did.
Man! I wanted to lie down again when I did! But I managed to sit up straight.
Told the nurse I’m ok.
She offered water.
I drank.
Mom went near me, and the nurse explained what I should take. etc… Apparently mom and the urologist already talked. He gave me meds.
I wanted to go home by this time. I asked if there’s anything else to do. She said I needed to pee before I go.
Ok.
I was told weeks before after this, my urine would have blood.
That’s normal.
That’s normal?!?
I asked for another glass of water. Actually, more of plastic cup of water.
Drank.
Went to the bathroom.
Man.
You still want details?
After the excruciating and rather hilarious event in the bathroom, I changed back to my clothes. She removed the IV from my hand.
I really hate needles.
After preparing to leave, we went to the car.
That’s my ordeal of this morning.
I thank God for his provision and guidance for all this. And friends and family who have been supportive and prayerful. I may or may not have the right stone here in my kidney still, so in a month or so, I’m off to round 2!
p.s.
Yes, these were the thoughts that I can remember as of this writing. I amuse myself with them during this entire period, and I don’t mean any offense to the good people in UCPI. They were very accommodating.
The nurses there are also cute. I had to notice it even in my condition.
“Hey there, wanna rock?”
Lego Tower
Published by neil under dangerous place to be, toys on October 8, 2008
Coming from Gizmodo:
At 96.73 feet (29.485 meters) this Lego tower built in the Rathaus Platz in Vienna has broken the world record for the tallest Lego construction in the world. It took nearly 460,000 bricks and it was built over four days. The views from the top are quite stunning.
Reminds me of my own collection which wouldn’t even make 300 pieces in my estimate. This high rising lego tower is every geek’s childhood dream come true. With that many pieces, think of how fun it would be to push it over and see it collapse in its full glory.
Danrey and Grace - Wedding
Published by neil under Faith Christian Fellowship, dangerous place to be, friends, photography on October 3, 2008
After much conviction and counsel, Danrey and Grace has finally agreed to tie the knot knowing and sanely aware that there is no turning back from this moment.
Congratulations to the two of them. =)
Of course, this is my share of photos for the event.
I came out with a self-proclaimed cool wedding quote whenever I am asked about weddings and imprisonment:
Ideally, you get married 3 times in your lifetime…
to the same person.
Hopefully, all the weddings I have participated in will be just like that.
Cheers!
Faces
Published by neil under dangerous place to be, friends, photography on October 3, 2008
Photo by Jannette
I have just created an album featuring just faces - closeups or otherwise.
These here are pictures of friends and people I have come across with one way or another.
Bear with the Album cover. I personally think it’s a nice shot. It’s a rare moment I did not distort my own face.
SEE? She cannot obviously keep me in place.
Right in the kisser!
Published by neil under dangerous place to be, internet on September 29, 2008This is so cool. I can’t help but think one of my faces could have looked cool in there!
AQ_PUNCHES from John Wiseman on Vimeo.
China’s Milk Scandal
Published by neil under dangerous place to be on September 23, 2008I received this email:
The following food items have been recalled due to China’s milk situation:
M&M’s
Snickers
Mento’s Yoghurt Bottle
Dove Choc
Oreo Wafer Sticks
Monmilk
Dutchlady Sterilised Milk
Wall’s All Natural Mango
Mini Poppers Ice Cream
Magnum Ice Cream
Moosandwich Ice Cream
Mini Cornetto Ice Cream
Youcan Ice CreamGrocery Stores have been advised to remove them from their shelves for public safety.
If you have any of these items in your house, it’s best to toss them out.
I did some research on the subject at hand and found this link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7624969.stm
I am not sure if the products above are of concern or some marketing ploy by competitors, but I would rather be careful.
Contains list of food and products tested for Melamine.
Sheesh.
Published by neil under dangerous place to be on September 15, 2008Last thing I need right now is being shoved about the way I live my life.
I don’t mean any disrespect, but I’ll make it somehow. If you live longer than I would, then I’d be thankful. If you think so highly of me and have great expectations of me, then thank you. But don’t be so sorry if I don’t make them. You don’t have to blame yourself for my decisions. If you think you could have done better if you were in my position, good for you, but that isn’t what’s here.
I’m just trying to live.