Perineal Hygiene

We were discussing a case of a girl with cerebral palsy in a small group discussion together with a rehabilitation medicine consultant. One of her primary problems is her spastic hip adductor muscles. To make it more understandable, the muscles that draw her thighs together are so tense, she cannot "open" them (hindi siya makabukaka). The consultant started asking questions about the problems that can be encountered with this condition. One answered gait problems. The consultant said that that is very obvious. He asked for another answer that is not that observable but could give significant problems to the patient. The room got silent as all interns think for the right answer. Meanwhile, I tried to analyze the question by replicating the problem. I adducted my hips and in doing so, I noticed that something is getting squished. Then I suddenly blurted out loud...."Perineal hygiene!" The consultant was impressed by my answer and started explaining that indeed, perineal hygiene is compromised with this problem, leading to recurrent infections. 

After the discussion, one of my co-interns asked me how I came up with the answer. I said, "It's simple...Inipit ko...common sense."

photo from here

The Perfect Catch

Today, my family decided to fish because according to the caretaker of the pond, it is the best time to fish. So, we hurriedly packed our fishing rods and picnic basket. We arrived at the pond and started to unload our stuff. Our excitement suddenly died down when we found ourselves stuck in a foot-deep clay as we walk towards the edge of the pond. We finally reached the water after 20 minutes of skirmish with the thick heavy mud.

We began to cast our fishing poles in the water and waited for a fish to take a bite of the bait. Dum di dum di doo... nothing....dum di dum di doo...still no fish...dum di dum...we got tired of waiting and just decided to eat. Apparently, the water is too deep for fishing and the fishes are at the bottom of the pond. My mom wanted to hit the caretaker with her muddy slippers after she walked on thick mud for nothing.  She was quickly pacified.

 As we were eating, one of my uncles started to talk about why I am a good catch. Oh dear. Why should choosing a wife and fishing be metaphorically related?

"Basti here, has a good future ahead. Any parent would be thrilled to have a doctor as a son-in-law  who can also cook for their daughters. And with those chinito looks, you're definitely a good catch," he told everyone in the table.

My mom suddenly butted in, "I want my daughter-in-law to be a doctor..and she must be a good cook too! I don't want my son to go hungry!" She was hitting the table with a closed fist, making it more of a demand rather than just a statement. "...and please choose a fertile woman. I want an apo!" she continued. Everybody laughed.

"How about a son-in-law who is a doctor and who cooks well? He's fertile but we can't make a child of our own. We could adopt though to give you an apo." That was running in my mind as I gave them a sneaky smile.

I shoud still consider myself lucky for not being forced into fixed marriage. We are just part Chinese and I was raised with predominantly Filipino culture and traditions. However, my aunts and uncles sometimes play matchmaking with their friends. My sister had been to several dates set up by the family after graduating from post-grad school. I am expecting myself to receive a dose of this matchmaking game two years from now too. That is the tinge of Chinese tradition in our family.

But yeah, lately, I am starting to consider marrying a woman and having a family after seeing my dad again after 7 years (I'll write about that in another post). But who? Isabela is the only girl I've fallen in love with...and yeah... she turned out to be a lesbo. And if I do find a girl, would it be just like casting a bait in the water? Upon taking a bite of my charming lure, she'll realize that everything is merely a deceit

photo from here

When Rain Falls

"...when it pours, so does thoughts that make our tears fall with it. "

People are complaining and dying of the intense heat brought about by El Nino. The rain that fell today is indeed a great relief to many. I took advantage of the cold night, for tomorrow, the sun might comeback to torment me. With an iced cola, I went out and dipped my feet in the cool water that filled the pond in our garden that was previously dried up by the hot summer.

I disturbed the serene pond as I playfully paddled my feet in the water. I watched as every splash spread havoc to the entire pond. Suddenly, a large frog jumped out of the now agitated water and leaped over my lap. Like a reflex, I suddenly stood up, and shook my whole body, to drive away the terrified frog. I decided to just sit on a nearby chair for I might invoke other creatures from the pond if I disturb its serenity further.

Then, thoughts in my mind began to jump from one to another, like a schizophrenic's flight of ideas. Different thoughts...one idea leading to another, until they all ended up with sad thoughts. Issues..frustrations...failed plans...ambiguities...Now, I feel sad. I wish the rain would just fall again to conceal the tears that are rolling down my cheeks. Well, I'm not really crying. I could just imagine the MTV-ish scene.

Finally, my flight of ideas led me to a thought:...the rain…it washes away all the dirt, gives life to dying leaves and soothes the uncomfortable heat that we feel. But when it pours, so does thoughts that make our tears fall with it. The darkness and the coldness of the surrounding sometimes, make us realize that the same environment is existing within us…the feeling of emptiness.

photo from here