Ultra Sound Abdomen, Breast and Thyroid

Went for Ultra sound this morning, will get the result later. I think there's something in the liver, but the radiologist was one of those who avoid communication. Will get the report and go see Dr Merced this afternoon(even without appointment).

It's strange. I was introduced to Dr Merced by Susanna who happened to be in Manila. And a series of things just happen. She ordered blood test which showed high SGOT SGPT and alkaline Phosphate level, and then told me to get US, which was not even being ordered by my oncologist in February.

Life has its way. Found that a professor in AIM, Nieves Confessor had cancer of uterus, and she survived. I am here for a reason, just waiting for the stories to unfold itself.

Almost forgotten I have this blog, as I was feeling so healthy, yet so vulnerable when reality strikes.

So, don't be alarmed if you read this...as I have no information yet.

New Soup Recipe in the Philippines

Just settling down in Makati city and getting used to living in this studio unit. Come to think about it. This is one of the rare time that I get to live alone, without any housemate. I am djusting well, nevertheless and getting innovative with a modified soup recipe that contains :
raddish
pumpkin
zuccini
corns (Japanese corn)
sweet potato(purple in colour)

Just cut/diced and throwed everything in to boil. No sugar, no salt, and it's naturally sweet!

In general, people here are very much affected by the fastfood chains, and oftern will go for MacDonald, KFC, Starbucks, and has their homebred Jolliebees. They also pride themselves to have the biggest Mall in Asia, The Mall of Asia(MOA), which is turned into the slogan Philippines, mall Of Asia; as compared to Malaysia, truly Asia. They are also essentially meat eater, and as a result it has been difficult for me to follow my vegetarian diet, except for the few meals which I prepare for myself.

So, am now happily enjoying my soup for lunch.

Tokyo life

Am getting better at making the soup. Today's soup have 9 ingredients : garlic, onion, ginger, cucumber, carrot, sweet potato, leeks, pumpkin, and edamame!

Have been cooking almost everyday, and I could now cook soup, eat and wash within 1 hour.

Went to Malaysian restaurant yesterday, a very tiny one with only 2 tables with 4 seats each, and a bar counter with 5 seats so 13 in total. The chef is from Ipoh and the assistant from Penang. The dishes were quite good but rather oily for me. My Japanese friends loved the food - broccoli, bak kut teh, steam fish, and nasi goreng. I told the chef (before eating) that I do not miss Malaysian food, nor Malaysia. As Tokyo is such a liveable city, if you can survive the high living cost. I live 2 minutes or 150 steps from the metro station, and the transport system is so efficient that it could take you to almost anywhere, pomptly. So, people here are punctual, and polite. With my limited Japanese, I get by, waiting for winter to arrive, and maybe I will miss Malaysia then.

Tokyo observations

Pictures of a public toilet which has features like temperature control, options of sprinkling, rinsing, drying, etc. In some, the toilet cover opens up as you enter, and there is a button for toilet music (sound of water) to cover the noise of you might be making.

1. Public transport including buses are punctual.
2. People are on time, polite with good sense of mutual respect.
3. Strong culture of reading and massive information consumption - newspaper circulation is top in the world, free fliers/pamphlets/maps are available everywhere, mangga/cartoon is popular, various magazines with new arrivals on a daily basis, and volumes of books available. (Almost every other person I met has published something, either books, articles, cartoons, or has an exhibits of art piece or photos, or produced films, plays, etc)
4. Safest place I have seen so far. Lost/found items are usually returned to owner. Low crime rate. Kids commuting/walking to school on their own and women traveling alone at night.
5. High tech toilets and well maintained facilities.

Autumn/秋（あき）

Autumn is here. Weather is turning cold. My hair has grown over an inch(somehow white one outgrows the black ones, which kind of make sense because it is because of their rapid metabolism that they turn white first), and half my nail is turning pinkish, edging the yellowish/dark colour part out of the way.

Many are concerned about my health. I felt healthy before the diagnosis and I feel healthy now, except with occassional tingling pain around the area of surgery.

Just enjoying the journey, whether I was in an interview, or working with colleagues/volunteers/friends, or learning Japanese. There is no distinction between work and play anymore, because I am enjoying the process...

Merdeka

Exactly a year ago on this date, I was working on the deadline for the API proposal. It was a significant date, not only because it was the National Day for Malaysia, but it was also the day where Japanese nation casted their votes to put the then opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan(DPJ) in power, after being ruled by the Liberal Democratic Party(LDP) for almost the entire period. Little did I know when I decided to apply for API a week prior to the deadline that it would be a very significant date, not just for Japan, but for myself. A quick, last minute decision, with some determination and passion, lots of help from friends (especially the one who was awarded the previous year), the proposal was made. A year later, here I am now, in Japan, to implement the proposed project.

What happened in the past one year was history but life has taken a new form since. In the past, work took precedence of almost everything because of the fixed hours and the instinctive nature to excel. Now, the project is the core of my life, but the approach is totally different. This time, I focus on living, and not doing. I enjoy the moments instead of trying to do everything. Somehow, things work well, without me doing too many things, and without me trying too hard to prove myself.

My time is spent on researching, reading, learning, networking, observing, reflecting, and shooting or interviewing is only part of the process. Not forgetting also marketing(bargain hunting for groceries), cooking, eating, washing, commuting and sleeping which remains the basic maintenance of life.

Sometimes, things happen in such that it seems to leave us with no choice, but it is in living each moment, through the choices we make or do not make, consciously or not, that define who we are.

A Whole New World

In a different country using a different language, learning different culture, I am leading a new life. It's been a great experience since touching down, with lots of action. We have explored almost a few cities, using various types of trains or metro/subway/lines, seeing many places within the past 2 weeks. We have received such warm welcome and made so many good contacts that it feels unreal! Even strangers on the street are so warm and helpful, let alone the new friends we have made.

Too many things happened and I'm sure much more will follow. While being mindful of my body and energy level, I am committed to lead a fruitful journey in the new world.

So, allow me to sign out here, knowing that I am making the best out of each moment. It's been great knowing that many friends back home and abroad have cared for me, and helped me through this difficult journey. It does not mean the journey ahead will be easier, but what's life without the unforseen challenges?

All the best to my friends who read/follow this blog. May you find peace and happiness in each moment....