Showing posts with label living positively. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living positively. Show all posts

Friday, May 10, 2013

A Hug



I woke up today thinking that this day is just like an ordinary day, I immediately took a bathe and prepare myself for work, I usually kiss my mom on the forehead before leaving the house but as I was walking out the door.

Mom: aalis ka na? (are you leaving?)

Me: opo baka ma-late ako sa office (yes, I might be late for work)

Mom: lika muna dito (come here first)

I was thinking she will just ask me to do some errands and stuffs, as I got closer she gave me a very tight hug. I was speechless and teary eyed... As you can see my relationship with my mom got weakened after I told her my HIV status, she was so mad at me that she said some very hurtful things to me before and our conversations regarding my health always leads to a fight. As I remember the last time she hugged me was on my 23rd birthday, I am already 24, turning 25 this year. That hug means a lot to me, it pushes to fight even more. I do love my mom very much and I had forgiven her already. I am just praying that one day things will be back to normal with us.


Monday, December 31, 2012

Remembering 2012


2013 is almost here, but let me share you my top 5 unforgettable experience this 2012.

5. Losing a friend - I've met him late December of 2010, instantly we clicked, we were constantly communicating through twitter, and just this year he passed away. He was such a good friend. I miss him...

4. Promotion - I have always been frustrated about my career, this promotion is truly a blessing.

3. Birthday - One of the most memorable birthday experience is celebrating with my twitter friend. I am happy that I was able to meet this wonderful people.

2. Cd4 - After being stuck to 300, my cd4 finally went up to 647, this one is really a surprise, because of my stressful work environment I didn't expect it to go up like this. I am very thankful.

1. Family and Boyfriend - My family doesn't talk about my relationship or even my orientation but I was surprised when they took the initiative to get to know my partner, we even had lunch the day my partner went abroad. Slowly they are starting to accept our relationship.

My partner went home on the day of our anniversary, even though he was just staying here for a short while, he never fails to make me happy. Its been 3months since he left and I miss him so badly.


Overall this year was great, I am very thankful to God for giving me a very understanding doctor, a stable job, a wonderful friends, a supportive family, and a loving boyfriend. Looking forward to a better 2013.


Happy New Year! :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Climbing the Career Ladder


The month of June came and my promotion is official. I used to work 2 jobs but now I want to focus on one, I've been working on this company for a almost a year, I used to work as a part timer since I don't like to be tied up in one company but since my boss noticed my potential she offered me regularization with the compensation I demanded at first I was hesitant but after thinking hard I decided to accept it, to my surprise the offer wasn't only for regularization, I am promoted as one of the senior employee's of the company, there are people who were working for the company for years but still my boss chose me. I am happy with the blessings I am receiving from GOD, I've finally proven to my mom that my life is going on the right path despite the virus. My work schedule is kinda crazy but I think I can manage. :)

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Update: Doctor, Meds, and Cd4



I went to S.A.G.I.P-PGH yesterday to have my check up, to get my cd4 results and have my meds refill. Since sagip is on going some changes, new nurse, new doctor its like I'm starting all over again. I arrived around 1pm, its the first time I saw sagip with more than 5 people, usually when I go there I don't see anyone. Anyways the usual I knocked on the door and asked for my doctor, since I have a new doctor I forgot what her name was and gave my student number instead, in fairness to nurse karen, she is very nice and accommodating but since she is new she only knew me by my student number, so she let me wait outside then after a few minutes she let me in, she checked my blood pressure, my temperature, then she put something in my finger I really don't know what that's for, finally my weight, from 70kilos I now weigh 66kilos, I'm so happy I lost weight, I've been on a diet this past few days, thank god it payed off, then I told her that I was also gonna refill my meds, a few days before a friend from twitter tweeted that there isn't enough meds for our cocktail, and I confirmed that he was right, I was only given 15days supply of lamivudine and tenofovir, but I was given a bottle of efavirenz, the mass supply of meds will be delivered on the 3rd week of april so I think there is no reason to worry. After that I have to wait outside again for my doctor, to tell you honestly I wasn't so thrilled about the new doctor thing, I like my old doctor very much. When she came nurse karen introduced me to her, I was a bit shy but she is really nice, like my old doctor I can feel that she cares for me, she asked some question about my family, how am I coping, etc... The conversation when on and on, I found out that like my old doctor her pre-med course is my college degree, we had something in common. So its time for my cd4 results, my last cd4 as of august 2011 is 334, and my current cd4 is 326, it dropped 8points but it didn't really bothers me, I feel fine and I know someday I will be able to reach the 500 level. :)

Monday, March 19, 2012

My letter to H.I.V

 

Dear HIV,

You caught me completely off guard, I never saw you coming, the next thing I know you are already in my body and I have to live with you for the rest of my life. Accepting you is not easy. You broke my heart, you made me cry, you shattered my dreams, you even destroyed my relationship with my mom. How can a very tiny thing manage to broke many peoples hearts? Sooner or later a cure will be found, and you won't be able to hurt anybody anymore. 

I admit for a while I let you took over, you even had me on my knees but things will be different now. I won't let you take over again, I will take charge from now on. Living with you won't be a nightmare anymore, with the medication I have, you can now be controlled. HIV will be living with me not the other way around. Slowly I will be able to achieve my dreams, and you can't do anything about it. You will remain my darkest little secret.

positHIVe

Monday, January 16, 2012

Jet Lag


Its been 3 months and 16 days since he left... I miss him... sa isip ko mabilis lang naman ang araw, ilang tulog lng magkakasama na ulit kami. I kept myself busy as in career mode talaga! subsob sa trabaho kahit sunday nagwowork ako, para hindi ko siya masyado maisip, para iwas landi na din. lol! madaming temptation sa paligid. hahaha... Hanggang landi lng naman ako. I know my limitations. Minsan namimiss ko ung kakulitan nya, para kasing bata yun, mahilig mang asar pero asar talo naman. Nakakamiss din ung paglalambing nya sobrang maalaga pa, feeling ko isa akong princess, teka ang landi ko na. lol! weird pala magsulat in tagalog. Anyways... Monthsary namin ngayon, kung ilang months na kami I'm not sure. Nangyari nalang kasi bigla. Its my first long distance relationship, hirap pala lalo na ung time zone pag umaga dito gabi doon, I have to wait for his call para lang makapagusap kami, there are times pa na bihira siya tumawag dahil busy but my love for him is still the same, I text him more than 5x everyday, kahit puro I love you lang laman ng message. Sa totoo lang I never felt this way sa isang tao. The good thing about our relationship is it did not start on sex, and it isn't based on sex, we're contented with hugging and kissing lang, basta magkasama lng kami. I think of him as my knight in shinning armor, nadami akong natutunan sa kanya, my life got better. I'm very HAPPY na nakilala ko cia, may mga plans na kami for our future. I know same sex relationships doesn't always have a happy ending, sooner or later they end up going separate ways pero hindi naman cguro masamang mangarap na may "Happily Ever After" kaming dalawa. Good vibes lng dapat. hehehe... Bawal ang nega. In a few months makikita na kita ulit. Excited na ako. Happy Monthsary! I love you! and I miss you!


What time is it where you are?
I miss you more than anything
Back at home you feel so far
Waitin' for the phone to ring
It's gettin’ lonely livin’ upside down
I don't even wanna be in this town
Tryin' to figure out the time zones makin' me crazy

You say good morning
When it's midnight
Going out of my head
Alone in this bed
I wake up to your sunset
And it's driving me mad
I miss you so bad
And my heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged

What time is it where you are?
Five more days and I'll be home
I keep your picture in my car
I hate the thought of you alone
I've been keepin' busy all the time
Just to try to keep you off my mind
Tryin' to figure out the time zones makin’ me crazy

You say good morning
When it's midnight
Going out of my head
Alone in this bed
I wake up to your sunset
And it's drivin' me mad
I miss you so bad
And my heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Is so jet lagged

I miss you so bad [x5]
I wanna share your horizon
I miss you so bad
And see the same sunrising
I miss you so bad
Turn the hour hand back to when you were holding me.

You say good morning
When it's midnight
Going out of my head
Alone in this bed
I wake up to your sunset
And it's drivin' me mad
I miss when you say good morning
But it's midnight
Going out of my head
Alone in this bed
I wake up to your sunset
And it's drivin' me mad
I miss you so bad
And my heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Heart, heart, heart is so jetlagged
Is so jetlagged
Is so jetlagged

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Good Bye 2011, Hello 2012!


Time flies so fast, in a few hours 2011 is over...

My 2011 started rough but along the way it got really better. This year I started my medication, experienced some nasty side effects. Got employed after more than a year break, after 3 months got promoted, now I'm working on 2 or more jobs. I experienced heartbreak to falling in love again. I met some wonderful people on twitter. Overall it was good. Life is full of surprises, you'll never know what tomorrow brings. Enjoy life.

This 2012 I promise to live more, breathe more and love more. I also promise to be a good brother and good son to my parents. I will drink my meds on time, as in sakto sa oras! no more delays. I will follow my doctor na, hindi na ako magiging pasaway. hehehe... Will also work hard, I will avoid being late, sana naman kasi ndi na traffic. :) In a few months I will be spending my 2nd anniversary as poz kasabay ang Cd4 at Viral Load, excited na ako. At syempre excited na din ako sa pagbabalik ni partner. I Love You and always will. I Miss You so much! Happy New Year my baby. I could not ask for more.

I just want to thank all the people who listened to my story, laughed with me, tweet with me and fought with me in this battle.

Good Bye 2011, Hello 2012! Thank you!

Happy New Year Guys! Cheers to life! This Heart is Still Beating!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

I Love You! I Miss You!


You saw my profile at planet romeo, you asked me a lot of questions, I tried my best to answer it. Then you asked if we could meet I was very hesitant but somehow you made me say yes. I love you! I miss you! I can still remember the first time we met, I was a bit uncomfortable meeting you, you were HIV negative I am HIV positive but you didn't judge me at all, you act as if I was normal. I love you! I miss you! We talked and talked until I became comfortable with you, and its time for me to go home but the communication didn't stop there. I love you! I miss you! We would text and chat all day, I called you "kuya" you were like an older brother, I was very happy I've met a person like you full of positive vibes, full of laughter. I love you! I miss you! We hang out almost everyday, going to the mall, watching movies, eating, we became really close, you helped me with my problems, right then you became one of my strengths. You always tell me stories of the places you've been to, hearing it from you seems like I was there with you. I love you! I miss you! You were very religious, you asked me to come to church you and it became our Sunday habit. It was nice seeing another side of you, even though you act like a 10 year old kid most of the time I was glad I saw a more serious side of you. I love you! I miss you! The more I get to know you the more Ive fallen for you, but being HIV positive made me realized that we will never be more than just friends, but I never lost hope. As the weeks go by the more we got closer, after watching a movie we head back to your place, had a few drinks you kissed me, I kissed you back and things between us will never be the same again. I love you! I miss you! We slept together that night, because of my meds I had to sleep ahead of you. I slept with my head on your chest, with your arms wrapped around me and vice versa, as I fall asleep I can feel you kissing me, I smiled! I never felt so secured in my entire life. I love you! I miss you! I knew you would be going away soon, but we made our time together worth while. I lived in your house for quite some time, we were together almost every time except when I'm at work, you always prepare my lunch, you always cook my favorite food. You will fetch me to work and together we will go home. I feel so lucky to have you as my partner, no one has ever done that to me. I love you! I miss you! I brought you home, introduced you to my family, we were 2 decades apart, you were almost the same age as my parents, you handles yourself well I was very proud of you, I really don't care what they say. I love you! I miss you! You saw another side of me, I was immature, I was spoiled, I had my tantrum moments, but you stayed with me all through out. I love you! I miss you! Then the day of your departure came, I was very sad, I cried seeing you packed your things, I accompanied you to the airport, on our way you were holding my hand. I tried to be brave I cannot cry, but I can't help it, I composed myself and try to act normal. You always tell me that you love me and you will come back for me, I will hold on to your promise. We arrived at the airport, we said goodbye and hug each other, I wish I could have kissed you, but I can't. I didn't stayed long. I immediately took a cab, and went home, we still exchange text messages to say how much we love and we will miss each other. I love you! I miss you! Then you called, you told me it was time for you to board on the plane. I cried again! I said the things I wanted to tell you and it was good bye for now. I felt incomplete! I would just stare blankly into the sky hoping that I would see your plane. I love you! I miss you! You'll be gone for 10months, I know 10months isn't that long but I miss you already! I will wait for you. I will hold on to your promise that you will come back to me. I love you! I miss you!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Another Year



I celebrated my birthday this month, a simple celebration with a few close friends, my family and few relatives. I was very happy. Early morning of my birthday my mom came to my room to greet me, to my surprise it wasn't only a verbal greeting she hugged me and she told me that she loves me very much, blaming efavirenz I was a bit groggy so I didn't had a chance to react properly I said thank you and slept again. It was such a nice feeling, finally my mom is beginning to accept me, accept me with this virus. My life has never been this great, health-wise, career-wise, love-wise. Even though there were a few problems that comes my way I am still happy and thankful, I don't need a lot of people around me, all I need are my friends, my family and "J". By the way "J" is another story, I will post an entry of his own. So far so great! I am very thankful with what GOD has given me.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Living Positively + Living Well Campaign


LIVING POSITIVELY + LIVING WELL
A movement to use love and happiness against HIV.

Begin your own advocacy to live with a positive outlook, and share that positivism to the world. Add your voice to the growing number of advocates rallying for positivism and against HIV.

To be a part of the Living Positively + Living Well Open Photoshoot:
  1. Share your stories, thoughts, or philosophies on how you live positively;
  2. Join our two-part open photoshoot; and
  3. Be featured in our photo exhibition.

When: October 22 and 29 (10AM-6PM)

Where: Pioneer Studios, 123 Pioneer Street, Mandaluyong City
For the location map and directions to the venue, visit www.pioneerstudios.ph. The parking space in front of Pioneer Studios is limited and a tow-away zone.  Pay parking is available at Pioneer Citiland Parking near the studio at the corner of Pioneer Street and Reliance Street (see location map).  Rates are PhP30.00 for first 3 hours and PhP10.00 succeeding hours.

Registration Fee: PhP1,000.00

Proceeds to the event will be used for further skills training of YFL members as we expand our program to reach more people affected by HIV.

Specially-trained peer counselors from The Love Yourself Project (TLYP) will offer free counseling during the event.


How to Participate:
  1. Pre-register to confirm your participation (see registration form below)
    1. Answer the question “How do you live positively?”
    2. Select a schedule for your photoshoot. Make sure to indicate the following details:
      1. Shirt size;
      2. Preferred date; and
      3. Preferred time.
  2. Come to the scheduled photoshoot date and time
    1. Get professionally-shot portraits by photographer Noel Abelardo; and
    2. A special Yoga for Life “Living Positively + Living Well” t-shirt.
  3. Watch out for the Photo Exhibition in December 2011


FAQs

What should I wear?
You will be provided a Yoga for Life t-shirt to wear during the photoshoot. Please wear bottoms that will allow you to comfortably sit in a cross-legged position on the floor, e.g. pants.

Will the basic grooming or make-up service include hair styling?
We will have make-up artists on site to do basic touch-ups and grooming. We prefer the participants to look naturally beautiful; there is no need to look extremely glamorous.

Why do I have to pre-register and pay a 50% downpayment?
We don’t want you to wait long to have your photo taken. So by pre-registering and making a downpayment, we can reserve a timeslot that is most convenient for you.  We will also be able to reserve a t-shirt that best fits your size.  This process will allow us to work more efficiently and give you the attention and service you deserve.  You can pay the 50% balance at the venue.  We can issue official receipts upon request.

Can I still go if I did not pre-register or pay the 50% downpayment?
Yes, but you may have to wait for the next available timeslot.  Pre-registered individuals will be given priority.  Best to give us a call before you come so we can advice you.  Call Charmaine at 09175404247.  You can pay the P1,000 donation at the venue.

Can I bring a friend who wants to go for the same photoshoot but had not pre-registered on the website?
Yes, but same rule applies as in the previous question.

How long will the photoshoot take?
Allot 1.5 to 2 hours for the whole process, which will include registration, 10-minute peer education, make-up/grooming, and actual photoshoot.

Is the HIV peer education required?
The 10-minute HIV peer education session is optional, but highly recommended.  You will be in the good hands of certified peer educators from The Love Yourself Project, our partner for the campaign.  It will be a productive way to fill in the waiting time.


REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

By filling out the registration form, I am committing to participate in this photoshoot in support of Yoga for Life’s Living Positively + Living Well Campaign.  I understand that the donation of P1,000.00 will be collected from every participant to pay for a package that includes: (1) a Yoga for Life t-shirt, (2) basic grooming or make-up services, (3) a free HIV peer education session, and (4) two post-processed digital photos - 1 headshot layout and 1 lotus yoga pose layout.

Please make a 50% downpayment or full payment to reserve a timeslot.  Fill in and submit  the registration form on or before 21 October 2011. We will contact you through email or mobile phone to confirm your reserved timeslot.

Payment Instructions

You have three options for paying:
  1. Make a 50% downpayment of PhP500.00 by depositing it to our bank account and pay the 50% balance during the actual photoshoot;
  2. Make a full payment of PhP1,000.00 by depositing it to our bank account; or
  3. Paying either amount directly to Charmaine Cu-Unjieng or Paulo Leonido (co-founders) during a regular yoga class on or before 19 October 2011.  Official receipts will be given. Please settle any balance during the actual photoshoot. Schedule of classes can be found at www.yogaforlife.ph

For bank deposits, our bank details are as follows:

Bank name: China Banking Corp. (Chinabank Greenhills Branch)
Account name: Yoga for Life Foundation, Inc.
Account number: 105-375041-6

* Please show your bank deposit slip or Yoga for Life official receipt when you register during the actual photoshoot.