Showing posts with label Food & Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food & Health. Show all posts

Monday, September 02, 2024

Trigger Finger: What It Is, and When to See a Hand Specialist For It

Have you ever noticed how certain activities we do every day, like typing on a computer or even carrying grocery bags, can take a toll on our hands? For many of us moms, these repetitive motions are just a part of life, but over time, they can lead to issues we might not even be aware of—until they start causing pain. One such issue is a condition called "trigger finger," which is more common than you might think, especially for women in their 50s and 60s. 

I'm not even 50 yet but I felt it in my right pinky and ring fingers a few months ago. And that deeply upset me because I'm right-handed and the condition made daily life difficult (like I needed more reasons to have a hard time!). Writing, typing, cooking, and doing the laundry hurt!


Understanding what causes this condition and recognizing the symptoms early on can help you manage it more effectively. Women, particularly those juggling careers and household responsibilities, are at a higher risk of developing trigger finger. Activities like typing, gardening, or even repetitive chores around the house can contribute to this condition.

Many upper-limb repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) like ‘trigger finger’ are a major concern for office and factory workers. However, a study of these injuries conducted in Singapore found that female patients aged 51 to 60 were an especially at-risk cohort, likely because they also did a significant amount of housework in addition to their professions. Another study specifically covering trigger finger found that hobbies like gardening also factored in for Singaporeans. 

Thankfully, finding a hand specialist Singapore locals trust is not a problem, thanks to the country’s robust healthcare infrastructure. Regardless, even though they aren’t widely considered to be urgent conditions, trigger finger and other RSIs can be a serious impediment to life quality, particularly in the later years of one’s professional life.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is an RSI that affects the tendons in the fingers or thumb, usually but not always in the dominant hand. It’s characterized by inflamed tendons or tendon sheaths, which cause the affected digits to catch or lock in place when bent. Think of it as like Spider-man's hands when he's shooting webs. This condition doesn't look as cool, though, and can be more than just an annoyance; it can impact your ability to perform simple daily tasks, from holding a coffee cup to buttoning a shirt. This condition can be painful and may significantly reduce a patient’s precision when performing certain tasks, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing a musical instrument.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger can vary in severity—some patients may feel intense pain while others feel no pain at all. Moreover, symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:

Finger Stiffness. 
The thumb or fingers may feel stiff or unresponsive to conscious attempts to move it, resulting in a loss of precision when performing tasks demanding fine motor skills. This stiffness is often more prominent upon waking.

Clicking or Popping Sensation. 
Bending or straightening the affected digit may cause a clicking or popping sensation that you could feel or hear. This happens because of the tendon catching or dragging on the inflamed sheath.

Tenderness or Lump at the Base of the Finger. 
A small, tender lump may develop at the base of the affected digit, indicating a thickened tendon.

Pain When Bending or Straightening the Finger. 
Patients with trigger finger may feel pain in the palm when trying to straighten the digit.

Finger Locking in Bent Position. 
In more severe cases of trigger finger, the affected digit may lock in a bent position and require significant effort or even external assistance to straighten it. When the finger straightens, it may snap into place rather than move in a smooth motion. This is where the term “trigger finger” originates and it can be rather alarming for patients.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Like other RSIs, trigger finger is often caused by a repetitive strain, in this case on the tendons of the fingers and hands. Causes and risk factors of the condition include but are not limited to:

Repetitive Hand Movements. 
Engaging in activities that require frequent gripping or fine movements can increase the risk of developing trigger finger. Unfortunately, this cause is prevalent and practically impossible to avoid for many working-age professionals.

Inflammatory Conditions. 
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes that cause swelling of the tendons or some kind of impingement in the hand area can increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger.

Gender and Age. 
Trigger finger is significantly more common in women than men and it is most commonly seen in professionals between the ages of 40 and 60.

Previous Hand Injuries. 
Old injuries to the hand can lead to scarring or thickening of the tendon sheath or the tissues next to it. This may interfere with the normal functioning of the digit and increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

Congenital Conditions. 
In extremely rare cases, children may be born with a congenital form of trigger finger.

When to See a Hand Specialist

Fortunately, trigger finger can sometimes resolve on its own if you avoid activities that worsen the condition. However, there are situations when it is advisable to see a hand specialist:

Finger Locking or Sticking. 
If your finger or thumb regularly locks or sticks in a bent position, you should see a hand specialist, even if no pain is involved. This invariably indicates an advanced stage of stenosing tenosynovitis

Symptoms Persist After Resting. 
If your symptoms persist despite resting the affected hand for a few weeks, it’s time to consult a hand specialist.

Increasing Pain. 
Seek professional help immediately if you experience chronic pain that continues to increase even with rest, splinting, or over-the-counter medication. This may indicate a need for corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Managing and Treating Trigger Finger

Fortunately, trigger finger is often manageable with rest and over-the-counter medications. Changing how you approach certain tasks and using ergonomic equipment can also help bring the condition under control.

However, the condition can still develop even in otherwise ideal conditions. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, seek advice from a hand specialist Singapore patients depend on. They should be able to recommend interventions that may restore functionality to your digits, allowing you to work and enjoy life unhindered by trigger finger.

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Sunday, May 19, 2024

Yummy recipes made from leftovers

My family does not like leftovers. So I try to cook ulam that's just enough for all five of us. But sometimes there are still leftovers. Ang hina talaga namin kumain!
 
So the leftovers don't get eaten and then on weekends, I clean out the ref and I find forgotten leftovers of I don't even remember when I cooked them and of course, I throw them away. It is a terrible thing to throw away food kahit na it's not a lot of food. Madalas it's just a half-eaten chicken nugget or a cup of spaghetti sauce or two matchbox-sized pieces of adobo pero wala ng sabaw. Yung tipong "Isang kagat na lang, hindi pa inubos," or "Nahiya pa sa last piece!"

To minimize throwing out perfectly good food, I have a few ideas on recycling leftovers:

These are pizzas my sons made out of leftover spaghetti sauce, hotdogs and chicken nuggets.

I used leftover rice to make this cheesy chicken and rice casserole. Recipe here.

I used leftover rice and chicken to make this delicious risotto. Recipe here.

Leftover spaghetti noodles can be used for chicken noodle soup.

Cook leftover lechon, which is mabilis mapanis, into yummy lechon kawali.

With jam, peanut butter, cookie butter or Nutella, we turn bread crusts into tasty rolls.

Crumble leftover chocolates onto ice cream for added texture and flavor.

How about you? What do you do with leftovers?

*This is a post from my now-unpublished blog, Topaz Mommy.
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Sunday, May 05, 2024

Tanglad tea is good for everybody

Let's make tanglad tea! For you Thai food aficionados, that's lemongrass tea!

So off I went to the market and bought some tanglad leaves. And here's a photo essay on how to make some:
Wash leaves. You can steep it in white vinegar if you like.

Cut leaves into 1-inch sections.

Bring water to a boil.

Oh, this is just a pretty shot. Love all those green hues!

Boil leaves for 5 minutes. Turn off heat. Then steep for
5 to 15 minutes. It depends on how strong you want the tea.

Serve with calamansi and honey!

Easy! Vince loves lemongrass tea. I should always remember to make pitchers of this! I strongly recommend that you brew this tea for your family, too. With all the health benefits, this is one refreshing drink you and your family will most definitely enjoy.

*This is a post from my now-unpublished blog, Topaz Mommy.

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Monday, April 29, 2024

I have lived in the goodness of God

Wow, I blinked, and it's already the end of April! How did that happen? This year is going so fast, so before I blink again and find it's already Christmas, let me tell you about last year. 

My horrible year. My blessed year. 

Yes, it can be both things at once and I hope one day, when it doesn't feel like a fresh wound anymore, I will only see 2023 as blessed. 

Handa na ba kayo? I don't think I am. So I think this will be a rambling post. It's a year I'd rather forget, that's why I hardly blogged last year. That's also why I'm having a hard time telling you about it. I'm still processing.

Everything actually began months before, in 2022, when I had menorrhagia. I had to have all these checkups and tests and finally a D&C. All that was an unexpected expense so I realized I needed health insurance and a regular source of income. Then nung pandemic, nag-homeschooling kami but yung panganay ko, gustong bumalik sa school so we enrolled him na. He was happy to be back in school and medyo nainggit mga kapatid niya and so we all agreed that in 2023, babalik sila sa brick-and-mortar school. Kaso ang mahal ng tuition. Hindi na kaya ng income namin - my husband's job as editor and mine as freelance writer and editor for a content agency. I loved that job because our clients were fashion and home decor. So easy and so fun. Unfortunately, I was paid by the hour... and I worked fast. 

So I started applying. That was not a happy time for my ego. I kept getting rejected or offered a low salary, but I figured it was okay since I was still homeschooling my two younger sons. The plan was to finish the school year (that's May) and get a job in June. But then in December, an offer came along with a higher-than-average compensation package. I couldn't say no so I got the job, very exciting, and I started work in January.

My office desk

It was supposed to be a good thing, right? But I didn't anticipate the huge shock reemployment was going to be to my system. I've been a work-at-home mommy for 10 years and then quarantine meant I had my sons with me 24/7. Suddenly, I was away for 11-12 hours. I suffered from withdrawal like you cannot believe. I was crying every day of January. Literal na umiiyak ako sa MRT, sa office and then pagdating sa bahay, iyak ulit, then iyak bago matulog. In fact, I cried till September. No joke. Hindi na naman araw-araw, siguro weekly na lang. I was that miserable. It took me so long to get used to not being with my family.

That working-mom guilt? I now know what it feels like. I never felt it before because I worked from home. Now, I'm endlessly plagued by the thought I'm not a good mother. I'll tell you just one incident of several but this was the one that iniyakan ko talaga. Near the end of the school year last year, so in May, liniligpit ko yung school shoes ng anak ko when I noticed sira na shoes niya. I asked him kelan pa and he said mga one month na siguro. Sabi ko bakit di niya agad sinabi and he said, "Because you're busy, Mama."

Naiiyak na naman ako typing this. Hindi ko man lang napansin. For a whole month! And isn't that what makes us good mothers? Our ability to notice everything? To anticipate needs, to be alert to the slightest cough, to swoop in before disaster strikes. Hindi ko man lang napansin. 

Now I know some of you will say I don't have to do this. Well, my kids want to go to school. They don't want to be homeschooled anymore. So here we are. 

Anyway, new job, new life arrangements, new everything - that's what was happening outside me. I'm usually okay with external forces. Anyone who knows me knows I can be a bad bitch when it comes to challenges. I always have a "Bring it!" attitude. I call it my "invincible summer."


Unfortunately, internal forces were at play, too. I was going through perimenopause (let's do a whole 'nother post on that!) and I had begun a hormone treatment for my menorrhagia. I was in hormone hell. Still am actually but my treatment is over so I'm feeling lots better. That invincible summer? Gone. I was suffering anxiety and crazy mood changes. I was worried all the time. Afraid, stressed out. And did I tell you I cried all the time? Baka kasi di ko nasabi na umiiyak ako for 9 months.

It was so illogical and very unlike me. I have been through worse things in my life. An unsafe childhood. An abusive relationship in college. Job losses. Theft. The deaths of my parents. But I was never this deeply unhappy. For what??? If you take away my feelings, ang ganda kaya ng buhay ko. Good job, good home, great family, getting-better health. 

Some days I was happy. Most days I was sad. Some days I was fun. Most days I was a miserable mess. So it was a tough year for me and my family because we never quite knew which me they'd get on any given day. 

Then just for fun, I took this online test and... SURPRISE!

https://patient.info/news-and-features/quiz-am-i-depressed

And here I thought I was just going mad and being ungrateful. 

I talked to a few friends about this. My sister recommended her therapist. My husband knew, too, of course. But he was also going through a bad time. Not my story to tell but it was hard for us because we were both drowning and we couldn't rescue each other. 

On top of all that, I got ugly. My hormone treatment made me break out into huge pimples. Chin, jaw, cheeks, nose, temples, eyebrows. Stress made me gain 12 lbs. Perimenopause made my hair frizzy and my skin itchy. My cholesterol skyrocketed and xanthelasma appeared under my eyes. It was bad enough I felt ugly inside, but ugly outside, too? 

Without makeup. This was in December when I actually looked better!

Like I said, it was a bad year.

And yet, I don't want to think too badly of 2023. 

It was my youngest boy's first time in a big school. He started going to chess club, too. My eldest boy graduated from grade school and then he entered high school. I started seeing friends and family again. We went to Manila Zoo, Dreamplay, Manila Ocean Park. I finally got Covid but I didn't die - it was just a bad headache and a loss of smell and taste. I've suffered worse with ordinary coughs and colds. Lean In Manila had its first face-to-face event. And despite my husband and I struggling with our separate issues, together we were fine.  

So 2024, I believe you'll be better! I already feel better so that's a start. With my hormone treatment done, my pimples have subsided so I look better, too. I'm getting my cholesterol and asthma under control. I'm not crying at work anymore because I really do like my job. I just couldn't appreciate it last year with everything else going on. 

So what got me through 2023? Listening to these songs on repeat:


My co-workers hear me singing this all the time. And when I get to this part, nagdadasal talaga ako for deliverance:

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety
To every soul held captive by depression
I speak Jesus

'Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire


I lived through 2023. I am alive and getting better. My family and my friends helped, but most of all, it truly was God who saw me through. I don't think I've ever prayed so much and so often in my life in a year that was, in all appearances, a wonderfully blessed year that I couldn't appreciate because of my hormones. My hormones are still there, wreaking havoc on my body and mind, but I'm taking it one day at a time. I really really hope I've gone through the worst of this perimenopause, but please pray for me anyway. I want to keep living in the goodness of God because He should be my invincible summer, the something stronger and better pushing right back at all the darkness.  



P. S. 
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions, please seek the advice of a qualified mental health professional. That's another reason I hesitated to tell you this story because my faith and these worship songs, while they helped me, are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 
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Sunday, December 11, 2022

My favorite Lazada finds (plus: a peek at my cart!)

Last huge sale of Lazada tonight at midnight and tomorrow kasi 12.12 na! Hindi 'to sponsored post (I wish!) but I'm on the shopping site right now, adding stuff to cart like crazy. 

So, andito na rin lang ako - and bet ko kayo rin hehe - share ko what my favorite Lazada finds are. Sorry, no actual pictures of the products I have. This post is kinda spontaneous kasi. If you like, leave a comment if you want me to do a review of a specific item. Basta lahat ng fave finds ko, I really bought and I recommend as great gifts for yourself or your loved ones. 

Here they are!

EMS Sports Sets (sports bra and high waist shorts) for yoga, running, fitness for women

I bought a lot of colors because for only P220 a set, okay siya! Very stretchy and yet I feel na contained lahat ng flabs ko. Love the wide waistband. It doesn't roll down kahit malaki tummy! Very comfortable! Sulit sobra lalo na kung araw-araw ang exercise niyo. Buy one set for every day!

My one dislike: Yung light-colored sets, wag niyo bilhin kasi kita kaluluwa niyo. As in. Kaloka, parang hubadera ako. But the dark colors (black, navy blue, forest green), yan, buy those.


Papemelroti Philippine folded hand fan

Okay, so I bought two of these fans (that black one sa picture and the pink jeep one) because I'm perimenopausal and I am overheating like crazy. Even if I'm in a room na naka-aircon, init na init pa rin ako so lagi akong may dalang pamaypay. To avoid looking like a donya, I got these kasi cute ng designs nila, hindi pang-matanda. And patriotic. And sobrang good gift idea this Christmas! 


Golden bamboo handle barber scissors set

Mine are actually silver, not gold, but out of stock na the set I bought so I'm featuring this golden one. If you follow me on social media, you'd know I learned to cut hair during quarantine. No choice! After endless YouTube video tutorials, I got brave enough to try it and I've been cutting my hair and the hair of my husband and sons for the last 2 years. #proud #achievementunlocked #supermama #levelupskills

Try it! Laking tipid. Hindi pwede ang basta-basta na scissors. Kailangan barber's scissors talaga. And I highly recommend this set. 



Oh, I left a review for this purchase on the listing so I'll just copy and paste my photo and review:

I love how the serum pads soothed my skin, which was inflamed by maskne. I even used the pads all over my body (after I used them on my face, there was still so much product left). And my skin felt so hydrated. 

The stretchmark cream is thick and creamy but easily absorbed. Not too sticky and very moisturising. I don't know if it works yet since I just started, but I like it so far. I'll do a review on the blog soon!



This is soooo nice! Lakas maka-shala ng phone case na ito. I swear, every one who has seen it comments na napaka-yaman ng dating niya and I always trill, "Mura lang yan!" Best of all, di na nahuhulog sa mukha ko yung phone ko dahil may bracelet sa likod. 

Yun ang pros. Yung con? Kailangan naka-manicure ako para bagay kamay ko sa kanya haha 



I just did a review of this! Click here: OMOGS Women's Probiotic supplement for weight loss?! 

A lot of people bought this and emailed me how happy they are with the results. This is possibly my favorite find of 2022!


This is another great find for my health. I've been feeling exhausted and yet sleepless for a couple of years now. One of the changes I made was to take a daily supplement. I chose Kirkland Daily Multi kasi kumpleto talaga siya. As in lahat-lahat-lahat! After a few weeks of taking this, I didn't feel so tired anymore (must be the iron), my skin improved (biotin, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and E), and I just felt healthier and stronger.  


LifeFood EstroG-100 (oh, this was gifted!)

I love this drink! It did so much for my sex life!!! Yes, since we're all friends here, we can talk about how perimenopause makes women dry up down there. Which makes sex uncomfortable, diba. Yes, even if you use KY, dropping estrogen levels makes women lose interest in sex anyway. Then there are the hot flashes, the anxiety, the insomnia... What fresh hell. Ang hirap maging babae!!!

LifeFood EstroG-100 acts like phytoestrogen. So aside from my perimenopause symptoms easing, I also found myself suddenly super interested in sex again! And dry vagina? What's that??? Thing of the past. This drink has saved my marriage! Try it!!!   


Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall

This is such a good book! It's just maps but explained so well that I had a vast new appreciation and understanding of culture, why countries behaved in certain ways (in war and peace), and why we should worry or not worry about certain countries invading others. It doesn't read like a textbook at all. Very friendly and conversational. I just wish the maps were in color!

So there it is! My list of my favorite Lazada finds this year! Highly recommended. Just click the product names for the affiliate links to buy!

And in case you want to buy stuff for me (hehehe), here's a sneak peek at just six things that are in my cart (I have 138!):

SHOES!


This is actually a rip-off of Meghan Markle's favorite Aquazurra heels. I can't afford the original but I super am obsessed to own this pair!


Because it's a classic. This comes in seven colors and I want them all!


DRESSES!


Because I like classic styles and polka dots.



I actually have a similar dress that my Mama had in the '70s. It holds good memories for me and Vince (I was wearing it the week we fell in love). I still have it but it's very fragile now so when I saw this, I have to have it.


BOOKS!

I want to read about how Roxane Gay's reshaping her feminist views. I can totally relate because I was raised in a toxic masculine/toxic feminine household and so I know I have very traditional views in here somewhere. Becoming feminist is the greatest thing to happen to me, but I realize that it's an evolving process. I have to arrest thoughts from my upbringing and mindfully change them. I think this book will help me!  


I have heard so much about this book but I've never read it! It's all about the Wild Woman - the woman who is passionate, instinctive, creative, wise, and courageous. Basically, all girls are born wild but society tames us ruthlessly so that we become meek and silent. My gulay. Uso pa ba yan??? This book is all about reminding women to claim back their power, to not be ashamed of their passion and love, to trust their instincts and innate wisdom, and to be proud to be women! 

Gosh, just writing that gave me goosebumps (or horripilation - did you know that's the technical term? It sounds horrible haha). I have to read this book! 

Anyway, shopping starts at midnight! What's in your cart???
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Sunday, December 04, 2022

Ang mahal na ng gulay grabe! Plus, 5 tipid tips

Well, doing the grocery is crazy these days. This is half a cabbage head for P95 and it's the size of my hand.


I have small hands. So that's not a lot of cabbage for that price.

Here are 4 small onions that fit in my hand. These cost almost P80. The secret of my delicious meals pa naman is lots of onion and garlic! They add that umami taste without the need for MSG. But now, kailangan i-ration ang bawang at sibuyas. 


I understand that the world is going into a recession so life is going to get harder, if it isn't already. This year's been financially tough on us because of my medical situation a few months ago. But I'm not going to lose hope. I'm just going to keep looking for a better and more stable job. Wish me luck!

Yeah, being an entrepreneur in these times is not working out for me anymore, unlike in 2012-2017, when the economy was so strong and the country had huge money reserves under the Aquino administration that buoyed us up even when we had a change of government. But now we're drowning in debt again and will continue to be dragged down into the depths if the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF) gets approved. 

The MWF is not a new concept. Many countries have also set up a sovereign wealth fund (SWF). It's a great way to preserve the transfer of a nation's wealth from one generation to the next and to stabilize macroeconomics. But the MWF bill is frighteningly not the same. According to Businessworld, here's just one reason of many: 



Grabe, hindi pa nga resolved ang PhilHealth P15-billion corruption scandal under the Duterte administration, may nahanap na namang pagkakataon ang bagong gobyerno na nakawan tayo, this time using the pension funds, among others. Sana kilatisin talaga ng Senado ang bill na yan. But with pressure from the president himself, the bill speedily approved by Congress may be a law by next week.  

Scary. Even the president's sister said it's a bad idea.

But I'm going to trust our Senate will do a good job! Pray for them please.

Anyway, today I'll share how I cook our meals with tipid tips I learned growing up in a 10-member household that had a P100 daily budget. Syempre, this was decades ago! And yes, that was my job - feed 10 people for just P100 a day. Here are a few tips:


1. Cut your veggies finely. Not naman minced, mga tiny cubes lang. Same with meat. More mileage yan hehe

2. Cut off the fat from your pork and fry that first. And that's now your cooking oil! May instant homemade chicharon ka pa after!

3. Make masabaw na ulam. Tinola, nilaga, sinigang, ganyan. Soups go a looooong way.

4. Buy canned and frozen vegetables! Mas mura. Don't be afraid of canned and frozen produce. They are processed immediately after harvest so their goodness is preserved. And you don't have to worry about your fresh veggies rotting in case you were too busy to cook.

5. In case you do have veggies that are wilting in the ref, gawin mong vegetable soup. I like roasting them and then blitzing in the blender with chicken stock. Or just roast them and meron ka nang delicious side dish! Pwede mo rin gawing atsara. 


And here's my tomato soup recipe. But replace the canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes roasted in the oven for 15 minutes. 

Sigh.

I'm tired of having grit and being resilient. Yes, it's an amazing quality to have. I want my kids to have these. But they also mean that life is so hard and we've had to bear it and do what we can to survive. But, honestly, in our country, life doesn't have to be hard all the time. Look at how Pasig and Iloilo are doing so well - proof that when a city is free of corruption and is transparent and accountable (no to confidential and intel funds!), the people benefit so much.  

Let's not be resilient anymore. Let's demand accountability, transparency, honesty. Let's demand that all of our taxes work for us and us alone. Let's demand that the government we elected be true public SERVANTS, serving us instead of themselves. Grabe, Pilipinas, ilang dekada na tayong ganito. Mangarap naman tayo at gumawa ng totoong pagbabago. Kakasawa na. Kakasuka na.

Good luck to us all. Don't worry about me, by the way! We're still fine. I'm just trying to be more frugal these days. Buti na lang we have family and wise investments that helped us. Still, I'm in the middle of a job search because we would like very much to be able to breathe a little. Pray for me! 

Pray for us all.  
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Sunday, November 27, 2022

Blood, books, boys, and my birthday: A busy life update!

Hello, my dear Loyal Readers! I disappeared! My last post here was early October and lookie here - it's almost December! What did we miss???

Well, I missed you, that's for sure. I've always enjoyed sharing my stories here on the blog because you share your stories, too! And then I don't feel so alone. Thank you! But since I've been quiet, we haven't been talking. And I miss you all!

So let me tell you what's been up with me. I'm sharing some posts from my Instagram because I do a few life updates there. So follow me @francesampersales! But I'll do a summary here as well. 

First, some of you emailed or DM'd to ask about my literally bloody predicament in my last life update (School, Sex, Blood & Books). Thanks for asking! I'm better now. Not bleeding anymore. Huge relief considering I was bleeding profusely from August to October. What hell! I had to have a D&C so that the gynecologist can rule out scary diseases. 

Thankfully, I'm just perimenopausal. My reproductive system is okay, just acting up because I'm an old woman. What a relief! But it was a truly stressful week worrying about cancer. I switched birth control and after a few weeks adjusting to the shot, I'm sooo happy. No more blood!

Then right after I got out of the hospital, I was busy supporting my husband and the launch of his novel, The End of All Skies. It's gotten good reviews on Goodreads, Instagram #TheEndOfAllSkies, and blogs.

We're happy fellow Southeast Asians love the book. I'm hoping it also finds an audience globally. Our mythology is very different from the West, which is familiar with East Asian stories. But Filipino, Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai, and the rest of the region? No. Even Moana was strange for many people in the West. We need to talk about our own stories because ours is so rich and wild and spectacular!  

Please buy a copy of Vince's novel! If you want a signed copy and a FREE copy of his first book, Children in Exile, order from me! It's P1,050 plus shipping. 

Send me an email - frances@topazhorizon.com. Now na! Thanks!

You can also get a copy from Amazon for $24.90 or download the ebook from Kindle for $13.99.

Anyway, it's not all happy news. My sons' hamsters died. It's been sad and sweet, saying good-bye to the cute critters that made the last 2 years so bearable. We thought we'd have one more year with them (tame hamsters can live up to 3 years), but apparently, their sole purpose was to keep my quarantined kids happy while the COVID-19 virus raged outside our home. And now that we're all vaccinated and better equipped to face the world, our hamsters went over the Rainbow Bridge, their task done.

Let me tell you that our hearts were so heavy the weeks we waited for the hamsters to pass away. They were old and slow, spending the days just sleeping. The kids were stressed, wondering, "Is this the day?" Finally, the dreaded days did arrive. My boys were so sad. I was sad, too, because I was the main caretaker of those hamsters! We comforted each other. And it's been 5 weeks but my youngest boy just told me as I'm blogging, "Mama, I miss Chocnut."

Gosh, we love you and miss you, Choccy and Spoody. Thanks for the joy! 

Then I turned 46!

I didn't do anything special. I was recovering from my health scare, neck-deep in homeschooling, trying to write my werewolf romance novel, looking for a job (which means no budget for any big celebrations!), and being a mom and wife. I was exhausted! 

But grateful. Always grateful. Thank you so much for the love! Maybe when I turn 47, I'll have pictures to share! 

Oh, another thing that I appreciate is I found out my blog turned up in these lists by Feedspot:

#26 in 80 Best Philippines Mom Blogs and Websites 

#32 in 100 Best Asian Mom Blogs and Websites

#22 in Top 80 Philippines Mom RSS Feed 

Thanks, Feedspot! I didn't even know I had an RSS feed. I'm kinda bewildered by this all since I was never on these lists when I was one of the top mom bloggers in the country way back from 2008 to 2016. Now that I'm hardly blogging and my stats have understandably gone down, my blog gets recognized. And on 3 lists, too!

I'm thankful. That tells me that despite the sporadic posts, I'm still writing good posts. 

That also tells me to blog again! 

I know everyone's on Tiktok now. Apparently, people don't read anymore and just want to watch people dancing and pointing to floating words while smiling and shaking their heads. But that shouldn't stop me from blogging because I'm writing for the ones who do still read. And you are my favorite people. The best kind of all - readers!

I have sooo many stories. Plus, some of you suggested topics or sent questions about my life and marriage so there - more stuff to blog about! So I'll get to that.

Hey, thank you for sticking around. There are so many other blogs and vlogs and social media accounts to follow, yet here you are. Thanks for caring. It means the world to me. You mean the world to me! I love you all! 

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