These past few days have been crazy. I never thought I would feel this way.
Upset. Confused. Happy. Extreme sadness. Tears. Proud. What am I going to feel next?
Funny how timing is everything and this seemed to happened all at once. Since the past week, I've been counting down til' the Royal Wedding. On the day of the wedding, I found out a dear friend had passed away a couple of days prior. Then 2 days later, the day that we have all been waiting for arrived, it was officially announced that the worst person in the world was finally killed by U.S. forces.
----
I will miss you, Jimmy. I've been thinking of you before I go to bed, during the day, and when I wake up. I pray for your family and hope that this is all a dream. I jump on g-talk hoping to see you online, but reality slaps me back in the face when I re-read my emails and look at your facebook page. You are one of the most genuine people I know; never selfish, always giving and sharing. I will always cherish our friendship. You were the best Black Friday buddy anyone will ever have. I know you are reading this from up above and I know you are probably surrounded by all the coolest tech toys. I [and Mike and the Trinhs] have this insane idea that you've joined in on the fight as a secret agent and helped the US kill Osama Bin Laden. :)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Down with Sunburns!
Ever neglect sunblock in areas where you think you'll never burn? I have. On the last day of our cruise, Mike and I decided to do some sunbathing. Unfortunately, I completely forgot that the sun's rays were stronger since we were closer to the equator. And so we studied under the "scorching" sun for 3.5 hours. I neglected to apply sunblock to my arms. My legs typically don't tan, so I decided no sunblock there either. And because of that I also didn't apply to my upper thighs. Oh, I completely forgot about my belly area. Mike wore shorts, but he too neglected to apply sunblock to his legs. And worse yet, he forgot about the area between his arms and his chest.
Consequences? Yes, major. 3 weeks later, we are still peeling. This is the worse uneven tan ever. It's almost embarrassing. Even my legs are peeling and they have never peeled before in my life. Lesson learned- apply sunblock to every nook and cranny! No more sunbathing for the rest of the summer. We're done.
The days following our sunbathing escapade were the worst. I even resorted to ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.
Wish we found this website sooner to help us out: http://health.yahoo.net/articles/beauty/10-ways-soothe-sunburn
Here's the article:
To Stop the Pain:
1. Slather on aloe. If you’re going to buy it in a bottle, the best choice is one that contains no added colors or fragrances. (A good option is Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera.) But aloe straight from the plant may be even better and possibly more effective, says Lynne C. David, ND, a naturopathic doctor at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Purchase a plant at a garden store or florist, and then just split open a spear and rub the gel on your skin.
2. Milk it. Soak a clean cloth in cool milk and apply it to the burned area for 20 minutes, says Hadley C. King, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Make sure you use whole milk; the fat content is what’s soothing. Reapply every two to four hours.
3. Soothe with baking soda. You use it to deodorize your fridge, clean your house and bake bread…but did you know that you can use baking soda to treat sunburns, too? Just dissolve a spoonful in water to make a cooling compress, or add 1/2-cup to a tepid bath that you can soak in, says Dr. King.
4. Try vinegar. According to Dr. King, a popular folk remedy is to use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to relieve sunburn pain. She admits there’s no science proving it works, but says that it can’t hurt to try it. Just soak a cloth or towel in a solution of half vinegar, half water and apply it to the affected area.
5. Heal with herbs. The herbs comfrey and calendula promote tissue healing and have anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. David. Ask at your local health foods store for a cream that contains this combo, or try Country Comfort Herbal Savvy, which contains both of these herbs as well as aloe vera. Or you can buy calendula tea bags, wet them and apply them to sensitive areas of your skin, leaving them on until you feel better. Mint tea bags are also a good pick, as mint has cooling, pain-relieving properties. If you don’t want to apply tea bags directly to the skin, you can brew the tea, let it cool and then dip cotton balls into it to dab onto the affected area.
To Help Repair the Damage:
6. Drink up. “Dehydration is a serious side effect of sunburn,” says Andrea Donsky, co-founder of NaturallySavvy.com, a website for natural, organic and green living. She recommends drinking plenty of water (your healthiest option) and other fluids to help re-hydrate the skin and fight dryness.
7. Let honey help. A thin layer of raw honey (the unprocessed kind; it should say “raw” on the label) spread on the affected area can reduce inflammation and help fight free radical damage incurred by the burn, says Donsky.
8. Lock in moisture. Dr. David recommends Burt’s Bees Aloe & Linden After Sun Soother, a creamy lotion containing bee pollen, coconut oil, aloe and linden extract to calm and moisturize inflamed skin. Dr. King is a fan of Bach Rescue Cream, a homeopathic moisturizer with flower essences that hydrates and soothes the skin while fighting inflammation. She recommends applying the lotion right after a cool to lukewarm shower, when your skin is still a little damp.
9. Get more vitamins. It won’t dull the sting of a sunburn, but an extra helping of antioxidants can help your body repair itself faster, says Dr. King. For a few days after getting sunburned, she recommends taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta carotene and one to two tablespoons (or three to six capsules) of liquid flaxseed oil. Donsky also recommends loading up on vitamins, but she prefers to get extra A, C and E from food. “Carrots, spinach and red bell peppers are rich in vitamin A; citrus fruits and dark leafy greens offer plenty of vitamin C; and avocado, almonds and wheat germ are packed with vitamin E,” she says.
10. Go fish. Donsky says omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, sardines, herring and anchovies, can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing from the inside out. Not a fish fan? You can also get these healthy fatty acids from walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, chia seeds and hemp seeds
1. Slather on aloe. If you’re going to buy it in a bottle, the best choice is one that contains no added colors or fragrances. (A good option is Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera.) But aloe straight from the plant may be even better and possibly more effective, says Lynne C. David, ND, a naturopathic doctor at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Purchase a plant at a garden store or florist, and then just split open a spear and rub the gel on your skin.
2. Milk it. Soak a clean cloth in cool milk and apply it to the burned area for 20 minutes, says Hadley C. King, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Make sure you use whole milk; the fat content is what’s soothing. Reapply every two to four hours.
3. Soothe with baking soda. You use it to deodorize your fridge, clean your house and bake bread…but did you know that you can use baking soda to treat sunburns, too? Just dissolve a spoonful in water to make a cooling compress, or add 1/2-cup to a tepid bath that you can soak in, says Dr. King.
4. Try vinegar. According to Dr. King, a popular folk remedy is to use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to relieve sunburn pain. She admits there’s no science proving it works, but says that it can’t hurt to try it. Just soak a cloth or towel in a solution of half vinegar, half water and apply it to the affected area.
5. Heal with herbs. The herbs comfrey and calendula promote tissue healing and have anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. David. Ask at your local health foods store for a cream that contains this combo, or try Country Comfort Herbal Savvy, which contains both of these herbs as well as aloe vera. Or you can buy calendula tea bags, wet them and apply them to sensitive areas of your skin, leaving them on until you feel better. Mint tea bags are also a good pick, as mint has cooling, pain-relieving properties. If you don’t want to apply tea bags directly to the skin, you can brew the tea, let it cool and then dip cotton balls into it to dab onto the affected area.
To Help Repair the Damage:
6. Drink up. “Dehydration is a serious side effect of sunburn,” says Andrea Donsky, co-founder of NaturallySavvy.com, a website for natural, organic and green living. She recommends drinking plenty of water (your healthiest option) and other fluids to help re-hydrate the skin and fight dryness.
7. Let honey help. A thin layer of raw honey (the unprocessed kind; it should say “raw” on the label) spread on the affected area can reduce inflammation and help fight free radical damage incurred by the burn, says Donsky.
8. Lock in moisture. Dr. David recommends Burt’s Bees Aloe & Linden After Sun Soother, a creamy lotion containing bee pollen, coconut oil, aloe and linden extract to calm and moisturize inflamed skin. Dr. King is a fan of Bach Rescue Cream, a homeopathic moisturizer with flower essences that hydrates and soothes the skin while fighting inflammation. She recommends applying the lotion right after a cool to lukewarm shower, when your skin is still a little damp.
9. Get more vitamins. It won’t dull the sting of a sunburn, but an extra helping of antioxidants can help your body repair itself faster, says Dr. King. For a few days after getting sunburned, she recommends taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta carotene and one to two tablespoons (or three to six capsules) of liquid flaxseed oil. Donsky also recommends loading up on vitamins, but she prefers to get extra A, C and E from food. “Carrots, spinach and red bell peppers are rich in vitamin A; citrus fruits and dark leafy greens offer plenty of vitamin C; and avocado, almonds and wheat germ are packed with vitamin E,” she says.
10. Go fish. Donsky says omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, sardines, herring and anchovies, can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing from the inside out. Not a fish fan? You can also get these healthy fatty acids from walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, chia seeds and hemp seeds
I cherish my youthful skin and hope that I won't turn wrinkly anytime soon. Better start taking care of it.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Craziness
Life has been a whirlwind the past few months. When people ask me how is married life, I really don't have an answer. Mike and I haven't really had much quality time together. He spends his evenings studying for the CPA and I spend mine working on my rotation projects/assignments. I come home late and so we don't even eat dinner together. I am fortunate, though, that dinner is waiting for me right when I get home. Even weekends are tough since that's when Mike has his CPA classes and I have work. I can't wait until all this is over.
Something that is over and I am thoroughly glad it's over are residency applications. Working on them drove me nuts. Going to interviews drove me even more insane. But alas, the process is done with and I will be at Kaiser West LA. Career-wise, I am content with where my path is leading me.
In other news, our first year anniversary is coming up! But I should save the plans for another post. ;)
Something that is over and I am thoroughly glad it's over are residency applications. Working on them drove me nuts. Going to interviews drove me even more insane. But alas, the process is done with and I will be at Kaiser West LA. Career-wise, I am content with where my path is leading me.
In other news, our first year anniversary is coming up! But I should save the plans for another post. ;)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Another New Year Already?!
Seriously, where has the time gone? Just the other day, Mike and I celebrated our 6th month wedding anniversary. Even my parents remembered the date!
This time for new year's we are just laying low. Originally we were going to celebrate by going to our favorite soondobu place, TofuYa, but apparently they are closed Thurs-Sun. Business must be so great that they can afford to open for only 3 days a week...how sweet is that?! But sucks for us who crave yummy spicy tofu!
Status update on my future: uncertain. Still working on those applications! Kind of wish I started earlier rather than cramming it all during the holidays. But then again, I don't even think I could have started earlier with all my presentations and projects for my rotations. Oh well.
Goodbye 2009! Hello 2010! Please bring me some good news this year! =)
This time for new year's we are just laying low. Originally we were going to celebrate by going to our favorite soondobu place, TofuYa, but apparently they are closed Thurs-Sun. Business must be so great that they can afford to open for only 3 days a week...how sweet is that?! But sucks for us who crave yummy spicy tofu!
Status update on my future: uncertain. Still working on those applications! Kind of wish I started earlier rather than cramming it all during the holidays. But then again, I don't even think I could have started earlier with all my presentations and projects for my rotations. Oh well.
Goodbye 2009! Hello 2010! Please bring me some good news this year! =)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Taking a Breather
It seems like life is going by so much faster these days.
There is so much to think about. I have no idea where I am going to be a year from now. Who knew that I would be in a state of confusion and anxiety over my future 3 years ago when pharmacy school had just started? Now I have to think about applying to residencies, and if that doesn't work out, jobs?? It's kind of different when you are married. Your priorities shift and the topmost priority becomes your new family. Well, c'est la vie! Let's see where this journey of life takes me...
On another note, my first rotation is done! Managed care pharmacy was not as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, despite all those times when I was bored out of my mind and chatted on facebook, I actually appreciated all the people I got to work with and the material I got to learn. My preceptor was super awesome and very laid back. I'd say it was a good first rotation; not too much work and not overwhelming. It was just about right. :)
I went to get my seasonal flu vaccine this morning from student health. Can you believe they denied service, saying that only medical students were allowed at this point? wth is that all about? Since it seems like everyone's getting the flu shot, maybe herd immunity may be the way to go for me. :D The H1N1 vaccine is another story though... Better start taking my vitamins to keep my immune system in check!
Until next time! Maybe the wedding post will finally come! haha, it's about time right?
There is so much to think about. I have no idea where I am going to be a year from now. Who knew that I would be in a state of confusion and anxiety over my future 3 years ago when pharmacy school had just started? Now I have to think about applying to residencies, and if that doesn't work out, jobs?? It's kind of different when you are married. Your priorities shift and the topmost priority becomes your new family. Well, c'est la vie! Let's see where this journey of life takes me...
On another note, my first rotation is done! Managed care pharmacy was not as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, despite all those times when I was bored out of my mind and chatted on facebook, I actually appreciated all the people I got to work with and the material I got to learn. My preceptor was super awesome and very laid back. I'd say it was a good first rotation; not too much work and not overwhelming. It was just about right. :)
I went to get my seasonal flu vaccine this morning from student health. Can you believe they denied service, saying that only medical students were allowed at this point? wth is that all about? Since it seems like everyone's getting the flu shot, maybe herd immunity may be the way to go for me. :D The H1N1 vaccine is another story though... Better start taking my vitamins to keep my immune system in check!
Until next time! Maybe the wedding post will finally come! haha, it's about time right?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
And the clock keeps ticking...
TWO more months until THE wedding!
Well, less than 2 months now...
I can't believe how much I still have to do.
It's official ... I am absolutely in love with these....
Mef.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Officially Official
Things are rolling along slowly, but the pace is quickly picking up!
Today I received the phone call that I've been waiting for.
It went something like this:
Me: "hello?"
Lady: "Hi Nancy, it's Karen."
Me: "Karen??"
Lady: "Yeah, your dress is here."
Me: "huh?"
It took me a few seconds to realize that Karen was the lady who helped me with my wedding dress and she was telling me that MY wedding dress has arrived!!!
*squealing with excitement*
Sadly, even though my dress is ready for me, I am not ready for her. Those darn shoes are holding me up. Mef.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)