AND THE WINNER IS...

ANNA!!! In the battle against diabetes and the possible side effects of oral medications, I emerged as the winner for this month's set of laboratory tests.

Test results reveal that I have normal blood glucose level and that my liver is also in good condition. As always, I get so nervous claiming the lab results but upon seeing the expression on the face of the med tech, I knew the numbers were good. I didn't expect it to be this good though!

I know that the battle is still far from over but at least emerging victorious in several rounds constantly inspires me to do better and stick to my diet plan. I have to strictly follow doctor's orders for me to get better. I understand when I was told that there is no cure for diabetes and that once diagnosed as such, you are forever a diabetic; there is no other thing for me to do, I just have to control the disease. It takes so much will power. Resisting temptations is not easy it is rather very HARD but I have to will my mind to do so for the sake of my children and the people who in one way or the other have looked up to me as mentor and source of wisdom and strength.

The biggest victory for me however is my weight loss! I am now down to 92.5 kilograms. I know I still have to work out more to lose more. I am  just very happy that though it is a slow decline, it is still inspiring.

Again, thank you to all of those who constantly commend and acknowledge the weight loss. All of you have helped me want to do more...

Cagbalete Island

Our family went to Cagbalete Island in Quezon last April 1-3. It was such a beautiful place that really provided time to relax and just enjoy nature at its best. We stayed at Villa Cleofas and we enjoyed the fact that we had to go through some new and exciting experiences just to get there. It was a really enjoyable vacation for the family.

When we arrived at Mauban Port we thought it was going to be an easy boat ride. Little did we know that because it was a private boat and would take us directly in front of the resort, we went against the tide and so we already experienced the saltwater early on. Getting nearer the island, we realized that it was already low tide hence we had to transfer to a smaller boat to be transported nearer to shore, when the small boat got to us, the waves were acting up so it was an extreme act of balance to transfer! Still, we had to do some trekking to get to the shore.

Our cottage was airy. We were comfortable while waiting for the tide to get back in so that we could have a dip. The first night was very quiet and relaxing. Although electricity was cut off by 1a.m., it was alright because it was really cold the whole night.

Early the next morning, it was high tide and we immediately went in. The water was refreshing! It was amazing how even though we were so far from the beach, the water did not become very deep making it easy for all of us to just enjoy swimming.

When it was again low tide, we decided to walk to the Bonsai Island and see the sights. Before that, we prayed the rosary and then took some pictures. It was really beautiful! 

The third day marked our journey back home. My son described the experience as death-defying as we had to walk all the way back to the edge of the Bonsai Island to get to our private boat. Before getting to the private boat though, we had to hop onto the small boat again and cross to the bigger boat very carefully to avoid falling into the very deep water as it was beyond the Bonsai Island already. At the port, we could not find a "parking" slot for our boat that is near enough to the stairs so once again, we had to do something "exciting" to climb--rock climbing! It was scary yet fun!

All in all, it was quite an experience for all of us. We enjoyed simply being together and spending some quiet time with the family. As early as now, we are already planning on returning to the island.