One of the most frustrating things about doing physical therapy here in Japan is not being able to fully express what kind of pain I'm experiencing, what I feel when doing a particular exercise or a particular position, and understanding my Japanese therapist's instructions. I am quite confident with my Japanese ability, don't get me wrong, but I don't exactly use most of the terms I encounter at the rehab center in normal daily conversation.
Since I cannot just drop everything here and leave for the Philippines to have my therapy there for God knows how long, I think one of the small adjustments I can do to improve my situation here is to compile a list of terms I encounter during my sessions and try to familiarize myself with them and their English meaning. I also started a pain journal so that I can keep track of the kind of pain I experience, and how the food I eat, the weather, my activities, my job and related stress, and my emotional state affect the level of pain I experience from day to day. Conversely, it would also help keep track of how my pain affects my emotional state and my appetite. I can also use this info to help my therapist and doctor provide better treatment for me.
Here are some of the terms I recall from previous sessions:
Illness:
cervical spondylosis - 頸部脊椎症（けいぶ せきついしょう）
herniated disc - 椎間板ヘニア（ついかんばん）
scoliosis - 脊柱側弯症（せきちゅうそくわんしょう）
osteoarthritis - 変形性関節炎（へんけいせいかんせつえん）
(yeah I have all of those hahaha talk about a messed up spine!)
Pain/sensations:
sharp pain - 鋭い痛み（するどいいたみ）
radiating pain - 放散する痛み（ほうさんするいたみ）
throbbing/pounding pain - ズキズキする痛み（ずきずきするいたみ）
tingling sensation - ヒリヒリする痛み
dull pain - 鈍痛（どんつう）
numbness - しびれ
muscle cramps - 筋けいれん
Body parts:
bone - 骨（ほね）
muscle - 筋肉（きんにく）
spine - 背骨（せぼね）
shoulder blades - 肩甲骨（けんこうこつ）
nape of the neck - 襟首（えりくび）
back of the head - 後頭（こうとう）
abdominal muscles - 腹筋（ふっきん）
upper back - 上背（うわぜい）
lower back - 腰（こし）
hip joint - 股関節（こかんせつ）
temples - こめかみ
chin - 頤（あご）
arm - 腕（うで）
elbow - 肘（ひじ）
PT instructions:
lie face down - うつぶせに寝る
lie on one's back - あおむけに寝る
lie on one's side - 横向きに寝る
bend one's knee - 膝を曲げる
extend one's leg - 脚を伸ばす
put one's weight on ... - ～に体重をかける
stick one's chest out - 胸を張る（むねをはる）
sway from side to side - 左右に揺れる（さゆうにゆれる）
posture - 姿勢（しせい）
spinal traction - 脊椎牽引（せきついけんいん）
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Silence
Sometimes, I imagine, if silence were to have form, it would look something like this. The tender curves of a beautifully blooming flower, the soft colors and subtle shadows of its petals as sunlight ever so gently caresses it.
I love silence and I love the solace I find in it.
I love silence and I love the solace I find in it.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Distraction
I discovered a very effective, albeit unproductive, distraction when I'm very frustrated with my messed up back and when I can't sleep - scribbling nonsense on my notebook. By the way, for those of you who don't know, my family and childhood friends call me Honey. I once made the mistake of setting my nickname or whatever (I forgot) in Yahoo and in my Softbank mail to "Honey" without thinking too much about it. Imagine my horror and the awkwardness when a few male acquaintances asked me, "Why did your e-mail say 'Honey'?" bwahaha!
I Miss Cooking!
This photo is from the last time I cooked, about a month and a half ago. I was making poached eggs, spinach stir fry, and tomato&mozzarella salad.
My goal is to make at least one savory dish and one dessert this weekend.
My goal is to make at least one savory dish and one dessert this weekend.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Pain Free Diet
Since the doctors here in Japan offer little advice outside their "just what you paid for" diagnosis, I tried doing some research on my own on how I can cope better with my painful condition. Since I'm still adjusting to my physical therapy routine, it's quite difficult to stick to an exercise regimen at this time, so I decided to start first by adopting a more helpful diet.
What to avoid:
dairy products
meat
eggs
alcohol (no more beer! huhuhu...)
citrus fruits (bye bye oranges...)
berries (bye bye strawberries...)
coffee, tea, or anything with caffeine
white rice (hmm, I need to lose weight anyway...)
white flour products
potatoes
tomatoes (大好きだけど。。。)
eggplants
What could help:
oily fish like salmon and tuna
green leafy vegetables
whole grain products
kidney beans
pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds
pineapple
papaya
mango
guava
Looking at the last four items on the "good food" list, I'm now thinking that maybe it is indeed better for me to go back to the Philippines. Haha, it's a sign! LOL!
Also, my mother has been telling me for the longest time to try Phiten titanium products. Though I'm still a bit skeptical about these bracelets and such, she swears it helps relieve pain. Oh well, I guess it won't hurt to try.
What to avoid:
dairy products
meat
eggs
alcohol (no more beer! huhuhu...)
citrus fruits (bye bye oranges...)
berries (bye bye strawberries...)
coffee, tea, or anything with caffeine
white rice (hmm, I need to lose weight anyway...)
white flour products
potatoes
tomatoes (大好きだけど。。。)
eggplants
What could help:
oily fish like salmon and tuna
green leafy vegetables
whole grain products
kidney beans
pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds
pineapple
papaya
mango
guava
Looking at the last four items on the "good food" list, I'm now thinking that maybe it is indeed better for me to go back to the Philippines. Haha, it's a sign! LOL!
Also, my mother has been telling me for the longest time to try Phiten titanium products. Though I'm still a bit skeptical about these bracelets and such, she swears it helps relieve pain. Oh well, I guess it won't hurt to try.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Exciting Q2&3 for Photography
I mentioned before that I will be doing more photowalks from now on, and as long as my back permits it, I intend to stick to that plan. It would be a great way for me to practice "shooting in the moment" (I think I've gotten too comfortable with food and still photog lately) and it would be great exercise for me as well. I haven't gone to the gym in a long while because of my bad back and these killer headaches I get, but I think I can endure an hour or so of walking with photography as a productive distraction.
But I can't just wander aimlessly, so here's my plan, at least for Q2&3 of this year:
But I can't just wander aimlessly, so here's my plan, at least for Q2&3 of this year:
Ueno Park & Zoo : Will probably go there on the last weekend of May or first weekend of June, while the weather is still cool and not too humid.
Sumida River : I spend a lot of time in Kinshicho so this would be a convenient place for me to start before I venture into unknown territories haha.
Minato Mirai in Yokohama : I haven't done a night shoot of Minato Mirai, which I guess is a must for every aspiring photographer (or even just a wannabe, like me) here in Japan.
Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown : I've been working in Roppongi for over 2 years. I think it's high time I have decent shots of the place.
Various fireworks festivals around June and August
Lastly, if I get good (and brave) enough, I might try Harajuku. Scary!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Sunday Bagna Cauda and Other Stuff
I found ready made Bagna Cauda dip in the supermarket last weekend so Marvin and I decided to try it for Sunday lunch. I was ready to prepare the carrots and cucumber when Marvin tells me that he doesn't have a peeler. Sigh, the undomesticated bachelor... Hahaha! I swear I am going to marry someone who loves to cook, or at least pretends to like it haha!
Anyway, without any peeler, I was forced to use the knife, which took forever. It didn't help that an impatient little boy pretending to be a grown man kept popping into the kitchen, trying to steal some of the prepared carrots. Made me realize on Mother's Day how much motherhood is a pain hahaha!
Here's an artsy shot of the final product:
In other news, my physical therapist is such a cutie! I don't normally get crushes on cute guys - looks are the last on my list and I'm usually attracted to guys based on how compatible our thinking patterns and humor are (weird, I know) - so Marvin teased me that finally finally I have a crush on someone who's actually good-looking. He looks like Tsumabuki Satoshi! Anyway, blush moment for today's session:
Anyway, without any peeler, I was forced to use the knife, which took forever. It didn't help that an impatient little boy pretending to be a grown man kept popping into the kitchen, trying to steal some of the prepared carrots. Made me realize on Mother's Day how much motherhood is a pain hahaha!
Here's an artsy shot of the final product:
In other news, my physical therapist is such a cutie! I don't normally get crushes on cute guys - looks are the last on my list and I'm usually attracted to guys based on how compatible our thinking patterns and humor are (weird, I know) - so Marvin teased me that finally finally I have a crush on someone who's actually good-looking. He looks like Tsumabuki Satoshi! Anyway, blush moment for today's session:
Sorry but there's something incredibly irresistible about a cute guy holding a big stuffed toy and calling it "Miffy-chan" while smiling at me. PT was extra fun today haha. (#^_^#)Finally, I'd also like to share one thought about the elections last May 10, which I also shared on my FB:
It looks like a yellow victory. Disappointing but I respect it. And I believe that Gordon has already done us all a tremendous favor by igniting the fire within at least the intelligent minority to wake ourselves up from the crippling apathy that has plagued the country for years. For that at least, I am very thankful - even for just the duration of the campaign, he became the president we so badly needed.
Limit
Warning: this is just a useless rant.
I wonder how long I can keep doing this, working for 7+ hours with this bad back. And as if pain similar to someone drilling back there with a blunt object is not enough, the pain also extends to my arms, legs, hands, feet, and worse, my head. It's hard enough coding and analyzying specs while feeling healthy, imagine doing that with a killer headache.
Sigh. If you think working while feeling slightly under the weather is torture, try that with osteoarthritis, herniated disc, and lumbar scoliosis. And therapy is hard work and not fun at all. Sure, I gush about how cute my PT is, but that's the only happy thing about therapy.
GAAAHHH!!! I'm getting really frustrated! Don't get me wrong - I want to work and I need to work. But it's getting harder and harder each day. There are days when I just want to cry or slap someone haha.
But as they say, mind over matter. I just hope this mind stays sane enough while seeing this through.
I wonder how long I can keep doing this, working for 7+ hours with this bad back. And as if pain similar to someone drilling back there with a blunt object is not enough, the pain also extends to my arms, legs, hands, feet, and worse, my head. It's hard enough coding and analyzying specs while feeling healthy, imagine doing that with a killer headache.
Sigh. If you think working while feeling slightly under the weather is torture, try that with osteoarthritis, herniated disc, and lumbar scoliosis. And therapy is hard work and not fun at all. Sure, I gush about how cute my PT is, but that's the only happy thing about therapy.
GAAAHHH!!! I'm getting really frustrated! Don't get me wrong - I want to work and I need to work. But it's getting harder and harder each day. There are days when I just want to cry or slap someone haha.
But as they say, mind over matter. I just hope this mind stays sane enough while seeing this through.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Tantanmen Tuesday
I was on my was to Ikebukuro to board the Red Arrow Express for Seibu-chichibu when my back and left foot started hurting really bad. I guess it was from carrying so much stuff (my DSLR, 2 lenses, and a tripod), being so excited for the trip to Hitsujiyama Park, and the anxiety from worrying if my back could endure the 4+ hours travel time. Yappari, I chose to turn back and not push through with the trip. I knew I wouldn't enjoy it that much anyway in that condition. So sad, but that's just the way it has to be.
Anyway, I was still itching to take some photos so I settled for taking shots of my lunch at a Chinese restaurant near Kinshicho Station. Not bad, huh?
Oh, and I finally bought a good quality zoom lens - the Tamron 18-270mm - and so far I am loving it, especially the vibration compensation! Although it's very true that you won't suddenly become a better photographer with just a better lens, it does help a lot in terms of the technicalities.
Anyway, I was still itching to take some photos so I settled for taking shots of my lunch at a Chinese restaurant near Kinshicho Station. Not bad, huh?
Oh, and I finally bought a good quality zoom lens - the Tamron 18-270mm - and so far I am loving it, especially the vibration compensation! Although it's very true that you won't suddenly become a better photographer with just a better lens, it does help a lot in terms of the technicalities.
Kinshicho Park
Before meeting a friend for dinner yesterday, I stopped by Kinshicho Park for a quick stroll to relax and get some good shots for the day as well. I was a bit disappointed that there weren't any other flowers except for some pink ones I don't know the name of. So in the absence of spring blooms, the few people minding their own business there found themselves at the end of my lens instead.
Content with being alone or surrendering to loneliness?
Maybe behind that carefree face are questions like "why can't I have what they have?"
Inner peace. This is what it must be like.
This is my favorite shot in the set, because you can give it the happiest or the saddest meaning. He may be happily waiting for a loved one or he may be lonely and waiting for no one.
You can view the rest of the photos here. Or here, if you and I are connected on Facebook.
Content with being alone or surrendering to loneliness?
Maybe behind that carefree face are questions like "why can't I have what they have?"
Inner peace. This is what it must be like.
This is my favorite shot in the set, because you can give it the happiest or the saddest meaning. He may be happily waiting for a loved one or he may be lonely and waiting for no one.
You can view the rest of the photos here. Or here, if you and I are connected on Facebook.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Going Back to Asakusa
I couldn't think of any good places to go for a quick photo walk, and since I woke up late anyway, I just decided to revisit Asakusa.
Since Asakusa is one of those places in Tokyo that has been so widely photographed you can just get any photo on the internet and call it your own, I wanted to shoot it from a different perspective, focusing on composition more than anything else. I wanted to shoot interesting photos that would elicit any reaction from the viewers besides, "Oh, that's in Asakusa." within a second of seeing them. I think I succeeded to a very satisfying extent. (^-^)v
Here are some of my shots. You can view more of them here.
If I have to pick 2 of my best and favorite shots in the set, I'd have to say that these make the cut.
For the first one, I like it since it captures some of the essence of Asakusa in a very minimalistic photo - the bright red round edge suggesting the big lanterns at the gates and the sake barrels in the background.
For the second one, I like it because it suggests that even though Asakusa has become a point-shoot-and-run tourist destination, for some, it might still remain a revered place of worship.
Of course, we didn't just go there to take photos; we also went there to enjoy the food in the various stalls lining the pathway to the temple. Clockwise from the top left, Marvin and I tried kibidango (sweet millet cakes), sweet potato ice cream burger (which is nothing more than ice cream sandwiched by thin wafers), and agemanju or fried rice cakes with red bean filling. We thought about trying the octopus, but wimped out in the end.
To end the day, we headed back to Kinshicho and to one of our favorite food stops - Shabu-Shabu at Onyasai! Forgive the underexposed photo, but I kind of like its dramatic effect haha!
Since Asakusa is one of those places in Tokyo that has been so widely photographed you can just get any photo on the internet and call it your own, I wanted to shoot it from a different perspective, focusing on composition more than anything else. I wanted to shoot interesting photos that would elicit any reaction from the viewers besides, "Oh, that's in Asakusa." within a second of seeing them. I think I succeeded to a very satisfying extent. (^-^)v
Here are some of my shots. You can view more of them here.
If I have to pick 2 of my best and favorite shots in the set, I'd have to say that these make the cut.
For the first one, I like it since it captures some of the essence of Asakusa in a very minimalistic photo - the bright red round edge suggesting the big lanterns at the gates and the sake barrels in the background.
For the second one, I like it because it suggests that even though Asakusa has become a point-shoot-and-run tourist destination, for some, it might still remain a revered place of worship.
Of course, we didn't just go there to take photos; we also went there to enjoy the food in the various stalls lining the pathway to the temple. Clockwise from the top left, Marvin and I tried kibidango (sweet millet cakes), sweet potato ice cream burger (which is nothing more than ice cream sandwiched by thin wafers), and agemanju or fried rice cakes with red bean filling. We thought about trying the octopus, but wimped out in the end.
To end the day, we headed back to Kinshicho and to one of our favorite food stops - Shabu-Shabu at Onyasai! Forgive the underexposed photo, but I kind of like its dramatic effect haha!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
First Day Of Spring Break
A colorful first day of Spring Break! v(^-^)v
On my way home after my physical therapy, I took some photos of the beautiful and colorful flowers around Kinshicho station.
It was some sort of impromptu photo walk, since my original plan was to just buy a new lens after PT, stay at a friend's house, and go on a photo walk with him tomorrow instead. But the colors were much too enticing to resist, so armed only with my 50mm - I had second thoughts about buying the zoom lens I wanted and backed out at the last minute - I suddenly found myself shooting away. It's quite difficult to compose shots without the zoom I was so used to, but I was quite happy that I got some good shots with the framing I wanted.
As for the lens I wanted to buy? I am definitely getting that tomorrow morning. It's high time I get a good quality zoom lens. ^_^ Can't wait! Oh, and I also bought a good quality fast CF card finally!
Still deciding on the photo walk destination, though. Any suggestions around Tokyo/Yokohama?
On my way home after my physical therapy, I took some photos of the beautiful and colorful flowers around Kinshicho station.
It was some sort of impromptu photo walk, since my original plan was to just buy a new lens after PT, stay at a friend's house, and go on a photo walk with him tomorrow instead. But the colors were much too enticing to resist, so armed only with my 50mm - I had second thoughts about buying the zoom lens I wanted and backed out at the last minute - I suddenly found myself shooting away. It's quite difficult to compose shots without the zoom I was so used to, but I was quite happy that I got some good shots with the framing I wanted.
As for the lens I wanted to buy? I am definitely getting that tomorrow morning. It's high time I get a good quality zoom lens. ^_^ Can't wait! Oh, and I also bought a good quality fast CF card finally!
Still deciding on the photo walk destination, though. Any suggestions around Tokyo/Yokohama?
Leadership = Gordon
Leadership is more than being the nice guy everybody loves.
It is not about being popular and being liked.
Leadership is about integrity.
Leadership is more than about a messiah promising to save us from poverty.
Leadership is about concrete action that gives the people themselves the power to save themselves.
Leadership = Richard Dick Gordon.
Vote for him this May 10.
It is not about being popular and being liked.
Leadership is about integrity.
Leadership is more than about a messiah promising to save us from poverty.
Leadership is about concrete action that gives the people themselves the power to save themselves.
Leadership = Richard Dick Gordon.
Vote for him this May 10.
Minor Makeover
Haha, it's 3AM and I'm still wide awake. Blame it on my bad back and my dislike for sleep - I think it's a waste of time, I could be doing lots of other things with those 8 hours haha.
Anyway, since I suddenly got a trickle of creativity and some idle time, I finally switched from the classic template to using layouts and added a more interesting header image. The header looks kind of big though. Hmm maybe I'll play around with it a bit more later. ^_^
One of these days, I'm really going to build my own website. Someday. Maybe, haha.
Anyway, since I suddenly got a trickle of creativity and some idle time, I finally switched from the classic template to using layouts and added a more interesting header image. The header looks kind of big though. Hmm maybe I'll play around with it a bit more later. ^_^
One of these days, I'm really going to build my own website. Someday. Maybe, haha.
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