The pain of "goodbyes"

A couple of weeks ago Jamaica had her last program on Jam 88.3. I wanted to be there to show support, but my schedule wouldn't permit. According to one listener, she cried on air.

My farewell to Jam won't be for another month or so, so I've tried not to think about it. I'm sure that I'll be even more emotional though, since I've been with the station for so long.

Just recently I did say one "goodbye". My doctor told me that I can't run, jog or jump anymore due to my surgery. Any bouncing or twisting stress on my lower back could mean serious damage.

I was heartbroken, since I love to play tennis. I've been a fan as long as I can remember. It's really the only sport where I've pushed myself physically.

Since we're moving out of the country, we selling lots of our stuff. But I can't bring myself to put my racket on Ebay. I still hold some hope that I'll be able to play again (perhaps a new treatment in the future).

In the meantime, it's swimming, tai chi and the stationary bike for me.

Woah!

Last week I finally had a follow-up MRI of my lower back. It was the first one since my double laminectomy operation last year.

I decided to finally get it (in spite of the cost and the fact that I haven't been experiencing complications) for peace of mind before moving to the US in March.

The results weren't that great. The initial analysis said "recurrent disc protrusion" which probably meant that the operation wasn't a complete success.

I prepared for the worst and spoke to our boss at Jam, Eric P. He said that if I would need another operation, I'd be more than welcome to extend my stay and wait for renewal of my medical benefits. (What a nice guy.)

Yesterday I met with the surgeon who operated on me. He said that it wasn't a disc protrusion, but scar tissue. I wouldn't need another operation, but I'd have to be very careful with my back for the rest of my life (no more lifting, jumping or running).

It wasn't exactly what I hoped to hear. I was hoping to be able to do some real exercising again. But sometimes you just have to count your blessings. I mean, at least I don't have to go through another operation.

Crazy life

With less than two months to go before we move to the States, there's still so much that needs to be done.

Moving a family to another country is far more difficult than a single person migrating. Aside from all the luggage that has to be packed, we have to sell all our appliances and furniture. Then of course there are countless other little things to take care of.

The stress is already beginning to take its toll. I'm getting back aches again, plus my wife and I have even argued much more often than usual..

I wish we had more time to make our preparations. But that's life, I guess.
I just hope that we are able to sell all our things before we leave.

People are asking "Why?"

I just want to set the record straight. There is nothing wrong internally with Jam. It just so happens that a few of the on-air staff are leaving within a several months of one another.

Louise left late last year to explore a job opportunity in Dubai. It was an offer too good for them to turn down.

Jamaica has long planned to continue her studies in Australia. The school year, I believe, will start in February.

I have to move to Houston due to a number of personal reasons. (I'll write separate blogs later on about it, since it's a pretty long story).

We know that It's bad timing that three of us have had to leave in such a short span of time. But what can we do, right?

Don't worry. Lambert, Migs, Hilary, Eric T., Gabe, Lana, Patti and Cooky are all still there to keep everyone happy. Louise, Jamaica and I will surely be listening in, with all of you, via the online streaming. :)

On moving to the States

For years I've had the option to move back to the US. I grew up there, so there's always been that urge to see what life would be like. Also, relatives have sort of been wanting me to go.

I never felt any pressing need to move back. I've always been happy with life here in the Philippines. My family and I have been living a good life, and we've always been safe.

Over the past year or so though, I've gotten lots of big signs pointing me towards migrating. In fact, these events are actually pushing me in that direction.

I guess this is the "master plan" of the man upstairs. I mean, it can't hurt to go and test the waters. I guess it finally is time.

Surviving the holidays

I'm glad the holiday season is pretty much over. For a while there it got a bit rough for me, emotionally and physically.

It was my first Christmas season without my daughter, and I can't describe how depressing that made things. Everything from gift shopping to parties seemed so difficult to get through.

If that wasn't enough to deal with, I got sick and my illness peaked exactly on Christmas eve. So, I ended up knocked out in bed during the Noche buena feast. I also spend Christmas morning in the ER.

Of course, I've been trying to look at the bright side of things. So, since Nica's on vacation from school, we have been able to chat online a little more often that usual. That's good. Also, I just finished by regimen of antibiotics, and I'm doing a whole lot better now.

Like all obstacles, Christmas 2007 has passed. Now, I'm just starting to focus on my plans for 2008. I think it's going to be a big year.