Arch Nemesis: Plantar Fasciitis

Here I am and found myself telling stories and facts why I am sidelined for the next month or so. Generally, it is keeping me from doing activities that will involve running in any form. But looking on a brighter side, it taught me how to re-invent myself in so many ways. And yes, it is all because of a condition called Plantar fasciitis. If you heard this or if you are running, you better read this to prevent it from happening.

The bane of many runners, plantar fasciitis is often misunderstood. Although the suffix -itis means inflammation, this condition is more of a 'wear and tear" condition of a tendon in our foot called plantar fascia. The tendon serves as a tension band that runs from heel to toe. It maintains the foot's longitudinal arch and stores and releases energy during runs. While biomechanics and genetics play their part, the main cause of plantar fasciitis is running TOO far, TOO soon, leading to micro-tears to the fascia. And the most common sign and symptom is pain in the bottom of the heel, which is usually worse in the morning and may improve throughout the day. By the end of the day the pain may be replaced by a dull ache that improves with rest. The good news? You have several home remedies at hand.

EASY-TO-DO HOME REMEDIES:

• REST - Stop for a while and cross-train (which means do something that doesn't require you to run) instead.
• GET YOURSELF A DRUG - Painkillers such as paracetamol, acetaminophen or even diclofenac will surely be effective but be cautious not to take it before running for you won't be able to tell if you are making the injury worse.
• ICE ICE BABY - Ice-ing and massage-ing the foot will surely relieve the pain. How? Simple. Fill a plastic bottle with water, freeze it and roll it underfoot.
• SORT YOUR KIT - Make sure your shoes fit well; consider over-the-counter arch supports or orthotics. A night splint can also come in hand by preventing pain on your first step out of bed in the morning, caused by overnight contraction.
• STRETCH - It helps to stretch your arch before getting out of bed, since pain is often worse first thing in the morning. A pre-run and post run EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT stretching of calves will surely be helpful.

Here are some images to help you familiarize with the condition.

Right now, I had my second session of therapy for the condition. Since I had this long time ago and just shrugged it off, I just can't rely on home remedies alone. A visit to the doctor and more frequent visits with your physical therapist will never hurt you.

When to see a doctor? Contact your health care provider as soon as you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis. And the best way yo prevent this? Maintaining good flexibility around the ankle, particularly the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, is probably the best way to prevent plantar fasciitis.

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~Washington Irving

Today, for me is the most important day of my life. I will not be known as Luther Ian Lim Garcia if it weren't for this day. This is the most important day simply because 51 years ago, Mary Gumpal Lim-Garcia, was born. I really don't know how her life started but all I know is that if it wasn't for her, my life won't.

taken during my 21st birthday
"I can fly higher than an eagle. 'Coz you are the wind beneath my wings"

I maybe a male version of her but she is far better than me. I've seen her doing almost everything for our family. If there will be a counterpart of Clark Kent in real life, I would proudly nominate her to be one. (And I know every good child will say the same thing. :D ) It is really hard for me to leave her on her most important day. It is really hard for me to leave her anytime of the day.

To you, the most important woman in my life. I do not when will you be able to read this. I do not know if there is a chance that your eyes will glance at this. But all I know is that I owe everything to you. You have been, for the past 51 years, and will always be a blessing to all the people that you've met and that you will meet soon. This is the first time that you will wake the next morning without your eldest. This will be the first time that I have left you while you're celebrating your natal day. And this is the first time that I made you sad during the most important day of your life. It is really hard for me to do this but believe it or not, this is all for you and papa. You may not be able to understand everything but soon you will. I will make everything clear for both of you soon. I know that you love me so much that is why you hate seeing me getting tired or even losing weight for the right purpose just because you feel that I am already undernourished. You will always be my inspiration. You will always be the fire that keeps my flame burning. And you will always be the most important woman of my life. Happy birthday! And always keep this in your heart, "You are the wind beneath my wings."

You're the future, and you've come for what is yours
The hidden treasure, locked behind the hidden doors
And the promise of a day that's shiny new
Only a dreamer, could afford this point of view
But you're a driver, not a passenger in life
And if you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause

You are the UNIVERSE
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you CONCEIVE it, you can ACHIEVE it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do

You're a winner, so do what you came here for
The secret weapon, isn't secret anymore
You're a driver, never passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause

You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't do
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, yes I do

You are the Universe
And there ain't nothin' you can't be
If you conceive it, you can achieve it
That's why, I believe in you, and I believe in me

(Yes I do
Believe in you
I do)

You're a DRIVER, not a passenger in life
And when you're ready, you won't have to try 'cause

You are the Universe...

I really love the song. Yes! It is a song. This is a song that has been forgotten because of the RNB artists like Neyo, Usher and many more. Just look through every word, every lyrics of the song. It may not be the love song that you are looking for but this is DEFINITELY the right song to start your morning and day with. :) Always remember, you are the DRIVER, not the passenger in life. You don't have to try cause you are the UNIVERSE. :)

Christmas in the A-I-R

Have you ever felt that freezy cold feeling? That familiar cold air that makes you remember every experience you've had for one whole year? How about those sparkling lights? Does it ever shine the same time it did last year?

If your answer is YES, then it just means that it is CHRISTMAS time already. And this is the special season when the chilly air touches your skin, it will never fail you to bring you time and again to the happy moments you've had 365 days ago.

But this year for me is so special. This time, it'll be a whole lot different. Our HOME will be filled with warmth and love. For this year, we will be complete - I will be complete. As I write this blog down, I can't help my emotions to flow because I really feel the excitement. The kid in me is jumping up and down already.

December 18 will be the day. I know that it just dawned on me that there will be conflict. But I know that this day will surely turn this season from ordinary to special one. Come that day, I will be so happy.

Major negative, Major positive

How ironic it is to sleep last night with shattered pride and wake up today with our pride in glory days.

This is what I personally felt today as the events unfolds in our dearest country Philippines.

Yesterday happened one of the most tragic hostage taking to date in our country. Thanks to Capt. Mendoza and his villain-some act which put our dearest country in a big big hole. But then again, is he really the one to blame here or should we really point fingers to someone just for them to feel guilty of what they've done?

This is what I really hate about our culture. The "crab-mantality" culture of the Filipinos. There are a lot of things to be proud as a Filipino but there are also things to hate about our culture. When I am on my way to Makati yesterday, the cab driver told me what is happening. And then my reaction was " Ah! Talaga?". Hahaha! Funny but true. That was, for me, the most stoic answer that a cab driver would get after bringing a bad news. And we share some thoughts on how it can be solved. The driver even thought of making some fake documents just to make the hostage taker surrender himself and let everybody inside the bus go.

How I wish that it was that easy.

Later that night, things are worse than I thought. But then again, while I was watching the news I can't help myself but laugh on how the reporters react while covering the event. I understand that their job is very dangerous but hey I want to laugh. And it ended in the death of Capt. Mendoza. May his soul rests in peace.

And then, the cyberworld became very active. Ideas here. Thoughts over there. But what we can only do is think of the "could have beens". What the police could have done. What the local government could have provided. What the national government could have given. And all this came up after a very TRAGIC incident. Yes I agree that there are lapses on how the policemen operated. But I think, we should still take our hats off because they have done their part. And it is time for us to do ours. Pay our due taxes. Help other people as much as we could. And most importantly, not to point our fingers to other people.

Today is the Ms. Universe pageant. Although the telecast on our local network is delayed, there are updates thru the cyber world that kept me ahead of the pack. Everyone was so ecstatic when Ms. Venus Raj made it to the top 15. The internet savvy expressed more pride when she made it to the top 5. But when she had lapses while answering in the Final Question and Answer portion, everybody started to express their disappointment. And it seems that they hate to be a Filipino at that very moment. And then I was able to read the "could have beens" again. She did her best but for some of us, it was not enough. She can only do so much. And what did she gain, criticism. Holy cow! From your fellow countrymen.

Life is not a Word document that you can edit. Life is not a machine in the making that when you had a mistake in putting some parts, you can buy the more appropriate one so that everything will be fine. Life is all about life. Living the present. Thanking the past. Looking forward to the future. Pointing your finger to someone won't help at all. Let's take everything as it happens. Let's learn to live our lives.

P.S.

This blog is just an opinion of the writer. It doesn't intend to hurt someone. It is intended for sharing of thoughts.

Anong magagawa natin?

Isang malaking tanong ang pumukaw ng aking pag-iisip. Ano ito? Ito ang malaking tanong na tinutukoy ko. “Anong magagawa natin?” Ikaw ba, naisip mo na ito? Hindi ba at napapanahon ito lalong lalo na ngayon at eleksyon dito sa Pilipinas.

Kung ako ang tatanungin, ang maisasagot ko ay OO NAMAN. Bakit? Ang mga sumusunod na talata ay magpapahayag ng aking damdamin hindi lamang sa nalalapit na eleksyon kung hindi sa pangkalahatang kalagayan ng ating buhay bilang Pilipino.

Unang una, mas maganda kung gamitin natin ng tama ang karapatan natin bilang Pilipino dahil mayroon tayong magagawa para sa pagbabago ng ating bansa patungo sa kaunlaran nito. Ano? Ang maging rehistradong botante ay isa sa malaking hakbang na dapat ay nagawa ng bawat Pilipinong maari nang makilahok sa nalalapit na eleksyon. Sabi nga ng patalastas ng isang pahayagan, “Wala kang karapatang magreklamo kung hindi ka boboto”. Naniniwala ako dun sapagkat mayroon kang karapatang bumoto ngunit hindi mo ito ginamit. At ang kauna unahang hakbang ay maging rehistradong botante.

Ang ikalawa naman ay wag sana tayong maging negatibo sa mga bagay bagay. Kung ang iyong pananaw sa buhay ay wala na tayong magagawa, mabuti pa ay sarilinin mo na lamang iyan at baka makahawa ka pa. Maaring ang Pilipinas ay isang third world country SA NGAYON ngunit hindi mo maitatanggi na tayong mga Pilipino ay sadyang maabilidad kung kaya tayo ay hinahangaan sa buong mundo. Ang maliliit na hakbang patungo sa pag-unlad ay hindi masama. Dahil kung dadami ang taong gumagawa ng maliliit na bagay na iyan, malamang bukas ay isa nang malaking hakbang ang iuunlad ng Pilipinas.

Ang ikatlo at huling punto na gusto kong ipahayag ay kung gusto nating tumulong, tumulong ka na lang. Huwag mo nang punahin ang mga pagkakamali ng ibang tao. Kung nakita mo siyang nagkamali ngunit gumawa siya ng paraan upang makabawi sa kanyang pagkakamali, tigilan mo na. Bakit hindi tayo magtulong tulong para magawa ang dapat gawin nang sa ganun at tuloy tuloy ang pagsulong ng ating bansa.

Nirerespeto ko ang desisyon ng lahat ng tao. Nirerespeto ko ang kanilang dahilan. Ngunit kung ang dahilan ng tao ay “wala lang”, hindi ba’t nakakalungkot iyon dahil isa itong senyales na naiimpluwensyahan lang ang tao sa kanyang desisyon at hindi siya nakakagawa ng desisyon ayon sa kanyang paniniwala at paninindigan.

Ang mahalagang desisyon na ating gagawin sa ika-10 ng Mayo ay isang desisyon kung saan nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Gusto kong ulitin na sa araw na iyon, ito na ang ating pagkakataon upang maging boss at mamili ng isang tao na gusto nating manilbihan ng tapat at ibibigay ang buong puso upang maglingkod sa Pilipinas. Ngunit hindi ba’t nararapat naman na maging patas tayo sa pagpili at kilalanin natin ang bawat kandidato upang mabigyan sila ng pantay pantay na pagkakataong mamuno.

Be assertive. Be positive. Be pro-active.

9 mornings

Misa de gallo is a traditional Catholic celebration held early in the morning during yuletide season. It starts from December 15 to December 23 if you will be attending the anticipated mass and from December 16 to December 24. I see the latter part as the more difficult one because you have to commit yourself in waking up at 4 am to be ready for the 430am mass. Some people do attend the mass because the folks have always believed that if you complete the 9 misa de gallo, you will be entitled with a wish. And it is also believed that it does come true.

And usually, people who have attended the mass will also have some gathering just outside the church. Let us call this a Christmas picnic. People from different walks of life swarm around kiosk of the two most favorite delicacies during Yuletide season. It's puto bumbong and bibingka.

And this year, I have a first hand experience of how we, Filipinos, celebrate this misa de gallo during the happiest time of the year. And as the number of masses I have attended increase, my interest of hearing the homily does too.

For those who was not able to attend the traditional Yuletide series of masses, here is the run down of the homilies:

First day: To prove that you are a son of God, you should follow HIS doing. There is no other way but HIS. It has been proven throughout the history and yet most of us fail to do so. Even yours truly do falter at times. But what it is important is you keep coming back to HIM.

Second day: To be happy, follow HIS will. It is no wonder even if you make millions of cash and stash it for your future you will still feel incomplete and lonely without HIM. It is only thru HIM that we feel complete and happy.

Third day: HE will never forsake us. Just open your eyes and listen to HIM because HE cares for us no matter what. HE is our father. Unlike our biological father, HE is very merciful. Whatever we have done in the past, HE will not mind at all as long as we seek for HIS forgiveness.

Fourth day: Nothing is impossible to HIM. Just have a little faith. HE is OMNIPOTENT. I guess that is something that we forget at times. If something that you want did not happen, there is a reason behind that and that is you will get something better than what you want. Just be patient and have a little faith.

Fifth day: Never stop caring and showing some respect because HE never stops. Caring for each other is something that HE wants us to do. Remember during every mass, there is always a part where we give peace to each other because HE wants a good and sound relationship with each other.

Sixth day: Do not lose HOPE. Trust comes with hope. If we will only learn to fully trust HIM, your hope will never fade out like a candle which loses its fire after just being blown off. As we live our own lives, we don’t have to hope that HE will never leave us if we will only trust our lives to HIM.

Seventh day: Just look around to feel how blessed you are. HE makes our lives easy if HE wishes to. And HE said, “Let there be light.” And then there was light so that we will not find ourselves always in the dark. We just have to appreciate what we have in life and stop asking for what we do not have. Maybe we do not need what we do not have at all.

Eight day: We are all responsible for our CHRISTian community. The reason why we all have names to keep is that we will be responsible in every move we make because it will be your dignity that will be put on the line. Being a responsible CHRISTian is also making each and every step of yours carefully because you know that HIS name will be put on the line.

Last day: Open up your hearts for our Saviour has come. Before you can say that you are ready for HIM, let us empty our hearts with the words me, myself and I. Stop being selfish and reach out and lend a hand to others because that is what HE did for all of us. HE gave us HIS only son for the redemption of our sins.

This year’s Christmas will be very meaningful to me even if I have to spend another Christmas without my Dad beside me. I know that time will come that he will be able to have his own chance of opening his gift from us like how we do it during Christmas eve.

HOPE, TRUST, UNSELFISHNESS and LOVE.

Let us spread the words and give some love this Christmas. If and when that volcano in Albay explodes in the time where we celebrate the coming of Messiah, let us still continue the spirit of Christmas all year long. As long as there is someone who is needy for an extra hand, Christmas will be there in our strongest muscle – in our heart.