Living at Random » Archive
What does the future hold?
Growing up as a kid with NF, I’m sure my parents had this nagging question inside their heads at one time or another: “Will he grow up to be normal?” I’m guessing that the ”growing up to be normal” question isn’t really exclusive to parents whose kids have NF, other disabilities or special needs. It’s a question that all parents deal with but the question comes with a bigger question mark for parents of NF children because NF itself is sort of a question mark in the sense that the parents will never know when, how and to what extent NF will manifest itself. My parents never gave a hint that they were worried about such things when I was growing up. It is only recently — about 30 years later — … Read entire article »
Filed under: Life with NF
Transform Leftover Risotto Into a New Dish
So now that you know how to cook risotto, here is something that you can do with the leftovers. I first learned about this while watching Giada de Laurentis’ show on Food Network. Eventually, I did find the recipe from Ryan & Verike’s Website: What’s for Dinner: Giada’s Arancini di Riso. I’ve modified the recipe a bit to the portions and ingredients my wife and I use. Ingredients 2 cups of leftover risotto, cooled 3/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 2 eggs, beaten 2 ounces Mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (You can use more Mozzarella and bigger cubes, if you wish) Olive oil Procedure In a large bowl, combine the risotto, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and eggs. Mix well. Don’t be afraid to use your hand. In a medium bowl or large plate, spread out the remaining … Read entire article »
An Easy Risotto Recipe
The first time I heard about risotto, I was watching Season 2 of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. I then wondered what it was and how I could cook it. After a quick search in Google, I found that it was a traditional Italian rice dish and it is one of the most common ways to cook rice in Italy. When cooking risotto, you cannot use ordinary rice. It has to be a high-starch and medium-grain rice. Typically, Carnaroli rice is used. However, Arborio rice is quite acceptable and is cheaper. It took me a while to get my hands on Arborio rice in Manila, since I was told it was only available in certain supermarkets. Luckily, I did find them being sold in SM Supermarket in SM Southmall (Las Pinas). … Read entire article »
Dealing with the Pain
I have never been able to remember when I first experienced the pain associated with my NF. Perhaps it was because I always had a high-level of pain tolerance even when I was very little. But as I grew older, my left leg — on which had numerous nerve endings had formed — had become very sensitive to pain. If I accidentally bump my leg against something, it was horrible. The pain would just go up and down my leg. With the amount of nerve tissues on that leg, I was already told by my doctors and my parents at a very young age that eventually, the leg would have to go. Perhaps when I hit my 18th birthday, they said. I actually looked forward to that day because the leg … Read entire article »
Filed under: Life with NF
Center of Attention
Because of neurofibromatosis, my left leg was malformed. It was longer than my right leg and was continuously growing faster. It was one of the first things noticed by my parents before they found out that was related to neurofibromatosis: whenever I walked or ran, there was a good chance that I’d trip over myself. Aside from being longer my left leg was also bigger than the right leg. From what I understand, the surgery I had when I was four explored the possibility of removing the neurofibromas that were in my leg. I guess, unfortunately, the doctors then found it risky to do anything else and so decided to leave the leg as is. At first, I used normal shoes. To compensate for my legs’ difference in length, may dad would … Read entire article »
Filed under: Life with NF
Being Brave at Four
“What is going to happen?” I had wondered to myself. I was 4-years old and I was going to the hospital operating room. They told me that the doctors were going to take a look at something inside my leg. I was trying my best to put my bravest face on. My parents had assured me that I’ll be asleep while the doctors did their work and everything will be alright when I woke up. Dr. Imamura, my Filipino-Japanese pediatrician, came by my hospital bed and gave me a die-cast miniature bus from Matchbox. That took my mind off worrying a bit. Matchboxes were my favorite toys at the time and the bus would be a great addition to my collection. Dr. Imamura smiled at me and told me to be brave like … Read entire article »
Filed under: Life with NF
How to Finally Say “Thank You”
Ever since we were young, our good parents always remind us to thank people who have helped us. “Write to your aunt in the US. She sent you your favorite Barbie.” (During my time *cough*, Barbie dolls are hard to come by.) “Thank your, Grandpa. He cooked your favorite pancit.” (He was a great cook! May he rest in peace.) “Did you thank your, Ninang (godmother/parent)? She gave you a hundred pesos this Christmas.” (Now I feel guilty. I still give the same amount to my many inaanak (goddaughter/son)!) (Hey, hey! I am joking! I give a higher percentage of that! I consider the inflation!) Anyway, it is polite and customary to say thanks to people or to circumstances whenever blessings or gifts come to our way. May I say, it is easier to say … Read entire article »
Filed under: Blessings to Us
Opportunities are His Blessings
I remember a scene from one of my favorite movies, Evan Almighty. It was the part where God, disguised as a waiter (played by Morgan Freeman), shared to Joan Baxter (Lauren Graham) about how God listens to our prayers and guides and bless us in our daily lives. When we pray to God for courage, do you think He gives us courage OR the opportunity to be courageous? This question struck me deeply and opened my mind to a lot of blessings I have. Today, I washed some of my and my hubby’s garments. It made me think how blessed I am for doing such chore. In fact, I do not consider it as a chore. I find it relaxing when cleaning our clothes and I always catch myself smiling at … Read entire article »
Filed under: Blessings to Us, On Opportunities