The Doki Returns... and Other Fun Surprises

It's been a crazy 4 weeks here in Gigaquit, the first two of which I spent quarantined in my office here at the Rural Health Unit. I won't get into the details behind that but suffice to say: I was gone for a while, and now I'm back.

During my quarantine, I settled into such a comfortable routine that I am now considering permanently living here in my RHU. I mean, just look at it. Isn't it so cute? I love the sunshine and the pops of color! 

Not bad for an office bedroom.

Living in one's office can make one a little claustrophobic. So, as a way to sort of break up my day (or as Paulo put it: create a boundary between personal and work life), I've rekindled my love of biking. At the end of each office day I like to just go out and ride wherever my legs may take me.

The newly-cemented Canlagsik Road. With my trusty rusty Shimano folding bike that I got as a hand-me-down from my aunt.

I never thought I could enjoy any physical activity as much as I do biking. It's become such a core part of my daily life that I feel like my day isn't complete unless I go out and pedal. I might actually be addicted.

But more than the exercise, what really keeps me going is being able to experience the no-filter beauty of Gigaquit, one cement road at a time, one sunset at a time. 

Brgy. Villaflor at sunset

In fact, on my first day out from quarantine, I was SOOOO excited to hop back on my bike that I may have gotten... a little careless. Whoops.

Diagnosis: Multiple abrasions secondary to post-quarantine excitement

There are some days when I do wish I were back in quarantine, days when my introverted empathetic self can no longer deal with people's emotions. (I sometimes think my job would be so much easier if people were unfeeling robots.) In these uncertain and confusing times, people tend to let emotions get the better of them, and it's taking a toll on the frontliners who are just trying to help (i.e. ME!). 

See, this pandemic might be the first time that us health guys have been given some semblance of police power. We suddenly now have the authority to jail people at home or in an isolation unit, and people expect us to exercise such authority consistently and fairly... but also to sometimes make exceptions whenever it's in their favor. 

"Dok maawa ka naman sa amin, napakalaking abala ang testing ninyo..."

"Napending na po ang hanabuhay namin..."

"...Doktora wala kang puso."

My medical background trained me to always position myself as an ally of my patients. To be a supporter, a helper, a giver. Now, being the one imposing the quarantine, people see me as the bad guy. The one who decides whether they can run free or not. And I'm just not used to being in this position. It sucks that there are people out there who are acting as if quarantining them was a personal decision that I wanted to make. 

Wag nga kayo feeling! Trabaho lang po! 

It's getting late and my sofa bed is calling out to me. I'll end this update / rant right here so that I can rest up for more battles tomorrow. 

As always: Stay inside, wear a mask, and wash your hands guys!

PS: Currently looking for a small cat or dog to keep me company and ward off any potential mumu in the RHU. Any leads would be much appreciated!