Trisha Cris. ©

(and when we get back to the truck, he always unlocks the doors immediately so that I can get in, and then proceeds to unload the groceries, while I’m sat in the truck with the seat warmers on. rain or shine - every time - this is our grocery game plan)

Can I let you all in on a little secret?

It’s taken me many years to appreciate being loved like this.

You see, I spent (ie. wasted) a lot of time looking for all the ways in which love in shown in the movies, in the magazines, and on the commercials.

Flowers.

Chocolates.

Romantic meals.

Surprise getaways.

And guess what?

I was disappointed time. and time. and time again.

All because I was looking for the ways that I was being told he should show his love -

Instead of paying attention to how he actually does show his love.

And when I eventually came to that realization, Friends?

That was the relationship game changer.

For he rarely buys flowers,

But he calls me everyday when he gets off of work, to see if I need anything picked up.

He never thinks of buying chocolate,

But whenever he sees anything that resembles a slice of plant based, organic goodness, he always buys it for me - And is always so proud to surprise me with his latest grocery store find.

He can only boil eggs and butter bread,

So while I have never walked into a dining room with candles flickering and plates of gourmet goodness laid out - He wakes up every Sunday morning, puts on coffee, pours up my favourite mug, and passes it to me while I’m cozied up on the living room couch (and if my mug is in yesterday’s dirty dishes, he’ll always wash it out. bless him).

And while he cannot put together a travel itinerary to save his soul,

He has sat in a theatre on Broadway with me to watch a musical. He has walked through Ernest Hemingway’s home with me. He has been through more museums and libraries in a lifetime than he cares to admit. And he has never complained about any of it. Not even once.

And it’s more than that. So much more than that.

...And, he will always, always push the grocery cart.

You know, the more I think of it,

The flowers, the chocolates, the romantic meals, and the surprise getaways?

That’s all just momentary anyway.

The flowers die. The chocolate and meals get devoured. And the surprise getaways happen, and then they’re over.

But it’s in the moments that you can depend on (over and over and over again), well, that’s where the love is found.

The good love.

The always love.

Like your ‘most coziest blanket on a fall day’ love.

...And it’s THAT kinda’ love that I want to walk through this life feeling.

Don’t search for the flowers, Ladies. Nor waste your time in want of the chocolates.

Search for the one who will push your grocery cart.

For that’s where the always kinda’ love is ♡

* * * * *

1. ENOUGH REST. Not necessarily 8-10 hours (which is much better) as long as you feel na you have enough energy or ginaganahan ka ng mag-review pagkagising, ready to go ka na!

2. PREPARE YOUR REVIEWERS AHEAD OF TIME (book, notes, handouts, ppts, etc). Para pagkagising mo, mag-aaral ka na lang. Aleast you’ve saved time, energy and effort. Make sure you take down notes during lectures and focus on what your teachers are saying. Sometimes, they’re not relying on books when giving test/s but on what they’ve said during the discussion. Be attentive.

3. FOCUS. JUST REVIEW. Avoid using your gadgets from time to time. It’s okay to use it if it is really important or if you’re using it as your reviewer or guide. If not, better keep it somewhere out of your temptations haha or let your parents keep it for you.

4. HAVE A BREAK, HAVE A FOOD. Take some break and don’t stress too much. Stressing yourself will not only give you headache but your brain will not function properly because of tiredness or you can see yourself wanting to sleep all of a sudden. Grab some food if you want to like if you’re the kind of person that sees food essential while reviewing because it keeps you awake.

5. LISTEN TO MUSIC. When your body and soul suddenly craves for sleep, why not try to play music or review with your earphones on to acompany you.

6. SET A GOAL. Set a goal and give yourself a reward when you get high grades on tests. It will give you so much motivations! But if you failed, promise yourself to do better next time. Never ever lose hope.

7. EAT BREAKFAST AND BRING YOUR REVIEWERS WITH YOU THE NEXT MORNING. Breakfast is really really important and the most important part of the day to keep you especially your brain energized. And reviewing while waiting for the exam really helps i swear!

8. PRAY, TRUST GOD AND YOURSELF. This is the most important and you know the rest.

We all know that entering pre-med courses was never easy. And yes, Nursing needs a lot of TIME, ENERGY, and EFFORT. I mean, those thick books and handouts you study everyday, laboratory exams plus lecture exams, rle retdems, duties, etc. I do totally agree with you that being a student nurse is indeed difficult and toxic. Going back, i didn’t make it to scholarship but i always make sure that i pass all the subjects and as much as possible, aim for 1.00. But if you get 2.00, it’s fine. That’s Nursing.

Here are my tips and i hope these would your friend, anon!

1. Study in advance every lesson before the lecture. I know we need a social life or atleast a lot of time to rest but i promise, prioritizing your studies won’t make you regret afterwards.

2. Be active when it comes to recitations. (oral revalidas or random questions from your profs during lectures)

3. Collect and organize your books and handouts EVERYDAY. Make sure you have all of them to study at home.

4. Use your free time taking a nap, eating, and reviewing your lessons esp. if you have tests. We all need lots of ENERGY.

5. Make your schedule every first day of the week. Make sure to follow them like discipline is really important if you want them to be accomplished.

6. Pass all the requirements ahead of time. AVOID PROCASTINATION. This is what i am always telling to myself because it is really hard not to.

7. Be attentive during lectures (never be late or absent, avoid absent-mindedness and sleepiness). Take down notes ALL the important details of your professors coming from their mouth. Believe me, if you do this, you will survive.

8. Go home early then sleep then study. Set a reward for yourself if you are done with your tasks in a week. Like going out with fam and friends, on weekends.

9. Never forget to take a break. Relax your mind. You need fresh air and good foods. Or you may read books while wearing socks with a good music inside a comfy room. Who wouldn’t love that?!

10. PRAY. Don’t forget to visit the church daily and attend the Mass every Sunday. Thank God for all the blessings, non-stop guidance, and for your studies and good health.