a decade over a cup of coffee

Last night, I met up with an old friend. We hadn’t seen each other for almost a decade already. She has been going back and forth to the States since she she became a citizen in high school and started studying there. Our meeting wasn’t really planned; she just found out that I am here in our hometown, so she contacted me right away (When she’s here, most of the time, she stays in their house in Cubao). We couldn’t have Branson vacation packages or other trips together because of physical and time constraints, so this was the only opportunity to meet her again, especially when she informed she’d be leaving again for the States on Wednesday.

She was 4 years younger than I am. When we first met, she was still in grade 6 and I was in my first year in UP. Although she was so young then, she was really matured for her age. It  was like we were of the same age. Her activities were already for girls of my age, plus she’s really beautiful. She already looked like a full-grown woman, whereas I still looked like nene (hahaha).

Anyway, as I’ve mentioned earlier, it has been almost 10 years since we last met. We only know bits and pieces of news about each other, and we seldom chat because of different time zones, not to mention I seldom log in to networking sites. But when we saw each other last night, it’s as if there weren’t any years that passed. We were like when we were before. She was that matured high school kid, and I was the naive college girl. There were no awkward moments. Immediately, we tried to catch up on each other’s life, telling stories of 5 years ago. She shared me her pregnancy experience and how it was a miracle that she got pregnant. I was truly excited to see the kid she’s carrying in her belly. The coffee cups were already long empty, but we were still long before we could finish the night.

She had to go home because she and her mom would be leaving for Manila early morning the next day. We kissed each other goodbye and embraced each other tight. I sure am gonna miss her again. She told me that, even if it’s gonna be years more before we see each other again, it would still seem like the way we were before.

But of course, I hope it wouldn’t take 10 more years again. hehe.

rise and shine…and sleep again

I am trying to devise a way to get up as soon as my alarm clock rings. Ironic I have these problems waking up when at present, I really need to wake up early. I rarely study at night, so the little study time I have is in the morning–before I go to work–and the 1-hour FX ride to school.

I’ve tried ways of staying wake up the first time my eyes open. I’ve tried sleeping early. Not working. I’ve tried setting the clock 30 minutes earlier so I could finally stand up at the intended time. Not working. I’ve tried walking out of my room and standing outside the house. Not working. What would work?

Recently, I’ve tried exercising. I don’t need the best fat burning exercise, just that exercise that can make my blood circulate and get me moving. I do this for about 10 minutes. Sometimes, it’s working. Sometimes, it’s not. After the routine (which is composed of anything-I-can-think-of exercise and anytime-I-want-to-stop period), I graciously lay down to bed again and set my alarm for another 15 minutes.

:-)

Road Closed

I am a self-confessed ignoramus when it comes to direction. For example, I’ve been to MOA for about a hundred times, and up to now, I don’t know how to get from one place to another. Several times I’d been to Glorietta, and as of yet, I still hadn’t memorized all the roads that lead there. I have always been dependent on other peope and stable routes and directory submission.

Consequently, I only take roads that I was able to memorize. In Makati, I only take Ayala. And when last Sunday night, surprised that it was closed, I had to take roads I am not familiar with, or looked familiar but I cannot remember why. For a time, I was just driving, not knowing where to go. I was led back to where I started. With my friend’s help through “phone patch,” I was able to reach EDSA, only after anxiety and panic.

The day before, I also encountered another closed road going to school. Though I had already learned to take the alternate route, as I had done several times, I was still unsure if I could find my way. There was still fear that I might get lost and miss important stuff. When not in EDSA, I do not know where South or North is.

I think my problem lies in my fear of getting lost. I am unwilling to try new directions, and I stick to the only route I know. I realized, whenever there are closed roads, there are always alternate routes to take you where you want to be.

just got lucky

This is a message of gratitude to my very good friend, although this is only for a particular instance. Words and actions can never suffice to express my gratitude for the genuine friendship that he has given me. Even this simple message of thanks isn’t enough to express my appreciation for my dear friend’s hospitality.

His support for this whole week was indispensable. During the first half, he helped me kept awake, going out of his way to accompany me while I study. Starting 630 a.m. this Thursday, we agreed that I should just stay in his home so that he could “guard” me while I study. From the very beginning, he and his family are very supportive of my law school dream. And his mother was very confident and proud that I’d become a lawyer in the “family”, considering me as her own child. If only for her trust, I’m trying to pursue harder.

Starting Thursday, my friend had been very hospitable in their home, including her brother and sister. In my whole stay in Makati, I need not do anything. Everything was taken cared for, from breakfast super early in the morning until dinner. He cooked delicious foods, and I felt like I’ve gained several pounds (though no need for the best diet pills yet). He ensured I wake up when it’s time and that I stay awake until I have to. He even allows me to have naps, very careful that I do not oversleep. His usually quiet  siblings also made me feel taken cared for, always asking if I want this or that. I was, in all sense, a freeloader–and they didn’t mind.

I don’t know what I did to deserve a very good friend (and his family) in my life. He makes life a little less harder.

Thanks so much, eks!

the sad puppy look

Finally, this very long week had come to an end. I had just finished the deadliest subject this semester around 3 pm. It feels good to know that I managed to survive each day of the week one day at a time. The only immediate concern now is getting rid of blackheads and getting enough rest, though I’m sure the latter is harder to accomplish than the former.

Because the examinations started Monday this week, I haven’t had time to be “sad” because my lovable niece already went back to Qatar. I admit though that the week before their departure, I had already been feeling the sadness of the prospect that it’s gonna be a year or two before she comes back.

Here’s a photo of her when she looks sad:

With or without biases, we really feel that she is a very good girl. There was a time when she lost grip of my Magic Sing and it hit the floor. It looked like she knows that what she did was wrong and that she was very sorry for it. You know what she did? After a 1-second shock, she immediately run toward me and embraced me, leaning her head on my left shoulder. Who could get mad at such a child? She does that when her father raises his voice whenever she gets makulit, and she’d have that sad puppy look, and your heart just melts.

I miss you, keng! Au revoir!

midterms day 2: keeping me awake

Today was the second day of the midterms exams. Looking at it on the bright side, I only have 4 days left until the last, and the most dreaded, midterm exam. Like most regular student, I have this feeling of regret that I should have prepared earlier or, better, kept my lessons up-to-date. Well, there is no sense now of justifying myself (though probably I could =)). My problem now is the limited hours and how to stay up late. I fall asleep fast, and I crave sleep. Ironic that when I wasn’t schooling yet, I need a  natural sleep aid because of trouble sleeping. But now, when I look at my bed, I feel sleepy already. Count 10 minutes, and you’ll see me lying in bed. Last night, I tried an energy drink. It kinda worked. Though, what worked well last night was the company of the best person who kept me awake. Thanks so much!

discotheque

It was around 10 pm, and everybody seemed tired and eager to go home. One such passenger in the FX is a man wearing long sleeves and carrying that rectangular bag suited for medical travel.

I don’t know what it is that day, but all people lining to the FX looked gloomy, probably it’s the cold weather. I was so glad I could already sit and rest my tired eyes. If before I rode the FX everybody looked exhausted, inside, the driver seemed very lively; he was singing along the radio and laughing with the jokes of the wacky DJs (probably Nicolehiyala and Chris Tsuper). I, and maybe most regular passengers, can tolerate the sound and from time to time, even laugh at the jokes ourselves.

The man with the long sleeves can also bear the “noise,” but not the lights. The driver turned the FX into a discotheque! Frankly, the blinking lights with numerous colors are a bit unamiable to the eyes. I had to look away from the small disco ball in front of the FX. But the man cannot resist and said, “Can you please turn off the lights?”

The driver said, “Just close your eyes.” The smirk in my face almost seemed obvious. =)

Oo nga naman. Walang pakialamanan. Haha.

Us Xs and Ys

After weddings and wedding invitations, now comes christening or first-birthday invitations. Perhaps these years are really the time when my generation takes the cross-roads. Really, it’s kinda fascinating listening to your long-time friend, who used to be a punk goddess and your drinking buddy, talk about her pregnancy and her recent marriage. It’s wonderful seeing your child-like Spongebob-fan friend talk about taking care of her own child. Our generation is already matured or maturing, and I wonder where the years would take us. Rumors say that the good times are over. Then again, I’d like to believe, the best is yet to come…for all of us Xs and Ys.

Outsmarted

One morning, girl took the jeepney and sat in the front seat, beside a man who looks older than she is. Girl was texting, while man seemed busy with his elliptical celfone.

man: Can you (missed) call my number, miss? I cannot hear the tone.

The girl hesitated but because she was surprised with the request, she wasn’t able to bring herself to disagree.After all, the man really seemed worried about his celfone.

girl: What’s your number? (Then she called)
man: It’s ringing. Thanks.
girl: (Looking while the man was saving the girl’s number) Can you NOT save the number?
man: Ah..ok. (He proceeded to Messaging)
girl: (Uneasy about the incident…after 2 seconds) Can you erase my number in the call register?
man: Sure. (Girl watched as the man erased it.)

As the girl got out of the jeep, she was confident that her error of entertaining the request of a stranger was taken cared of already.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 , 8, 9, 10… tut-tut tut-tut… “Miss, Can I have your name? I was the man sitting beside you in the jeep.”

What’s the lesson learned?

Our Superstar

Look at how Keng has grown so much. Though she is only 2, the dress I bought her for Christmas was already for 4-year-olds!

Unlike last year, she likes running around so much. We all get tired of chasing her, but we are all competing for her attention!! She is the first grandchild (and first niece!) on both sides, so she’s just soooo lucky; we are all at her mercy! hahaha. Added to the fact that she stays here only for a month in a year, we all want to maximize time with her (never mind her parents =p). Her parents are working abroad to give her a nice education and a stable life (and maybe an online life insurance for all of them). I am wishing though that she studies here. Para makasama ko siya mas madalas. hehe.

Below are two pictures taken from a studio. Next time, I’ll post pictures from my camera, capturing all facets of Keng. Yeah, she really is our superstar. We take photos of her as much as we can—all angles and all her moods. And yeah, it’s kinda hard taking pictures of her… she doesn’t wanna pose in front of cameras! (I wonder how the photographer in the studio did it.) She’s soooooooooo adorable! I’m her no. 1 fan!