We have more than enough days to enjoy the island but I don't think I'm ready to leave just yet. Not when I know that a shitload of work is waiting for me.
I also worry my friends back home won't be able to recognize me anymore because I am ten times darker. But I would not have it any other way. I think I am born for the ocean. And if the kiss of the ocean breeze meant a sun-kissed skin, then the sun can have me anytime.
And down to the turtle's throat.
I remember the time when I attended one of my close friends' wedding, I was asked to hold one of the dozen balloons that was to be released into the sky. I shook my head frantically and blurted with some diffidence, "Dili ko. Environmentalist ko." (I won't. I'm an environmentalist)
A friend gave me a perplexed look as he walked away holding the balloon after being forced to volunteer.
I remember the time when I attended one of my close friends' wedding, I was asked to hold one of the dozen balloons that was to be released into the sky. I shook my head frantically and blurted with some diffidence, "Dili ko. Environmentalist ko." (I won't. I'm an environmentalist)
A friend gave me a perplexed look as he walked away holding the balloon after being forced to volunteer.
I had an amazing long weekend at my favorite beach in Dahican. But laziness reared its ugly head in and, as usual, I didn’t take any interesting photos.
Well, except for this:
This Mati trip is just the first of my many beach getaways this 2018.
Well, except for this:
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| Dahican is love. No filter needed. |
I know I've been yapping non-stop about Bill. Well, this is my blog and I will write whatever the hell I want to write since I don't have the nerve to speak elsewhere. You see, I've never posted about Bill on social media. Nobody else on my friends list, aside from a few close friends and those who have actually seen me, knows about Bill.
You see, in social media, everybody can inadvertently see what you have posted. But if you blog, nobody knows what you're up to until they visit and actually read your blog. Here, you enter at your own risk. If my stories get me loyal readers, great! I really appreciate that. If it loses me readers and rakes in haters, I'm not really concerned.
You see, in social media, everybody can inadvertently see what you have posted. But if you blog, nobody knows what you're up to until they visit and actually read your blog. Here, you enter at your own risk. If my stories get me loyal readers, great! I really appreciate that. If it loses me readers and rakes in haters, I'm not really concerned.
Today, I planned on writing a blog post where I tell the world how we had a pretty amazing out-of-town weekend but all that's going through my mind is Bill.
I think I'm obsessed. Not that I'm trying to learn about cars and how it works because I couldn't even get myself to read all the hundred pages of the manual. The word transmission already scares me, much more when introduced to alien words such fuel injection, ignition, or piston. All the mechanic's tips and instructions after the first Preventive Maintenance Schedule (PMS) just slipped through my mind because the brain stopped working the moment I saw the bill, realizing how expensive car maintenance is despite free labor.
I think I'm obsessed. Not that I'm trying to learn about cars and how it works because I couldn't even get myself to read all the hundred pages of the manual. The word transmission already scares me, much more when introduced to alien words such fuel injection, ignition, or piston. All the mechanic's tips and instructions after the first Preventive Maintenance Schedule (PMS) just slipped through my mind because the brain stopped working the moment I saw the bill, realizing how expensive car maintenance is despite free labor.
Yesterday was our baby's string of many firsts.
First, we named our baby, Bill. I know Bill doesn't have anything to do with a car. Unlike others, I didn't name it after its color, it's performance, or whatever's under its hood. I could come up with Silver Bullet, Speed, Sasha (because it is grey haha), Lil Beasty, or even Sasuke because it almost sounds like the car brand. But I like Bill Parish from Meet Joe Black. It doesn't really have to have a significance and I don't need a reason to name it Bill. But Bill sounds good and that's good enough.
I know naming a car is not an uncommon practice. I think, if not all, almost every car owner does it and I think I know why. Mike Wazowski once said, "Once you name it, you start getting attached to it." Once you get attached to it, you take good care of it and I would like to believe that would make you a better driver.
First, we named our baby, Bill. I know Bill doesn't have anything to do with a car. Unlike others, I didn't name it after its color, it's performance, or whatever's under its hood. I could come up with Silver Bullet, Speed, Sasha (because it is grey haha), Lil Beasty, or even Sasuke because it almost sounds like the car brand. But I like Bill Parish from Meet Joe Black. It doesn't really have to have a significance and I don't need a reason to name it Bill. But Bill sounds good and that's good enough.
I know naming a car is not an uncommon practice. I think, if not all, almost every car owner does it and I think I know why. Mike Wazowski once said, "Once you name it, you start getting attached to it." Once you get attached to it, you take good care of it and I would like to believe that would make you a better driver.
Anyway, it was also yesterday when it had its first wash. Bill needs to look good because we had it blessed.
We also took bill on its first out of town trip. We went to Sarangani Province to celebrate my lola's birthday. But before that, we took it on a road trip.
And a rough one at that. I never really intended Bill to go through such an ordeal. I never expected the road to be unforgiving. Since it was a spur of the moment getaway, the lack of research has taken its toll on the car. But it survived the steep and rocky roads just to get us to this:
We also took bill on its first out of town trip. We went to Sarangani Province to celebrate my lola's birthday. But before that, we took it on a road trip.
And a rough one at that. I never really intended Bill to go through such an ordeal. I never expected the road to be unforgiving. Since it was a spur of the moment getaway, the lack of research has taken its toll on the car. But it survived the steep and rocky roads just to get us to this:
I wasn't really a big fan of souvenirs. When Jan and I traveled far and wide, we didn't bring anything home with us but pictures and memories until our first trip in Boracay (emphasis on the word first because we're going back there soon and I hope I'm not jinxing it by prematurely announcing it. lol).
Fridge magnets were everywhere there and they were cheap (around Php 50). Which, I supposed, triggered that fridge magnet nut case in me when a thought occurred that a fridge magnet from every destination might be a good idea. So we bought 3 magnets (for Jan's home, for my parents' home, and our future home). And the rest, as they say, is history.
Fridge magnets were everywhere there and they were cheap (around Php 50). Which, I supposed, triggered that fridge magnet nut case in me when a thought occurred that a fridge magnet from every destination might be a good idea. So we bought 3 magnets (for Jan's home, for my parents' home, and our future home). And the rest, as they say, is history.
I didn't realize that it's already February until I saw quite a lot of bitter Valentine's posts on my newsfeed. LOL. Anyway, February na pala. In a few days Valentine's na naman. Sa mga nagbabalak magbigay sa akin ng gifts, wag nyo na po ako bigyan ng love dahil lunod na lunod na po ako. Hindi nyo din po kailangan na ipagdasal ako dahil kaya ko namang gawin yan para sa sarili ko. Your presence and thoughts do not really count dahil hindi po ako mabubusog nyan. If you really want something that counts, I might as well suggest these:
I've never been this scared my whole life.
I honestly thought that a 50-foot cliff jumping was the scariest thing I've ever done until I had to pass a practical driving exam.
I was certain I knew what to do but I just got cold all over, my heart was beating fast, my breath was short, palms were sweaty, mom's spaghetti.
Apparently, I failed the practical exam. I think I celebrated prematurely when I aced the written exam since everybody said it is difficult. I thought the practical exam is going to be a breeze since I’ve already driven in a highway quite a number of times and I was fine. I expected to show only simple driving skills. Forward, backward, turn left and right. Ganun lang. Instead, I was asked to parallel park. As if simple parking is not hard enough.
I honestly thought that a 50-foot cliff jumping was the scariest thing I've ever done until I had to pass a practical driving exam.
I was certain I knew what to do but I just got cold all over, my heart was beating fast, my breath was short, palms were sweaty, mom's spaghetti.
Apparently, I failed the practical exam. I think I celebrated prematurely when I aced the written exam since everybody said it is difficult. I thought the practical exam is going to be a breeze since I’ve already driven in a highway quite a number of times and I was fine. I expected to show only simple driving skills. Forward, backward, turn left and right. Ganun lang. Instead, I was asked to parallel park. As if simple parking is not hard enough.
I think the examiner saw that I actually know how to drive. I thank the high heavens he didn't cut me entirely. I was given another chance and it was a do or die situation for me.
I was already in distress because I do not want to blow the chance given to me. So kind of stupid as it is, I actually watched videos and practiced online. Hahaha. Oh sure, it was tooooo easy to do in a simulator. But in real life? It’s like you’ve already tried 30 times, wasted 20 minutes, pissed 7 people off, and hit a a tree. And it could get worse.
Jan came to the rescue. He got off early from work to help me with my parking skills. I'm still not confident about parking, but Jan's teachings did help a lot. But if there's one thing I've learned that I am sure is helpful in the future, it had to be this:
How to parallel park:
Step 1. Park somewhere else.
Update: I passed my exam and got my driving license. :)
I was already in distress because I do not want to blow the chance given to me. So kind of stupid as it is, I actually watched videos and practiced online. Hahaha. Oh sure, it was tooooo easy to do in a simulator. But in real life? It’s like you’ve already tried 30 times, wasted 20 minutes, pissed 7 people off, and hit a a tree. And it could get worse.
Jan came to the rescue. He got off early from work to help me with my parking skills. I'm still not confident about parking, but Jan's teachings did help a lot. But if there's one thing I've learned that I am sure is helpful in the future, it had to be this:
How to parallel park:
Step 1. Park somewhere else.
Update: I passed my exam and got my driving license. :)
Universal Studios Singapore is the first legit theme park I've ever visited. And it is nothing short of amazing.
Well, honestly, I've never been under the spotlight for being color blind. Or maybe I am just lucky not to be surrounded with scumbags who point at random objects and ask me what color that thing is the moment I tell them I am color blind.
It was back in college when I found out about it after taking an Ishihara test during one of our lessons in Anatomy and Physiology. I'd usually answer a random number in frustration because I cannot see what my classmates can. Apparently, I was the only one in our class with that defect.
Today, I thought of making a Christmas New Year's wishlist just so I have something to blog about. But I've already gotten more than what I would have wished for. Also, it would just make me feel guilty knowing that Jan gave me an iPhone SE for Christmas while all I got for him was a letter in a memo pad that was given free from one of those blogging events. Haha.
I also thought of listing my New Year's resolutions. But then, I have more than 20 years worth of proof that New Year's resolutions always fail by the end of January. Writing them would be pointless.
So, to make up for the lack of blog posts this December, I'll do what bloggers usually do: write a year-end post. Here goes...
I also thought of listing my New Year's resolutions. But then, I have more than 20 years worth of proof that New Year's resolutions always fail by the end of January. Writing them would be pointless.
So, to make up for the lack of blog posts this December, I'll do what bloggers usually do: write a year-end post. Here goes...
"Congratulations! You deserve that!"
"Thanks! But I want to add something right there."
There was a pause.
"I want to win a Palanca," I told Jan flat out loud.
He gave me an eager look as he continued to listen to me and my absurd dreams.
I rolled my eyes, gave out a soft sigh, and blurted, "I just do not know how to do it."
You see, I've read this year's winning entries - mostly from established writers, journalist, and columnists - and I certainly do not make the cut.
I guess Jan and I need an attitude makeover.
You see, we've been together in more than 20 flights. And perhaps a little less than half of that were at least an hour to three hours delayed. And not one, not a single free flight voucher from any airline has been issued to us for the inconvenience while I see a lot of my friends getting free round trip flights for an hour delay.
I think the problem roots to our attitude. We DGAF. We ran out of fukcs to give that we're already missing a lot. We still act calmly even in eventful and stressful situations and I'm starting to think it's a bad thing. What if nag-beast mode kami? Or kahit nagreklamo man lang? I reckon it's going to be different. Ang dami na siguro naming free flights ngayon.
The problem is, parang ang hirap magalit. I've never seen Jan angry. And he's never seen me angry, too. I am not easily offended. Perhaps I might have not reached my boiling point yet. But I still get pissed off. I get pissed off when someone is rude towards me. I get pissed off at disgruntled fast food crews who give me the wrong orders at a time when I am already dying of hunger. I get frustrated when a team member has not done his/her job properly and the situation will be taken out on me. I get annoyed at idiocy and stupidity. BUT...
You see, we've been together in more than 20 flights. And perhaps a little less than half of that were at least an hour to three hours delayed. And not one, not a single free flight voucher from any airline has been issued to us for the inconvenience while I see a lot of my friends getting free round trip flights for an hour delay.
I think the problem roots to our attitude. We DGAF. We ran out of fukcs to give that we're already missing a lot. We still act calmly even in eventful and stressful situations and I'm starting to think it's a bad thing. What if nag-beast mode kami? Or kahit nagreklamo man lang? I reckon it's going to be different. Ang dami na siguro naming free flights ngayon.
The problem is, parang ang hirap magalit. I've never seen Jan angry. And he's never seen me angry, too. I am not easily offended. Perhaps I might have not reached my boiling point yet. But I still get pissed off. I get pissed off when someone is rude towards me. I get pissed off at disgruntled fast food crews who give me the wrong orders at a time when I am already dying of hunger. I get frustrated when a team member has not done his/her job properly and the situation will be taken out on me. I get annoyed at idiocy and stupidity. BUT...
But you see, those are just a few of the many situations where I've seen normal people start losing their cool and here I am just brushing everything off like nothing happened. The most I can do is to kill someone in my mind 20 times within 5 minutes in a hundred different ways. Or if eye-rolling and sarcasm can kill and count as expressions to anger, you'd be dead before you even know it.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not a wimp. I can fight, too. I grew up fist-fighting in our neighborhood and I have a little training in martial arts - to which my friend has reiterated that this is scarier than someone who's perpetually angry. Mas nakatakot daw magalit ang taong hindi nagagalit. Eh lalo na yung marunong mag "karate". Haha. So yeah, try me.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not a wimp. I can fight, too. I grew up fist-fighting in our neighborhood and I have a little training in martial arts - to which my friend has reiterated that this is scarier than someone who's perpetually angry. Mas nakatakot daw magalit ang taong hindi nagagalit. Eh lalo na yung marunong mag "karate". Haha. So yeah, try me.
I wonder what happens when Jan and I get married, move in to our new house, and get into a fight. Knowing him who can throw that perfect uppercut and me who can execute a good roundhouse kick, I guess, kailangan namin ng boxing ring.
Should I be worried? I'm afraid this DGAF attitude might be bottling up my anger, explode, and then I become a Hulk (or worse, Peter Griffin) one day.
And also, yeah, still bummed we never got those free flights.
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| Image via gfycat |
And also, yeah, still bummed we never got those free flights.
I was eyeing on this particular shoe for several months even though I do not have a reason to wear it. I think boots are completely out of fashion when you're living in a hot and humid country. But I got one just in case I might need it.
Just so you know, I suffer from a different kind of amnesia. The kind of amnesia when you buy something and totally forget about it. Then later on you will just be surprised finding something you didn't know you have and don't know why you bought it in the first place. I know I'm not alone in this.
Well, the boots almost suffered the same fate. But unlike all the other past purchases, it only took 4 months of being kept hidden in the dark before it was pulled right out of its box. I brought it with me in Taiwan because I thought the weather is just perfect for a bootie. And it was.
I absolutely love it! I thought I'd never be able to wear it again until the next trip to a cold country - which isn't happening anytime soon because my priorities have changed and traveling isn't really on my top 3. *sniffs*
Then Christmas happened. In November.
Together with other media men from Davao and some members of the Davao Bloggers Society, Smart Communications invited me to a fun-filled Christmas at the Farm party!
Honestly, I didn't know what to wear. I got confused between a Western farmer and a typical cowboy. But whatever I wear, I knew the boots would cut it. I had to make do with what was already in my closet and this was the closest to a farm girl as I could get (or I could have just been a potato).
I think I pulled it off. The boots are great. It's just that, I don't think I'll ever be able to wear one again. So, in to the box you go, boots.
Just so you know, I suffer from a different kind of amnesia. The kind of amnesia when you buy something and totally forget about it. Then later on you will just be surprised finding something you didn't know you have and don't know why you bought it in the first place. I know I'm not alone in this.
Well, the boots almost suffered the same fate. But unlike all the other past purchases, it only took 4 months of being kept hidden in the dark before it was pulled right out of its box. I brought it with me in Taiwan because I thought the weather is just perfect for a bootie. And it was.
I absolutely love it! I thought I'd never be able to wear it again until the next trip to a cold country - which isn't happening anytime soon because my priorities have changed and traveling isn't really on my top 3. *sniffs*
Then Christmas happened. In November.
Together with other media men from Davao and some members of the Davao Bloggers Society, Smart Communications invited me to a fun-filled Christmas at the Farm party!
Honestly, I didn't know what to wear. I got confused between a Western farmer and a typical cowboy. But whatever I wear, I knew the boots would cut it. I had to make do with what was already in my closet and this was the closest to a farm girl as I could get (or I could have just been a potato).
I think I pulled it off. The boots are great. It's just that, I don't think I'll ever be able to wear one again. So, in to the box you go, boots.
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| And oh, I cut my own hair, by the way. |
