I used to be a going out person, although I never really thought of myself that way. Thanks to old blog posts and Facebook status updates and photos, it seems that I had (have?) that outgoing side.
No doubt I still like going out now and then, but it's more about a relaxing, quiet evening than a rowdy, drunken one. I have to admit that the no alcohol part is more health-enforced than voluntary, but all's good.
So last night, I went to this "new" place called Boho Sarapsody Bar. It's on Ermin Garcia St. in Cubao - a place I had never heard of before.
In many societies, being alone is looked down upon, and the person who is alone is sometimes pitied. It is thus understandable why there are people who are averse to being alone.
Then there are those who seek solitude amidst the crowds. Some crave it simply because that's how they are. Others run to it because of circumstances that make aloneness preferable to the alternatives.
Wherever you stand in that wide spectrum of aloneness-companionship, this video by film maker Andrea Dorfman and poet/singer/songwriter Tanya Davis might be what you need to help you embrace that complex yet simple thing called aloneness.
A commenter on the YouTube video wrote, 'We are all alone, but living with people make us forget that. We come to this world alone and so will we die. Never pursue people to fill the emptiness, but fill it from inside. You are never really alone if you find yourself!'
Lovely, although I prefer to think that it's more a matter of creating yourself than finding yourself. And with learning how to be alone, no matter what your circumstances are, you create a someone that is self-fulfilled. It's freedom at its best.
We've been ignoring you for practically our entire lives. We didn't show you the appreciation and respect you warranted. We took you for granted.
And now, you've decided to make yourself felt. Literally.
When you had that major flare up in January, we were all taken aback. We were terrified. All of us didn't know what was going on until the doctors showed major concern. Even then, we weren't really fully aware of the impact of your tantrum.
We appreciate you now, and we would like to let you know how we feel. Please read our love notes with an open mind, and know that no offense is meant.
I hate to admit it, but yes, I am feeling my age. I suppose the recent hospitalization has something to do with how I have been feeling lately, physically, emotionally, and mentally, but there today, it just hit me again.
Time for one of those half-meant joke posts...You know you're getting old when...
...you choose where to eat based on whether or not they have outdoor foam seats and cushions on their chairs. Lower back pain can be hell!
...you can barely keep your eyes open at 10 pm, and you start yawning constantly - at a bar.
...everything hurts.
...your get togethers with friends are all about the kids.
I've been feeling awfully off this week, and while it is a Saturday, I need to grab myself by the back of my neck and keep swimming. Obviously figuratively. Maybe a little Nemo in the background will help. Or a dragon.
I read somewhere that when man makes plans, God laughs at them. I'm in no position to say what God thinks or does, but life did throw me a curveball at the beginning of this year.
In the first week of January, I was pretty much psyched about everything. Just like most other people looking for motivation to start anew, I felt positive about the new year.
Then I experienced the side of life, which is aptly described by Alanis Morissette: life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you think everything's okay and everything's going right...
Last night, I found myself browsing through my archives again. I don't know what I was looking for, but I did enjoy reading some of my old posts.
One that struck me was written in May 2008, and I loved how that post ended.
"One last thing - I really wish I could work from home full time."
I loved that line because of one thing: I am working from home (or the beach or wherever) full time. I started doing it in 2010, and it is an excellent reminder that dreams and wishes do come true if you look for ways and wait.
That being said, while my week has been rather crazy at work, I look back to that dream many years ago.
A couple of days ago was a special day, so while it was a working day for the most part, I squeezed in some time to go have a nice meal. I'm easy like that. While I wouldn't say no to a carrera tag heuer, a near-as-authentic as can be Thai dinner puts a smile on my face.
I'd never heard of Mango Tree Bistro before, but it was the most decent-looking place in that part of Trinoma, and the choice was perfect!
Davao is one of the cities in the Philippines that I had always wanted to visit, if only to experience the renowned peacefulness there. The Duterte family has been ruling the city for decades, and their strict methods have resulted in Davao being one of most desirable places to live in the country. Imagine how much fun that could be for a visitor!
So when I got the chance to go there for a weekend, I didn’t really hesitate. I would pay (and am paying) for that weekend in more ways than one, but it was a good experience. To deviate from the usual way of how I write about my trips, I think I’ll do that things I like about [insert place] here thingie. Here they are, in no particular order.
Now don't get me wrong. I am not that useless around the house. My dad taught me, at an early age, to do stuff around the house. I learned how to fix a leaky faucet. I know (or knew) how to use a saw and a hammer (though my thumb did suffer at some point). I know all about concrete nails and threaded studs.
But, I just dislike cleaning the house. Sure, there is something to be said about manual labor and how it clears the brain and helps you de-stress. I totally agree with that, but having to regularly scrub the bathroom floors and making sure the bedroom floor's free of dust and hair...that's a totally different story.
