Hitch

I AM NOT A LIAISON OFFICER.

What started off as a no-choice trip to Catanduanes has become an 'unexpected/added responsibility'. It's now my 'unofficial/official task' to go to other engineering districts to either: submit, confer, update, meet, find, etc. Mostly legwork, specifically liaison officers' legwork. The boss gave me the assignment to go to these districts in case of emergency (read: the real liaison officer is sick/had to go to another district, deadline of submission of documents, on such short notice and even during transport stike). All that and more, including my other duties at the office.

What used to be a once-in-a-blue-moon activity has become a regular undertaking. Last week, I logged in every other day commute. This week, if not for a much-needed bedrest, I could have made daily roadtrips to places I've never been to. All I have were verbal directions, trip allowance, endorsement, names of people I've yet to meet, papers, and positive thinking that each meeting will be hitch-free. The unbearable heat of the sun, unpredictable rain, seemingly absent officers, far-flung (hehe) districts could have made these trips worthwhile. Granting that the heat did not trigger much of my intense allergic reaction to sun exposure, each adventure made me unreasonably tired, frantic and impatient.

Imagine being in a strange place with strangers acting strangely.

Imagine getting to your destination during lunchbreak and upon returning in the afternoon, the lunch hours have been extended because no one is there yet to accommodate the purpose of your visit.

Imagine standing along the highway or infront of a tindahan to wait for a mini bus because the terminal is at a very far distance from where you're standing. It's either raining, sunny or both.

Imagine where to eat lunch when there is no canteen to find within the vicinity of some districts.

Imagine being thought as a guy simply because your nickname is Sam! Yep, it happens all the time, even during phone calls. But, I am really glad to see anyone do a double-take when they see me as Sam, a 100% certified girl. And having a guy's name is always a good conversation starter.

Every roadtrip held some surprises. Unexpected challenges may be fun too.

UptheHill

Majestic Mayon Volcano,
One of Bicol's Best Tourist Destination
(as viewed from Lignon Hill)

Chadd & I

(with the mountains, ocean & humanity as backdrop)

Interesting shot?!
(bamboo railing, etc.)






Smile!

Overloking:
View from Nature's Porch

Strike A Pose!

HELLO

Our first call...

Wow! what a way to end/start this week!

I got to hear my fave ym person' s voice via ym call. Ain't that grand? Eventhough my call wasn't coming through, it did...after 3 attempts. Patience & perseverance are always key elements in just about anything.

His voice is nice. There's a hint of witty playfulness. Good humor inspite of being in a quiet mood. Granted that it was only a short exchange, I just can't help but smile ('',) ...

Thanks, sweets!

For: Dr. McDreamy of Naga

The veil of worldwide web incognito is always appealing to shy (well, kinda shy) people like me. However, the ease of hitech is not a reason to just forget about boundaries or to step on others' feelings and sentiments. Owning up to what's written on personal blogs is a must.

That's the reason why I've taken this time, at 15 minutes past midnight on a Friday, to post a ShortTake for Dr. McDreamy of Naga - It's never my intention to put you in a predicament of any kind. As mentioned in my previous post (which I've promptly edited), I am not privy to any information about you and if I've gone beyond the limits of responsible blogging, may I ask for your dispensa again.

(P.S. I may not always see Dr. McDreamy of Naga everyday and I am not trying to win him over with words or anything. But I know that he is an awesome and respectable guy who's always ready with his trademark smile, gentle ways, silent good looks and Hippocratic abilities.)

That Week In July 2008

"Tuloy pa rin ang buhay, kahit wala na si Dad..."








"Lahing Enciso"









"Lights on the Ceiling"








"The Milanos"








"with my pretty sisters"










"nephew Maxxis at 5 months"












"Black..."

Mid-Midlife

An officemate told me this afternoon that I should get married, asap.

I had to smile and tell her that it's never easy to just commit to a guy who's not even in that level yet. Or be with a guy who's not within one's immediate circle of acquaintances. Or be part of a twosome when one is by his/her lonesome (read: certified single).

Wow. The pattern's so striking I never even noticed it.

Lately, I came to a realization that most of my hetero-rebound relationships were with guys who were categorically single (never married, divorced, single dads) talented and gwapo.

Been with a guy who never stood up for me when a irate ex-gf badmouthed me infront of our colleagues many years ago. Hell, I told him to butt off my life while tears were streaming down my face. Then I had to do my on-air board duties with only minutes to spare. The show had to go on. A week later, a rival radio station offered me a better deal (call that an answered prayer), so I packed my bags and left.

There was also this dude who made people read my letters for him. The same dude who told people that we've broken up altho we were still a couple. I confronted him on his way to the male CR - "You haven't broken up with me yet so I'm breaking up with you now."

Then there was this smart trainer who appreciated my wit, but his jealous ex-wife told me to stay away via a mobile call.

There was this younger guy who got jealous of everything - my friends, radio callers, even my radio job.

A bit farther down the road, I met this amazing guy who was too good to be true - to his words. Yep, he had to marry somebody else. Then a few Valentine's ago, we renewed our friendship and his wife found out. She sent me an email, on a particular Feb. 14, ordering me to stop contacting her husband pronto.

I don't play around with emotions or do mind games. I know when I'm not wanted and I stay away. Aside from love, loyalty and understanding, I can offer and give my partner "a lot of trust" - what he does when I'm not around is his choice and decision. My trust is his to value and it's up to him to take care of it or break it. He need not worry about me asking for his password or email details. I don't snoop around cellphones or private documents. If there's one thing I adhere to that would be: the person who asks first should be the one who pays - during dates, that is. But, I am just happy to split the bill with my guy, no questions asked. I'm never a freeloader. I keep my word but I never make grand promises. Naturally, I expect my guy to hold on to his word as well. Time and timing is always key. Being late sometimes may be tolerable but not showing up (after saying otherwise) is vile.

Love for me means complimenting each other. Striking a balance between two opposites. Being there when you'd rather be somewhere else. It's what my younger sister in the UK said to her husband: "Let's just watch tv this weekend. Even for a day, let go of your pc games and be bored with me watching tv" (He obliged to his wife's wishes. My brother-in-law is such a sweet guy.)

I can't say much about the physical aspect of a relationship. There are other creative ways to express one's feelings without too much heated intimacy or sex. For instance, taking a lot of cold shower, walking, exercise, sleeping alone, saying a prayer, drinking water, cooking, just kissing or sharing bear hugs, etc. (*grin*)

Today, my heart and mind are both in a good place. No great expectations. Just going with the flow. Allowing room for surprises. Glad to be part of something that may or may not be anything at all. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, life goes on. Keeping it real. Glad to be dancing in circles.

Like these lyrics from Say It Again by Marie Digby:
"And it feels like it`s the first time
That anybody's ever brought the sun without the rain
And never in my whole life
Have I heard words as beautiful as when you say my name.."