Arrgh! I've been waiting 3 hours for a power outlet to be available and when it finally did, my computer goes bonkers and can't play my favorite scrabble game! This sucks...
*****
I made up an imaginary birthday for myself, September 31. I posted it in the office and people have been teasing me to treat them out on that day. Of course I said I would... they could mark it down on their calendars. Apparently, no one did, otherwise they would have come back at me for obvious reasons.
It started when I woke up and looked at my calendar at home, I forgot to flip the page to August, so I did and went off to do my morning rituals. As I was leaving for work, I looked back to the calendar and found that I had flipped it too far and September was staring right back at me. I realized that September didn't have a 31, and suddenly I thought why not make one. Just to make it more intriguing, why not set an imaginary birthday then?
With my birthday coming up next month, there's the weird feeling of anticipation hanging in the air. I keep thinking who'd remember and greet me? (Well, no one I guess but I pretend not to realize that) I decide that I should celebrate on that day, get myself a cool gift as well. I keep imagining how cool it is to celebrate my birthday without anyone knowing what day it was, it would be my little secret that no one knows about.
After lunch today, I kept on thinking about what gift I should get for myself. That stereo sure makes a cool gift, or should I get myself a pair of running shoes? Hmm, it falls on a "ber"-month, perhaps a water heater would be fitting? So hard to decide, so many things that I want... what should I get? And then there's the party... now how would I celebrate? Should it be a nice quiet evening with my closest friends? Or should I party like a rock star, get heavy with the alcohol and turn up those speakers? Wait, an out of town adventure would be great, wouldn't it?
Everything got ruined later that afternoon when my boss walked by, looked at my calendar, specifically the box marked "September 31: My Birthday!". "There's no 31 in September.", he says matter-of-factly. Hmm... no, kidding?
*****
Another reason that the end of September turned a switch in my head: 100 days of absolutely no alcohol happens to fall around that time. I'm excited all over again!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Crappy moments
It's Tuesday, another post for Tova's Totally Awkward Tuesdays:
Back in college, it seemed so cool to be able to consume large quantities of alcohol and not get drunk all too quickly. Well, this was sort of the idea I had when I went drinking with some strangers at someone's house.
Now this 'someone' just happens to be a huge crush of mine back then. She invited me over to her house after our class together to celebrate her birthday with some of her friends. I was naturally excited, and wanted to show off how "cool" I was by being able to guzzle down beers, some shots of rum, whiskey and even gin without flinching. Well, for a moment I found myself basking in some sort of stupid glory, that was until my tummy grumbled. I had to use the toilet, but the nearest one was full of puke and guts spilled over. My crush walked towards me and asked if something was wrong. I asked if they had another comfort room that I could use, for number one, of course. She told me to go upstairs and use the one nearest her room. I excused myself and ran up that flight of stairs flat out, lest I poop all over my pants.
It was a wonderful feeling, being able to let it all out, right until I tried to flush and nothing happened. Uh oh...
In panic, I tried to flush it manually with a bucket but there was no water from the tap, either. A water shortage meant that the water supply to their neighborhood was rationed, and not another drop would come until dawn. CRAP! There was nothing to do but cover the deed with about half a roll of tissue paper and "confess" my crime. I was somewhat relieved when my crush didn't even let out a giggle or lash out at me and calmly told me not to worry, it would all be taken care of in the morning. Whew! And so the merriment continued, me being relieved of a terrible burden both ways and even had the gall to warn the strangers at the party not to use the upstairs toilet. It went well until we were all stopped cold by the sight of my crush's dad charging down from upstairs, inquiring "Who the **** crapped in the upstairs toilet?!" That question echoed throughout the house, and everybody stood motionless, except for my crush who explained. Now imagine me, in the center of the living room, all my senses tingling as eyes turned ever so slowly in my direction. Ice cubes started to trickle down my face. The "five minute" grace period I had imposed on myself came as an eternity before I meekly excused myself from the party and went in search of a high enough bridge from which to jump from...
Back in college, it seemed so cool to be able to consume large quantities of alcohol and not get drunk all too quickly. Well, this was sort of the idea I had when I went drinking with some strangers at someone's house.
Now this 'someone' just happens to be a huge crush of mine back then. She invited me over to her house after our class together to celebrate her birthday with some of her friends. I was naturally excited, and wanted to show off how "cool" I was by being able to guzzle down beers, some shots of rum, whiskey and even gin without flinching. Well, for a moment I found myself basking in some sort of stupid glory, that was until my tummy grumbled. I had to use the toilet, but the nearest one was full of puke and guts spilled over. My crush walked towards me and asked if something was wrong. I asked if they had another comfort room that I could use, for number one, of course. She told me to go upstairs and use the one nearest her room. I excused myself and ran up that flight of stairs flat out, lest I poop all over my pants.
It was a wonderful feeling, being able to let it all out, right until I tried to flush and nothing happened. Uh oh...
In panic, I tried to flush it manually with a bucket but there was no water from the tap, either. A water shortage meant that the water supply to their neighborhood was rationed, and not another drop would come until dawn. CRAP! There was nothing to do but cover the deed with about half a roll of tissue paper and "confess" my crime. I was somewhat relieved when my crush didn't even let out a giggle or lash out at me and calmly told me not to worry, it would all be taken care of in the morning. Whew! And so the merriment continued, me being relieved of a terrible burden both ways and even had the gall to warn the strangers at the party not to use the upstairs toilet. It went well until we were all stopped cold by the sight of my crush's dad charging down from upstairs, inquiring "Who the **** crapped in the upstairs toilet?!" That question echoed throughout the house, and everybody stood motionless, except for my crush who explained. Now imagine me, in the center of the living room, all my senses tingling as eyes turned ever so slowly in my direction. Ice cubes started to trickle down my face. The "five minute" grace period I had imposed on myself came as an eternity before I meekly excused myself from the party and went in search of a high enough bridge from which to jump from...
Smoking in the Corridor
Stupid rule that I’ve made. For the past couple of months, I swore off smoking inside the house to avoid the smell of cigarettes filling up every room. It was also intended to control my notorious appetite for nicotine. The first few weeks it worked pretty well, but lately I’ve been finding myself setting up a chair just outside the door to my home and watching television while smoking a stick or two (or three). My neighbors have begun to notice this and are looking at me like a weirdo. Why would I smoke outside when there is no one else inside at home to be bugged by my cigarettes? To make matters worse, some have been giving me these “looks”, the kind that says “stop making the building smell like cigarettes!”.
So what now? Well, I haven’t really figured that out yet but I’m pretty sure that it doesn’t involve me quitting smoking. One option is to smoke from the small utility area at the back of my pad. But then I won’t be able to watch television with the current set up. I’d have to do a lot of moving and be at the mercy of the occasional cockroach that flies by overhead
*****
I’m planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month. More of the ‘soul-searching’ crap that I usually enjoy (and sulk in). So far, it’s just an idea but I do need to scurry up all the details before I can think up an itinerary.
For one, there’s the matter of my so-far non-existent passport. I still haven’t been able to bring myself to get one, limiting my traveling to domestic destinations. Since this is an entirely new country, I’ve got to hustle to get one before I even think of booking a flight, I guess.
My lack of a passport isn’t really for lack of trying, I did make the effort in the past to line up for hours at the foreign affairs office. All that didn’t count as upon reaching the final window, they rejected my application because of one measly signature. No, it wasn’t even a whole signature, just an initial of the person who was supposed to certify my birth certificate. That meant I had to do everything all over again. Bummer.
*****
A few days ago, I just came back from the queen city of the south… Cebu. I’ve been there probably more than half a dozen times but it was mostly for work and haven’t had time to take in the sights. A by-product of laziness and having no one to take a tour with. Taking the trip alone doesn’t bother me, it’s the additional costs that come with it. Renting a boat for one is quite expensive, as well as getting a room for two when I’m all alone. That goes for taxicabs and meals as well.
This time though, I did manage to squeak in a little fun in my itinerary, and that meant playing poker at the local poker club. I know, I know, that doesn’t sound nearly as touristy as one might expect, but it did afford me some insights as well as a great way to unwind after a couple of days of hard work.
The downside is that I lost, but then losing a grand after 4 hours of solid play is not a total loss. It was my first time to play amidst strangers, and the ‘professional’ feel of it all is something that I will really look forward to in the future. It brought back the fun of the game, something that is lost with the usual home games that I play where poker takes a step back to all the chit-chat and loose talk that come with playing with buddies. Can’t wait to play there again next month…
*****
It’s am impromptu weekend, with a holiday being declared on the occasion of former President Aquino’s funeral. Can’t complain, I do need somewhat of a break from the hustle and bustle of work. It also creates a great opportunity to finish (and start) some of my projects.
First up, there’s the matter of my unfinished paint job at home. Then there’s setting up the curtains, getting an oil change, buying some pieces of hardwood for the bed I’m dreaming up and of course, my long overdue workout. Hmm, sounds like too much to do for one day, at least getting half of these things done will really be an achievement for my person.
*****
I (as you might have as well) noticed that I have been writing less and reading more. Lately there has not been too much effort on my part owing to my lack of internet connection and work. Two weekends ago it was a road trip to Baguio, last weekend my business trip to Cebu, this coming weekend another long road trip and the weekend after still another. Seems like such a busy schedule, I can’t imagine where I’ll be able to muster the money to support it all. Hopefully it will all fall into place, it always seems to in the past anyway, hopefully my luck doesn’t change yet.
*****
My favorite gasoline station has disappointed me tonight, there’s some trouble with the Wifi connection, I can’t seem to get online. I’m writing all this down on Word whereas I would’ve done it straight on the blogger while playing scrabble or stalking people on Facebook. It isn’t so bad, though, I did manage to put a lot of thoughts onto this post while cursing the Wifi connection. Hopefully it’s going to be an entirely different story on Thursday…
So what now? Well, I haven’t really figured that out yet but I’m pretty sure that it doesn’t involve me quitting smoking. One option is to smoke from the small utility area at the back of my pad. But then I won’t be able to watch television with the current set up. I’d have to do a lot of moving and be at the mercy of the occasional cockroach that flies by overhead
*****
I’m planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month. More of the ‘soul-searching’ crap that I usually enjoy (and sulk in). So far, it’s just an idea but I do need to scurry up all the details before I can think up an itinerary.
For one, there’s the matter of my so-far non-existent passport. I still haven’t been able to bring myself to get one, limiting my traveling to domestic destinations. Since this is an entirely new country, I’ve got to hustle to get one before I even think of booking a flight, I guess.
My lack of a passport isn’t really for lack of trying, I did make the effort in the past to line up for hours at the foreign affairs office. All that didn’t count as upon reaching the final window, they rejected my application because of one measly signature. No, it wasn’t even a whole signature, just an initial of the person who was supposed to certify my birth certificate. That meant I had to do everything all over again. Bummer.
*****
A few days ago, I just came back from the queen city of the south… Cebu. I’ve been there probably more than half a dozen times but it was mostly for work and haven’t had time to take in the sights. A by-product of laziness and having no one to take a tour with. Taking the trip alone doesn’t bother me, it’s the additional costs that come with it. Renting a boat for one is quite expensive, as well as getting a room for two when I’m all alone. That goes for taxicabs and meals as well.
This time though, I did manage to squeak in a little fun in my itinerary, and that meant playing poker at the local poker club. I know, I know, that doesn’t sound nearly as touristy as one might expect, but it did afford me some insights as well as a great way to unwind after a couple of days of hard work.
The downside is that I lost, but then losing a grand after 4 hours of solid play is not a total loss. It was my first time to play amidst strangers, and the ‘professional’ feel of it all is something that I will really look forward to in the future. It brought back the fun of the game, something that is lost with the usual home games that I play where poker takes a step back to all the chit-chat and loose talk that come with playing with buddies. Can’t wait to play there again next month…
*****
It’s am impromptu weekend, with a holiday being declared on the occasion of former President Aquino’s funeral. Can’t complain, I do need somewhat of a break from the hustle and bustle of work. It also creates a great opportunity to finish (and start) some of my projects.
First up, there’s the matter of my unfinished paint job at home. Then there’s setting up the curtains, getting an oil change, buying some pieces of hardwood for the bed I’m dreaming up and of course, my long overdue workout. Hmm, sounds like too much to do for one day, at least getting half of these things done will really be an achievement for my person.
*****
I (as you might have as well) noticed that I have been writing less and reading more. Lately there has not been too much effort on my part owing to my lack of internet connection and work. Two weekends ago it was a road trip to Baguio, last weekend my business trip to Cebu, this coming weekend another long road trip and the weekend after still another. Seems like such a busy schedule, I can’t imagine where I’ll be able to muster the money to support it all. Hopefully it will all fall into place, it always seems to in the past anyway, hopefully my luck doesn’t change yet.
*****
My favorite gasoline station has disappointed me tonight, there’s some trouble with the Wifi connection, I can’t seem to get online. I’m writing all this down on Word whereas I would’ve done it straight on the blogger while playing scrabble or stalking people on Facebook. It isn’t so bad, though, I did manage to put a lot of thoughts onto this post while cursing the Wifi connection. Hopefully it’s going to be an entirely different story on Thursday…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)