Birthday Week

Last week was, in certain ways, an eventful one. But it’s not in any big way.

Monday, March 2, I turned 38. It wasn’t as dramatic as last year.

Last year, I went through a minor emotional crisis. It was almost as if the unconscious part of me recognized that turning 37 was a milestone of sorts. You see, most gynaecological studies say a woman’s limit to have a safe pregnancy is age 37. And though I wasn’t really planning on having kids, that n number stuck to my mind. I guess, when I turned 37, it was like internally, unconsciously, I went to panic mode.

It took me a month to stabilize myself, to be more like the usual me. Yep, a minor crisis that was. Then I had 11 months to get used to the idea, I suppose. That is why when March came around this time. It was almost a non-occasion for me.
And I guess, it helped too that I’m concentrated more on preparing for my departure from my current employment.

Interestingly enough, I spent the morning of my birthday filing a blotter and reporting to the village association about the termination of our helper who skipped out on us the night before.

Friday, March 6, Francis Magalona died. Sure, he doesn’t know me. And I’m not as affected by others by his death. But I am sad about it. He is one of the few prominent people who, from what I can tell, is worth emulating. This is one guy who talked about loving one’s country, about being proud of being a Pinoy, of setting an example to future generation, who lived his life by his beliefs. He tried to make being a better Filipino cool. He rapped about it, wrote songs about living harmoniously with others. He did what others just talked about doing. He has given us more reasons to be proud of being Pinoy than any of the politicians now littering the halls of power with shit, crap and themselves.

Saturday, March 7, I finally packed most of my things at the office. I filed the documents, emptied my drawers, and started to list my bilins for the two people who will be taking over my responsibilities. When I left the office, all that was left on my table were a roll of toilet paper, a pair of scissors and my singing frog.

Surprisingly, I did the packing without any feeling of sadness. In fact, I felt a sense of relief. Finally I am almost done with dealing with “them”. After I have walked out of the office for the last time as an employee on Thursday, never seeing “them” again would be too soon. Don’t get me wrong, though. I am thankful for the experience. Had I not been exposed to this kind of environment, I wouldn’t have learned. And if I hadn’t learned anything, the time I spent with “them” would have been a waste. So while the experience was not entirely pleasant (save for the strong friendships I have gained), it wasn’t exactly all wasted too.

Earlier today, Sunday, my family ate out for lunch. It was my nephew's birthday on March 4, so we always celebrate together. Had lunch at Heaven N' Eggs Eastwood. I tell you those guys there didn't know what hit them. They must not be used to having 15 people over. Although no orders were screwed up (thank God!), it took them a bit of time to attend to 15 people, half of whom we're below 20. Hee-hee! But it was all good. except for the Country-style chicken that my niece ordered, the rest we're finished like a typhoon hit the resto. I exceeded my budget but seeing my family together, laughing and talking up at storm is always good for the heart.

Tomorrow, Monday, March 9, is the start of my last week at work. Four days left to spend with people I consider my friends. But I’m not sad. Only my geography and the amount of time I get to spend with them will change. The feelings and the sentiments remain the same, wherever we will be.