The moment October began, there was already the sense of foreboding that stress and long nights for the next few weeks would bring, so much reminiscent of my hell weeks (months!) in college. I guess it was a good move to have started the last quarter of the year with a beach getaway.
Indeed, last quarter of the year included a lot of events and incidences, with some that stood out, and some that passed me by hurriedly. I guess as the year draws to its close, it runs up to me and forces me to make up for my complacency and directionlessness, to top the holiday season off.
In October, I was deliberated for a position/promotion in our office. Because of everyone's preoccupation on the diamond jubilee of our Department, I only ever got to finish the written exam in the morning of the final interview. Awake until four in the morning answering essay questions, I certainly felt like an undergrad cramming finishing up a final paper. Thankfully, the panel interview went well, and I certainly aced the exam, if I say so myself. Haha!
Most of October and November, meanwhile, had me coordinating and writing materials and attending meetings and following up on requests for the activities of the Department's anniversary, which was indeed a historic national event that I am glad to have been a part of.
On November 16, I took Miguel with me to the Drill and Static Display held at the Department. Since he's been a military weapon enthusiast (guns and tanks, if I am correct), I knew he would appreciate seeing in person many of the military hardware and equipment put on display for public viewing. It's amusing how excited he was when the Philippine Army Marching Band played the Imperial March from Star Wars. Sana daw tugtugin ulit at mas mahaba pa. :)) I also had the chance to take him to the AFP Museum showcasing military history of the Philippines which was open for all that day. Despite the tiresome strolling and going around the parade grounds under the sun, the little brother said he enjoyed being able to ride the choppers and tanks, and holding and posing with the rifles. It was great to have seen him have his fill of his interest.
On D-Day on November 17, we had the main anniversary celebration graced by the President. All of us in the office breathed a sigh of relief after the program ended without much mishaps. It was a success, and our efforts and late nights were indeed worth it.
Because of the frenzy with the diamond anniversary, I almost lost track of time and was startled to realize that I had turned 24. *cue existentialist musings/quarter-life crisis questions* I celebrated the occasion at the office since it was a weekday, where we had great and delicious lunch (my office mates' words!) courtesy of my parents' cooking. Haha.
In the afternoon, I had a visitor who brought me a chocolate cake. :3 Since he bought it from Sweet Inspirations, he called it "Sweet Inspiration for my sweet inspiration." Hashtag #aynako hahahaha.
Before November ended, a few of my office mates and I pushed through with our plan to go to Laguna and trek to the Magdapio/Pagsanjan Falls. After work on a Friday, we headed to Cavinti where we stayed the night at the house of our office mate. It was drizzling in the morning when we went for the hike, and so when we got to the falls, the water was a little murky. Even so, we had an exciting time riding the raft and going to the cavern under the raging falls. The water was cold, and the rush of the falls was deafening to the ears, but it was exhilarating!
The hike back up was tiring, and we were quite hungry from the adrenaline rush. But it was fun and I certainly would want to go back with my friends who enjoy outdoor adventures such as this.
The start of the last month of the year meant that the little guy in our family is turning a year older. Because he has seen a lot of features of it on TV, and because his sisters seem to frequent it to eat out with friends, Miguel requested that we take him to Maginhawa for his 10th birthday. Of course, the Ate had no choice and obliged. We had a hearty early dinner at Friuli Trattoria, one of my all-time favorites in the street and definitely my go-to place when introducing people to Maginhawa. Hehe.
It was quite a while since we had everyone present for a dine out, and this one is more special because the family had the "plus ones" join. Haha. And the birthday celebrant had his fill of pizza and pasta, too, and seemed to have enjoyed the place. I guess it won't be long before he asks me to bring him to Maginhawa again. The day was also special because, when I went back to work the following day, I was told that my appointment/promotion was signed and approved on December 1 itself. :D
There are still some days before the month, and the year, ends. Apart from the more obvious tasks and responsibilities, there are some more non-material/physical endeavors and issues I have to address. I could only sigh and plod on through this adult life. I might even make myself believe that I'm tired and lost, and would just like to sleep forever. (OA! Haha.) But the little pauses and great moments like these I am fortunate to have with the people I care for are enough rewards for the stress, pressure, and sleeplessness I encounter and will continue to encounter.
