Normally, there can only be two reasons why I haven’t posted for so long. It was either I got lazy, or I have been too busy. Turns out there can a third one — so many things have happened in a short span of time, I didn’t know where to start.

So the best way to somehow summarise all that’s happened? Bullet points.

1. I have moved into my own place since February 1st.
2. I have learned on how to fend for my self.
3. I have gained so and so pounds.
4. Walking only three blocks to work helps.
5. I’ve learned how hard it is to live on your own.
6. But had fun doing it.
7. Close friends moved almost next door.
8. We got engaged.
9. Is excited.
10. Gained so and so pounds again.
11. Needs exercise.
12. Been busy with paperwork.

When your past weeks have been summarised into bullet points, it somehow lacks the actual luster of what actually transpired. Will have to try and catch up soon.

You’ll just have to trust me on this — it’s been a heck of a start for this year.

Team Sugoi and friends bumming at the beach

After two months of planning, six hours of travel by bus, and an anticipating thirty-minute trike ride, we arrived at the beach and found out that the pictures from the site weren’t all hype! In fact, the real thing was indeed better! Any of our feeling-pro photography cannot do justice to the whole place.

“Screensaver ba yan?”
“Walang gagalaw ng mouse!”¹

It was more of like a private beach cove, with two natural rock formations flanking the cool clear waters. During high tide, a refreshing and relaxing beach; and during low tide, different levelled pools divided by corals upholstered by seaweeds. Plus three-levelled caves that can only be accessed during low tide.

It was indeed a paradise.

I won’t give you anymore the details. Bryan and Alex already posted an almost blow-by-blow account of our three-day stay. (Alex also has some inciriminating… audio clips. Yikes.) While The Beloved and Flori have already posted an abundance of picture spams.

What I will tell you is that this was the vacation I have been waiting for. This was real rest and relaxation. Clean air, clear waters, organic food. For a mere 3 days, I felt healthier than I was back home. I never wanted to go back yet, but the lack of fresh water to wash your self with took its toll on me. (And hazarding a guess, everyone else had the same sentiment).

Sugoi Friends, like Super Friends, only better

And spending it with my favourite people cinched the deal and made it all the more better. I can’t wait to do this again. Next year, guys? Please?

Pictures courtesy of Alex.

1. Translated: “Is that a [computer] screensaver?” “Nobody move the mouse!” ↩

But like all good ideas, it was begging to be a horrible science fiction flick. WIth all the incriminating evidences anyone can take from any person.

Kidding aside, the past week was one of those days that I wish I had that kind of gadget in my head. It has been a wonderful week with family and friends. It was the first time in so many years that I felt really really special and that there are people who like and love me for who and what I really am. And damn, I really must have a new camera!

Saturday

Dinner, Videoke and Coffee.

I scheduled an early dinner celebration with wonderful people, since every one is busy with their work and it was the only time most of them were available. And I could almost cry, because it was the best celebration I have had in so many years. I feel like crying just remembering about the whole thing– Cry because of the joy it felt.

Dinner has been wacky, in a high-class restaurant at that. We may have entertained the staff and diners around us as well.

And wow! It was my first time to be given a special birthday dessert by a restaurant! Yum!

Videoke was crazy, singing along to Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Parokya ni Edgar with With half-right lyrics and cute and weird models on screen. I was still wondering though if the machine knew what the occassion was, giving me a 100 points to a song I always sing with a broken chord.

And Coffee talks are always awesome. Always. Either they are serious or not, they are always awesome.

Tuesday

Greetings

I’ve received more SMS greetings than I did any other year before, and of course I thanked them all. And I was actually surprised to some of the greeters as I thought they forgot me already. Truly unexpected.

Breakfast

Breakfast was wonderful. Even if it was just an hour-long date with The Beloved, it was worth it. Very very worth it. Coffee and tea never sounded so good together.

Lunch

My bosses from Oz treated me out for dinner with the guys. We ate at Saisaki, Dad’s and Kamayan crossover buffet!!!

I ate lots and lots of salmon sashimi, beef fijitas and ebi tempura. I had 4 plates I think. Hey, it’s the only time I can horde so many salmon sashimi at one sitting!

Dinner

Dinner was solemn and simple. Using up 2 hours just to buy Pancit Malabon, grilled chicken and pizza, through rains and floods was okay. If it meant spending quality time with my own family for a simple dinner at home.

Looking back, I am really really grateful for the wonderful blessings God has given me. Wonderful family, friends and love. 2007 is becoming a year that I’d look back to with a smile on face. And here’s hoping that the year ahead will be great if not better.

And to everyone who shared the moments with me, and those who greeted, thank you. Thank you so much.