Stream of Consciousness 11

Blog 162:

‘Woke up a bit tired and later than usual; didn’t somehow sleep well for the _nth time!  I think the tropical weather is slowly creeping into my system. 

‘Decided to finally get up an about after 8.  I passed by the wall mirror and didn’t like the growing gray on my crown; I got the tint out and brushed them away.  Perfect treat for self!  

I finally got to the breakfast table, poured morning Nescafe brew, and sipped it a long while … a perfect beginning to every new day!  All the while I was sipping the coffee, Mother reminded me three times to get started early before my ride and company for the day… ‘Jie and ‘Ji, come around.  I did not want an early argument, thus off I went to hit the shower.  When I got out, I heard strange voices downstairs.  I popped my head in secret to check.  Gathered downstairs was a crowd that found its way to the house.  It was a huge delegation of children and adults … 16 in all … dragged by Cousin Sue.  Somehow word got out that I was in the country.  So … there – visitation stress!  What do I do?  I already made plans for the day!  Since guests did not announce their visit.  I decided to go with my plan to go out; in respect, I showed up a bit, greeted all, got out, and just went!  On the way to the Mac Shop … in Alabang Mall, I really felt bad that I had to leave them.  Fortunately, from her errand, Mother came in just in time for me to bow out.  I could see Mother’s stressed countenance … like the one I sported when I discovered the guests’ presence. I’m sure she’ll bring up stories when I returned home. 

The traffic along the way smoothed my face.  I was satisfied to temporarily get systemic relief from an early stress and frustration. 

I was glad to find my calm back.

Change of venue and company does wonders to whatever I find a bit bothersome.  Besides hot tea, ‘Jie and ‘Ji were perfect company to bi-annual re-hash of “things” about anything, everything under the sun.  My conversations went deep and overboard.  ‘Ji and I teary-eyed some; ‘Jie rescued both of us with tissues to wipe out tears.  I no longer can boast of growing-up pains in secret!  It was good to let go and have the younger genex know “deep painful roots”.  It was therapeutic to let go of some pain.  Perhaps, I’ll get better appreciated; not that it was important, but young ones needed to know from where their lives sprouted and what sacrifices were made in the process so that they could also begin to wizen!

Dinner at a Greek food establishment was swell! 

Home bound, I remembered that I failed to buzz Zin.  She had waited long at Lotus house.  Another tumble … in the wind; seeing her and hearing her own challenges rekindled pain …

Not my perfect day, after all, but that’s how the cookie crumbled.  Still … a day to be thankful for, and forever grateful!