Weekend Rundown
Last week, I ran into some unfortunate events that made me stay at home for one whole night. On Thursday morning, my supervisor sent an email informing us of the new schedule, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am which was done due to 'business need'. I had to bite my tongue to keep from ranting about the whole thing. Jill, Tippy and I ended up grumbling in whispers. Augy was more upset about it than I was. The frigging schedule meant that I have to stay in the sleeping area until 4:30 am everyday because it's safer to venture out into the streets by that time. After what happened to Erika, we are on heightened red alert when traveling home.
I got home at 8:00 am after my shift no thanks to heavy traffic in the congested Aguinaldo Highway. The governor should change that sign in Coastal Road that says "Welcome to Cavite. Cradle of the Philippine Revolution and the Birthplace of Independence." into something that is not deceiving to clueless travelers. I want to start a revolution of my own because of traffic enforcers, 30-minute counterflows and concrete islands constructed right smack a very narrow road. I was feeling a bit woozy when I entered the house. I felt like I had a little to drink because of the heat. Sabi ko nga hindi ako puwede maghirap. The heat will fry me to a crisp. I wryly informed my lola of my new schedule and grumbled that it starts on that same day. I dialed Erika's number and explained about the abrupt schedule change before taking a rest. I plopped down in bed after sipping my hot Milo and fell asleep after tossing and turning. My lola woke me up for lunch and I demanded to be served the viands from their two last meals that I had asked to be stored for me. That is how my diet works. I eat at a designated time even if I like the food at home. I ask for the leftovers to be refrigerated then shoved inside the microwave at my meal time.
I caught a whiff of the mouthwatering pinakbet that my dad prepared the night before as soon as my lola entered the dining area. She placed the bowl right in front of me and I stuck the serving spoon to get a heap of vegetables onto my plate. I asked for the alimasag. The 'fat' one she chose for me the other night. I licked my lips upon catching sight of it atop the lazy Susan. I attacked my small serving of rice and vegetables and poured sabaw on it. I spooned and chewed food inside my mouth before picking on the alimasag. After eating, my lola and I had a little chat. I was looking at the clock to make sure I have enough time to take a bath and head to work regardless of the short rest I had.
I felt the first attack of pain while my lola was talking to me. It was like being back to my gastroenteritis days. I winced and ran to the washroom where I dumped everything I ate. The punishment for gluttony has manifested itself. Tears formed in my eyes due to the pain. I ended up sending a message to my supervisor advising her of my absence. She asked if I can go on half-day to which I agreed to before taking a catnap. The next thing I knew, it was 9:00 in the evening. Jill sent a message to me hours ago saying that she'll come in late to work. I sent a message to my supervisor again to apologize for waking up late. I spent the rest of my time in bed arguing with Augy over the Batangas trip I didn't go to.
***
After my bout with pain, I was curious about how peppermint tea tastes like so I took a teabag, soaked it in a mug of boiling water and waited for about five minutes for the water to turn really dark. Upon taking a sip, I surmised that I would rather settle for milk tea anytime. I hate everything peppermint. The taste doesn't appeal to me that is why the only holiday beverage I have ever tried in Starbucks is the toffee nut frappuccino. I drink it while taking bites of the toffee butterscotch bar. I don't like the beverage that much, but partnered with the pastry, I declare it heavenly.
Another addiction I cannot seem to get over with is the one I share with Tippy. We have a thing about Oishi's Cheese and Onion flavored Bread Pan. I buy a bag before I head to my workstation in the evening and then I raid the kitchen for another one when I get home. I make sure to have C2 Peach, Nestea iced tea or mango juice to go with it. Hello, monosodium glutamate! I envy my brother Gem who only eats junk food occasionally. He detests MSG and swears by the wonders of eating healthy. With my frame, I should be the one watching what I eat.
***
After weeks of waiting for the renovations to finish, Gem was able to assemble our Christmas tree. He only had half of it filled with Christmas balls, poinsettias, candy canes and red shimmery ribbons so my mom and lola took over last weekend. They were also able to put twinkling lights in various colors in the window grills. My lola hung her lantern made of seashells near the front door. It's my favorite lantern because of its uniqueness. I still haven't started with my shopping list. Perfect!
***
I went to Market! Market! yesterday to see Augy. We have been fighting for a week already and a ceasefire was declared so we can talk. After getting some cash from my ATM account, we headed to Starbucks where I ordered my venti mocha frappuccino. I usually order java chip frappe, but Augy doesn't like it so I bought his fave drink of all time, mocha frappe so he can take sips. We didn't go shopping with his mom after all the hullabaloo it caused, but agreed on going to Glorietta instead so we can check out the electronic stores there after lunch. The first thing we did was have lunch in T.G.I Friday's. We were asked to wait outside for a table for two by this girl who looked a lot like Sunshine Cruz. Upon getting a table near the bar with a television set that showed Sauna Belt commercials (deja vu), we ordered a barbecue burger, chicken alfredo and mocha mud pie.
cab rides
lunch at t.g.i friday's
Augy and I had our usual chats while I sent Iryn messages. She was in Greenbelt with Karl and her mom. I don't know why our conversation drifted to my personality. Augy said if I were a male, I would be a bigger asshole than he is. Well, a bigger asshole in some ways I guess. I have to admit that I can be such a bitch. Sometimes the b word is an understatement.
We spent more than an hour in the restaurant before deciding to go around the mall. The waiter forgot to take down my order for the mocha mud pie and we decided not to make a fuss because it was an honest mistake, we were in a hurry and I am on a diet the last time I checked. After making the rounds and making no progress in the search for the perfect gadget for me, we hailed a cab and went to SM Edsa. I started whining until Augy stopped me with his sentiments about the 'mall of his childhood'. We ended up walking around for more than an hour looking for an iPod or Creative Zen for me before finally buying a Creative Zen in 5th Avenue. I chose it over the iPod Nano because of the videos. I am not into gadgets so I would settle for something more useful for me over something cool. He bought one for himself after selling his iPod video. He didn't use it that much anyway. I was the one who tinkered with it all the time so I can listen to my favorite tunes. I convinced him to download songs by the Pussycat Dolls, Beyonce, and Britney Spears. Haha!
Augy gave me a tour of the mall after I went to Watson's to purchase a very cheap pair of flipflops with orange straps. My feet were killing me and every step I took brought a stabbing pain to my fragile heels and legs. I told him that my feet are not made for walking long distances unless I had on a pair of comfy flipflops. Imagine the relief it brought me after removing my sandals and putting on the flipflops. I felt like prancing around the mall and shopping like crazy. The frenzy of shoppers and the unfamiliarity of the mall hindered me from shopping to the fullest. I was only able to buy a pair of trainers in charcoal and white and two tops. One with pink and white stripes and another in gray and black stripes. I still need to get a number of belts, shoes, accessories, an everyday black bag, headbands, makeup, gifts for family and friends before I can finally shout, mission accomplished! Augy and I still need to buy the dela Rosa unica hija, Lizzie a gift tomorrow.
***
Because my schedule sucks and I was feeling down in the dumps last Friday, I agreed on going out with friends. Our supervisor, Ren informed us that there were still some cash leftover from the teambuilding funds so we can head over to Pier 1 to have a few drinks. My teammates and I took three cabs to Pier 1 where we found out that we couldn't get seats after 30 minutes of waiting. We hopped over to Baywalk where we ordered sisig, garlic mushroom, cans of San Mig Light and Strong Ice. I settled for a mango shake and a hotdog sandwich. Jill ordered margarita. I took a sip and promised to treat myself to one the next time I go out with friends. We spent more than an hour talking and laughing at the people around us. Bad! The only time we decided to pay our bills and leave was when the toilets were being closed and our bladders were about to burst. Ren, Tippy and I found a place to go to that was a few steps away from where we were sitting. Cowboy Grill! We didn't like the crowd. We hated the crowd and we spent the whole morning laughing at those dancing like addicts on the dance floor. Hopping was more like it. We ordered a barrel of beer, fries and pizza before calling it a night. We were hoping that we went to Malate instead of killing time there. What a bummer.
I went home with Erika and Ogie because they both live in Bacoor. We took an FX taxi to Baclaran where the driver made us get off on the wrong side of the road which meant that we had to cross Roxas Boulevard through the much-dreaded overpass just to ride the bus bound for Cavite. My knees felt wobbly while I climbed up the stairs and made my way to the other side. There were sleeping vendors, covered merchandise and an assortment of people walking around. My heart was drumming wildly while I clung to my precious bag. I kept thinking about my ATM card inside and I couldn't help but wish for me to get inside the safe confines of the bus asap. I walked a few steps ahead of Erika and Ogie and whenever I see guys whispering or talking to each other, I felt like running like a bunny rabbit to the exit. My paranoia showed when a teenager in red almost bumped into me. Thinking that he was a snatcher, I suddenly jerked my arm, clutched my bag tightly and got ready for a strong jab to the right. I was ready to give a punch that would rival Pacquiao's powerful defense. May dugo ng mga Katipunero't Katipunera yatang nananalaytay sa mga ugat ko. Hmp! Of course, I was just jumping to conclusions. He was pretty harmless. I felt beads of sweat forming in my forehead. It was cold, but I was sweating like a pig. Parang nabawasan ang calories sa mga kinain ko. My friends and I boarded the first San Agustin bus we saw. Erika and I laughed nervously once we settled on a seat for three passengers. I was thinking how I would fare once I go home after my shift without Erika to keep me company. I should keep a pair of scissors handy and have the spirit of one of my ancestors to guide me. Haha!
