Two Weeks' Notice

Two Weeks' Notice

Heya! It's the 7th of July, and that means it's a mere two weeks before I set foot again on Singapura, and the manic schoolyear begins anew. Today also means it's exactly one week before I leave my lovely city of Davao, to drop by Metro Manila to spend a week with friends and relatives. Ahh.. time. I'm running out of it, so I'm trying to make sure I settle all my affairs pronto.

A lot has happened in my two-month visit back home, although I'd have to say that the second month was more of "Me Time", as, well, it was mostly spent by my lonesome, as my friends and my sister had to go off to school. I suspect I've mentioned this too many times here, so pardon the repeat. I don't mind being alone, really, as the Me Time I so wanted was finally here, and I got to REALLY think about my life, how much of a mess it is, and the steps I need to make to fix it.

Anyway, this post is basically just a mouthful of what I wanna say right here right now. I realize I haven't been blogging as frequent as I would have liked, but that's fine, I keep a record of the happenings in my head anyway. Of course, my blog-reading friends can ask me if you want a blow-by-blow account, although nothing is quite groundbreaking, I must warn you.

That's one long intro, but so what. Haha. Right now I'm letting my fingers do the talking, and that's how this blog entry will play out. Let's get it on.

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Today is the Foundation Day anniversary of my high school, Phil. Science High School here in Davao. I would have loved to go, if only for this (usually kick-ass) Cultural Show, as I'm especially fond of my teachers over there, but I decided not to go, as I would have to go alone. My sister Kai, also a graduate of Pisay, has class till 7PM. I texted my batchmates, but most of them too had classes. I even asked my fellow Singapore scholar Carina to come, but she was busy helping her little bro with his assignments. As far as I know, the other Singapore scholars are still in Singapore, like Karen, Ivy, Korinna, Michael, Robs. My Dad's also not here, as he's out of town for a trip to Mati, for some meeting regarding the family business, so that means no car too. So instead, I'm staying home tonight.
Come to think of it, I don't know any of the students in Pisay now, as those who were in their 1st year when I was in my 4th, have just graduated in March. So except for two or three students introduced to me before, I don't have quite an affinity to the new kids. At least last year, I was able to cheer for the 4th year group (who were 1st year when I was 4th like I said) in the modeling and singing and dance competitions, as I had really good friends in that batch.

Anyway, I might still drop by to say hi to the teachers sometime before I leave. If not, maybe in December. They will still be there for sure anyway.

* * *

Last night I was slightly upset with myself for apparently being the cause of the car breaking down. My Dad says it's not my fault, and 80% of my brain is telling me that, too, but I dunno, it's still a great big coincidence that the car decided to break down right after I told my Dad that I'd like to go for driving practice.

We had just arrived from a trip to the house of my folks' friend and super-architect Tito Ed (He has designed subdivisions for the Alcantara Group, Churches, Parks, and currently the big Nature Park project by Davao City Mayor Duterte). My mom was adamant we go visit his newly-constructed treehouse, which is a good four storeys from the ground. It was lovely, and hip and cool. That man's a genius, setting up this nice outdoor open-air place, where one could have a nice chat under the trees or go stargazing. He even put a room with glass windows in the third level to serve as his office, and a bedroom on the second level. The place was still under construction, and Mama even pointed out where an outdoor jacuzzi would be mounted. Coolness.

Anyway, when we reached home, I told my Dad I wanted to go for our second driving practice, and proceeded to go to the driver seat and set the gear back to neutral, and prepared my feet and legs for the footwork. Then the car just didn't start! Sad. Dad was supposed to drive the car to Mati today, a good 3 hours from Davao, but too bad he had to take the bus. Sorry.

* * *

I had thought it was gonna be a restful two weeks before I left, but not so, apparently. From my email inbox came the news that the NUS Choir would be setting up a workshop involving secondary and primary school choirs, which would take place on August 8th, right about the time we sing for Freshmen Inauguration Ceremony, and hold the Welcome Tea. I'm bracing myself for preparations for the Matriculation Fair preparations for the choir, AND some manning time over at The Ridge booth as well.

The shocker yesterday, though, was really the deadline of submission of my desk's articles to my Exec Ed. The Chief Ed's email said it's on July 14th, and I was stunned. That was 8 days from yesterday, and I had only received three ideas from my writers (writers send their ideas first before writing their articles). I had said the deadline for ideas was on June 28th, but I MYSELF FORGOT about it so I did not bug them. Sigh. Nonetheless, it's still their responsibility to email me their ideas without me nagging them right? Sigh. I hope everything goes better next time. See, this is for the September issue, and I'm thinking it's a wee bit early. Anyway, deadlines are coming, and I pray my writers deliver, and don't hate me in the process.

I predict it's gonna be a hectic week for me, as July 14th happens to be the day I leave Davao for Manila too. I'm gonna be editing articles and submitting them just as I arrive Manila.

And, dare I say it, I haven't written my own article yet!

* * *

It's Italy and France in the Finals! Yahooo! I watched the England vs. Portugal match the other day, and that was so freakin' SAD. Beckham injured, Rooney fouled out, and England had thus only 10 players against Portugal's 11. The match was 0-0 till the end of the 90 minutes, and later even in extra time. I was rooting for England because Portugal didn't seem to play too clean, but alas, Portugal proved superior in the heart-stopping Penalty Shoot-out.

France had defeated reigning champions Brazil too, so that was an interesting development. They beat Portugal in the Semis to advance to the finals.

I just saw too the Italy vs. Germany match. It was a major upset for the home team, Germany. It was a thriller of a match too, if only for the remaining few minutes. It was 0-0 for 90 minutes, still goalless for the most part of extra time, and everyone seemed to ready themselves for the nerve-racking Penalty Shoot-out. What do you know, Italy scores a winning goal in the remaining two minutes, which sent the crowd roaring (both the German and Italian supporters, but for different reasons). The German team struggled to tie the game what little left of remaining time, and what do you know, Italy scored again! Two goals in the remaining two minutes. Awesome. Tears and broken hearts for Germany everywhere, but oh well, that's life. Sometimes it sucks.

I've mentioned my dislike for Italy for personal reasons, and so my vote will be for the French come the final match.

* * *

Last shout-out! I bought my first pirated CD's! Brownman Revival CD that's laced with a whole lotta fun Pinoy Reggae, and Ultraelectromagnetic Jam, the all-star tribute to the monster band of the 90's, Eraserheads. Whoops please don't arrest me.

Viva Original Pilipino Music (OPM)!