The Past Three Months

Yesterday was the last day of the Chemical Engineering Licensure Exam - I was suppose to take it but didn't. The decision to back out (ouch, stings) came late October when I wasn't even halfway through the things I needed to review to say that I am ready, I can take the exam. I was sure it will feel like suicide if I just went ahead and take it, like a soldier going into battle with mediocre skills and mediocre training. So I decided to postpone it, spent an entire day composing a text to my parents (Mom is in Italy, Dad is in Samar) explaining my need for more time and my plans for the next year. Then I spent another day bracing myself for their nagging or for another lecture. But (but!), but of all buts, my father replied with what could be one of the most surprising, sweetest messages I have received from him in a long time:

 "Okay anak. Ikaw ang nakakaalam ng sitwasyon. Kung sa palagay mo mahihirapan ka, wag mo pilitin. Mabuti yan mag enrol ka sa review center para mas makareview ka ng mahusay. :) :) :)"

 Three smileys? Three? My father don't use smileys! Haha. Why was it the sweetest? I expected my mother will understand, she always does. But my father, I need to explain further, I always need to justify my actions so when he just said it's okay without questioning me and implying he trusts my decision, it meant a lot. Actually, it was my mother this time that I needed some explaining further to. Surprising turn of events, yes. In the end, she said alright, I'd support you all the way. I cried after my mother called me, I just felt very grateful and undeserving of all this. The next day, I went to Enchanted Kingdom. Haha. My first time again after almost 4 years. The past three months brought me to places I didn't expect I will be. After resigning from work I thought I'd be spending a great deal of time in my room studying away. I guess I got carried away with the freedom and also, been blessed with some opportunities to travel that I just can't say no to.

 In August, my father asked me to accompany my cousin to La Union to do some paperworks. Mind you, I was beyond excited. Haven't traveled in a while. My La Union memories were of my bibo nephew, Emil.

Since it was just a two-hour bus ride from where my cousin lives, we also alloted time to visit Baguio, pinush ko talaga to. Literal na after ten years! Only a few people were strolling around the city when we went there. Maybe because it was drizzling and it wasn't the Holidays yet. Felt like we had the place to our selves! I was so happy!!! (more !!!! haha)

Before heading back to Manila, we also had to pass by Nueva Ecija and there I met a very interesting co-mountain-enthusiast man (cousin of my cousin), Kuya Angelo, who loves flowers. They've got all sorts of plants in their garden, it was amazing. He invited us to visit his farm but we didn't have enough time so we had to pass on that :( Anyway, he gave me an orchid to take care of, which by the way hasn't bloomed yet until now. Still alive but not blooming.

A week after this trip, I got fed up with my hair I had it chopped:

A lot of people questioned me for cutting off my "pretty hair", what with its natural waves, nice texture am I not happy about? I don't know. I guess I'm just bored and lazy. Too lazy to shampoo and style such hair.

September rolled around with some emotional turmoil and random meetups. It was my first time to go to a book fair with Julius. Then saw Margret again after a long, long time.

Then came October - critical, intense and busy! First I got reunited with my two college barkadas ( I graduated late so I have barkadas from different batches hihi). 

These are my younger barkadas. Haha. It's been a over a year since we last went out. God, I missed them. We recently volunteered in packing relief goods for the Yolanda survivors and I just felt happy that we have shared that experience with each other.

Here are my ka-age barkadas hehe. Cue "it's always a good time" here:

October is also my birthday (and my father's and my youngest siblings' too haha). I had a really good one. :)

Photos from the twins' 18th birthday (Frisbee and Picnic afternoon in UP :)):

A few weeks ago I also had the chance to go to Tagaytay and visit The Puzzle Mansion:

I hate writing long posts as this one because I have a tendency to digress towards the end. Also as you may have noticed, I have decided to chop some more of my hair. And I'm thinking of chopping some more next week. Anyway, the next thing I'm looking forward to is the Mt. Pulag climb with my college friends. I'm so excited I'm actually physically training for it (though we're taking the easy trail haha). Good lord I hope I don't get sick, and I hope we will be blessed with a very nice weather. 

Right now, I'm under so much pressure but I'm learning to be more graceful, to be a bit nicer, to be more patient with others and with myself. It will be tough, as I'm one immature brat but I'm determined of being a better version of myself  especially in the coming years. I don't want to rot away with my inferiority complex, insecurities and fear of failure. So help me, Universe. :)

Love, K.