I've been telling some people I feel lost lately. By that I don't mean "not knowing where I am". In fact, since I got here, I generally know where I am and where I'm supposed to be headed.
I just haven't been feeling like I know this is where I should be. I don't feel it. Yet. I don't sense that the place has opened its arms to me and welcomed me. I guess because I'm too far from where the "real city" is most of the time.
I hope that its only because I've only been here a week. It should get better when things are normal. It should get better when I can finally stock up on house items that I know I won't have to move out a few weeks later.
Nov 10, 2008
Nov 5, 2008
Nov 1, 2008
On Day 80
After 79 days, day 80 was surprisingly less stressful for me. I've packed my suitcase and decided which of my things stay and which can come with me, I've prepared all paperwork that I need to ensure I can leave and I've scrounged up what little "goods" I can to make sure I'll be okay. Day 80 was it. If I have forgotten anything, there was nothing else I could do but try and make up for it later on. The idea was somewhat liberating.
Though my flight didn't leave until before noon, I was up at 4am. Barely two hours of sleep following a night spent trying to simultaneously pack and spend some last few hours with the girls. I wanted to be in the airport even before the 2-hour period from which they open check-in counters and also even before the recommended 3-hour period. Why? Because I travel that way. I would rather wait at the gate than wait in line while boarding time nears. So, since I wanted to be early and my family wanted to spend some last minute hangout time with me, we decided to have an early breakfast (hence waking up at 4am) after which, they would go their own way and Allan would drive me to the airport.
A procession of three cars --- my sister's , my parent's and Allan's --- headed off to McDonald's. Having a family with 5 kids meant we couldn't fit in one car. Having a family with 5 kids also meant more than one hugging and saying goodbye over and over again. We were a funny sight before I left...I had four kids repeatedly hugging and saying goodbye and 5 adults looking on. Funny but definitely heartwarming.
We were at the airport early, but decided to wait for some friends who were on the same flight. After days of stress leading to this day, I had to let go....and I didn't. Every minute I was not yet checking in when I should've been checking in, I was worried I wouldnt get an aisle seat, I was worried I'd have to run past Immigration and security check because I'd be pressed for time, I was wondering if I had extra stops because I had to have my POEA papers checked. As it turned out, all my worrying was for nothing. I didn't get an aisle seat not becuase I checked in late, but because the airline personnel made a mistake and gave me a seat one seat away from my friend. I didnt have extra stops for the POEA papers since they didn't even ask for it (imagine, all that effort and they won't even look at it??!?!?).
All in all, once I sat on the plane, all I was worried about was whether the in flight movies would be good. Even the trip itself was anti climactic...no drama, no delays, no stories. I guess after all the preparation, someone up there decided I need a break.....at least before the new set of "Things to do" has been assembled.
Though my flight didn't leave until before noon, I was up at 4am. Barely two hours of sleep following a night spent trying to simultaneously pack and spend some last few hours with the girls. I wanted to be in the airport even before the 2-hour period from which they open check-in counters and also even before the recommended 3-hour period. Why? Because I travel that way. I would rather wait at the gate than wait in line while boarding time nears. So, since I wanted to be early and my family wanted to spend some last minute hangout time with me, we decided to have an early breakfast (hence waking up at 4am) after which, they would go their own way and Allan would drive me to the airport.
A procession of three cars --- my sister's , my parent's and Allan's --- headed off to McDonald's. Having a family with 5 kids meant we couldn't fit in one car. Having a family with 5 kids also meant more than one hugging and saying goodbye over and over again. We were a funny sight before I left...I had four kids repeatedly hugging and saying goodbye and 5 adults looking on. Funny but definitely heartwarming.
We were at the airport early, but decided to wait for some friends who were on the same flight. After days of stress leading to this day, I had to let go....and I didn't. Every minute I was not yet checking in when I should've been checking in, I was worried I wouldnt get an aisle seat, I was worried I'd have to run past Immigration and security check because I'd be pressed for time, I was wondering if I had extra stops because I had to have my POEA papers checked. As it turned out, all my worrying was for nothing. I didn't get an aisle seat not becuase I checked in late, but because the airline personnel made a mistake and gave me a seat one seat away from my friend. I didnt have extra stops for the POEA papers since they didn't even ask for it (imagine, all that effort and they won't even look at it??!?!?).
All in all, once I sat on the plane, all I was worried about was whether the in flight movies would be good. Even the trip itself was anti climactic...no drama, no delays, no stories. I guess after all the preparation, someone up there decided I need a break.....at least before the new set of "Things to do" has been assembled.
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