Food for the soul

I have a tattoo on my inner wrist on my right hand that reads Vivere. It simply means "to live." After my stay in Italy, I decided that I would never forget to live my life in the manner that is meaningful to me and for people around me. I had been feeling pretty burnt out from all the work I was doing, I had been going home at 9.30-11pm most nights. My job gives me a lot of fulfillment but I needed to have balance. An invitation from my friend to join a kayak competition turned up about a month ago and I readily volunteered to join. My experience with the kayak had been mostly recreational. I loved kayaking at the beah whenever I had the chance. The organizer had found a tandem partner for me and this basically sealed the deal. I was going.

When I got there the day before the event, I was overwhelmed with the warmth of the organizing group. I was immediately assimilated into their group and soon enough they were passing out beers to everyone. I only had one bottle as I was joining the novice 7.8k race the next morning. The beer and good conversation distracted me from the fact that I was basically by myself. The next morning, my good friend Vanessa Garon arrived with her team. They were a funny and entertaining bunch, and when they saw I was nervous about the race, the encouragement and support made me smile. I wish I could put down in words how inspiring it was to be part of that event and to have met all the awesome people I did. On the way to the resort I was staying in the previous night, Pat, who was part of the organizing committee told me "Iba din ang trip mo ha." This was in reference to my decision to join the race and come alone. In my mind, it has always been a sure fact. The best experiences come from being spontaneous and having faith that things will work out if you want it enough. I wanted to feel connected to the world and to challenge myself in a different way. I've also always been a water person. Anything that will get me in the water is a good thing.

My only goal coming into the race was to finish the course. It was a grueling 2 hour route, and for someone with no previous experience and practically no practice, this seemed rather impossible. But as I was in the water, paddle in hand, waiting for the starting signal, my competitive spirit was ignited. More than anything I wanted to complete the course.... even if my team finished last. Guess what? we didn't finish last, and now I have a certificate saying I completed a 7k course. As we were in the last stretch to the finish line, I could hear Vanessa and her team cheering me on. It was a great moment and I gave myself an imaginary pat in the back.

What can I say? Some of the most amazing experiences I've had, happened when I wasn't planning, calculating, or maneuvering. There will be more.

Life, oh life

It's 10.25pm and I am still at the office. Yesterday I clocked out at 8pm. This crazy work schedule is killing me! No matter how early I get to the office, it's like I never get even half of the work done. There are reports, meetings, and more reports. I need a life!! Now!

Ever been called a Lah vah?

lov·er (lvr)
n.
1. One who loves another, especially one who feels sexual love.
2. lovers A couple in love with each other.
3.
a. A paramour.
b. A sexual partner.
4. One who is fond of or devoted to something: a lover of fine food.

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Well, well, well...