Walking Home

Well, I'm not exactly as enthusiastic as this when going to school.

Dear Father,

I really can't believe how a little Will can go a long way...

Yesterday, there was a major jeepney strike and almost all the jeepneys in the Metro had decided to take the day-off. As jeepneys were the major mode of transportation for Filipinos nowadays, the strike had literally affected a lot of people, most of which were the local commuters. And among the irate crowd was me. It was during these times when I wish that Mama would let me ride a bike to work, since it my new workplace was close enough to home. But being a girl and all, plus the fact that the streets aren't made for bikes (unlike Marikina and other places), no amount of reason would persuade her to do so.

Anyway, that morning, I got to get a ride to work, since the strike was bound to start later during the day. I got to work, forgot everything about the strike and did whatever work I have to do. I only remembered about the strike later in the afternoon, when I was about to go home and couldn't get a single jeepney to stop for me because all of them were filled to the brim. By that I meant that the passengers were sitting like sardines inside while outside there is at least one person who was hanging by the estribo. Frankly, I would not be surprised to see a jeepney with passengers even at the roof, but that only happens in the province...

After 5 minutes of seemingly hopeless waiting, I made a firm decision to walk home. As if I was hit by Reborn's Dying Bullet, I determinedly told myself: "I will walk home as if I were to die!" (Yes, I do sound like I had read too much manga once more.) So I did.

Before starting my 1 kilometer walk, I stopped by a barbeque grill stand and ordered two sticks of isaw for a light snack. As soon as I paid for them, I began my walk while enjoying my first stick of isaw. I caught quite a bit of attention walking there like one would in a park, munching the barbeque like it was the most delicious food on earth, and enjoying whatever scenery the urban environment can offer. I can truly say, yesterday's red orange sunset was just beautiful, but I bet only a few people noticed it.

Anyway, I did enjoy the long and tiring walk. I finally got to eat at that BBQ stall that I wouldn't have done if I chose to take a ride. I finally saw the boutique with the blue gown I once coveted (after closer inspection, realized it wasn't as beautiful as I thought.) I got to feed a stray kitten. Got the attention of a lot of onlookers. And proved to myself that I can do anything I put my mind into.

I got home at around 6 pm. Tired but quite happy.

Back to School

6:7:07

"Oh right... I don't go to school anymore..."

School once again began just this week and all around the county, kids and parents are flocking in front of schools either waiting to get in or wanting to get out. I used to be part of that crowd, rushing to and fro just to get to school on time and so on. But now, I’m just an innocent bystander, riding the jitney with children and teens who may be their first or nth time wading in the Pool of Education.

College levels don’t start until next week and there are still schools that are still open for enrolment even this late in June. Everyday, on my way to work, the same guy hands me a brochure about the openings for enrolment in the nearby computer school. I took his brochure twice. I was interested in taking up an IT course anyway. Today, I saw him again, and I avoided him this time. It was enough that he wasted his paper and ink twice for me. The brochure he may have given me might be the one for the person who really intends to enroll there soon. Besides, the two brochures he gave me ended up in the trash can.

Frankly, father, I am beginning to miss school.

During my last days as a student, I always had this desire for graduation not to come. I wanted to stay a college student, together with my three friends, and enjoying the life that was paved out for us. But we only have the power to spin the threads of Fate and not to unravel it and turn back Time or stop spinning the thread altogether. It will be spun no matter what, and it will lengthen, until Athropos gets her shears and ends the thread.

Guess what my 5 year plan was? For two years I will get a job and work, work, work until I’m rich (or got enough to support the family). Then, I will go back to school, take a Masters in Business or in Psychology or Digital Art or others. And this will go on until I end up as a housewife with four children and a loving husband. And then work at home as a writer, or digital artist, or online game beta tester (that would be real cool.) or something else. Actually, that is a draft of my five year plan. Anything goes with the future, and whatever it gives to me I just go along with it.

But anyway, that was my 5 year plan, and unless something happens, I will follow through. I will go back to school.