for lack of an umbrella

I'm really not into superstition. I poke fun at old wives' tales and rural folk tales. Talk to me about anything supernatural or otherworldly and I will automatically counter everything you say.

But there are some things that I can't easily explain away.

Like why something bad always happens to me when I don't have my umbrella.

Yes. This is about that large umbrella I always carry with me, so much so that some people instantly recognize me when you ask them about 'that guy with an umbrella'.

Anyway, the last time I left my umbrella at home was nearly three years ago. That was when I had the fun experience of having two 9mm weapons pointed at my head.

Last Saturday, I was so preoccupied with a lot of things running through my head that I forgot my umbrella at home. I was still near our house when I realized that I had left it at home. However, I was already late for an appointment and it seemed like it wasn't going to rain anytime soon so I just went on my way.

That appointment, by the way, was set back by more than two hours.

Everything went smoothly. Alumni talk about the trip to Shanghai for the solar eclipse next year. AstroSoc Refresher course. Sleep.

Sunday morning came. For some stupid reason, I was running around the street in front of the PAGASA Observatory. My mind blanked out for a microsecond, and in a sudden burst of speed I dove into the asphalt. I can't remember if I tripped or if I lost my balance. The next thing I knew was that I was lying on the ground with scrapes and bruises on my hands and arms.

What a stupid guy.

I walked back to the tambayan with a dazed look on my face. My friends helped me clean up the wounds and put on bandages, after which they took me to the Infirmary where I stayed to rest for an hour or so.

I still can't understand what had happened. There was absolutely no reason for that accident to happen.

I'll never leave home without my umbrella again.

first of december

I haven't been writing much lately. It's not that I have so much to do that I have no more time to sit here and put thoughts to paper, it's quite the opposite. I have nothing to do.

There's not much for me to write about, unless you all want to read about my classes - or lack of classes - every other day. There's nothing much to do yet. No papers or reports or much research until the Christmas break, no exams or presentations until the next year.

About the only thing that maintains my stress level (hahaha) is UP AstroSoc. With the International Year of Astronomy just a month away, I have to keep track of a lot of plans and proposals and problems and people. It's one hell of a challenge coordinating the activities of an organization, but it can also be fun and exciting.

Fun and exciting. Hahaha. It feels good to be able to articulate requests and give suggestions, to lead people, to be respected by your peers.

Translation: Ang sarap mag-utos, mag-dikta, at manakot.

Hahahaha. I'm only kidding. (Sure...) It's fun to be in charge, but the price of all that "fun" is all the responsibility that a high position brings with it. Bottom line is, the buck stops here.

Bea, ito na siguro article ko for Sidereals. Hahaha.

So what else is new...

Nothing much. Hahaha.

Christmas is in twenty-four days. My birthday is in twenty. I'm getting one year older once again. Argh.

However, hitting 22 so close to Christmas has its benefits - double the presents. HAHAHA. So what should you get me for Christmas AND my birthday? Hehehe.

I won't come out with a wish list this year. I want to be surprised. Hahahaha. But seriously now, with the current economic crunch I won't be expecting much. I won't be able to give much either.

I would gladly settle to be with the people I love this Christmas. I miss my far-flung high school barkada. I want to be with my family on Christmas Eve. I want to celebrate the season with my friends.

A chocolate bar or two won't hurt though.

Hehehe.

Merry Christmas everyone!