Holiday Head Rush

My decision not to go home to Cebu for the holidays was a bit difficult, but it was also the most logical. Between leaving my job, starting a new one and taking care of the business, there was only so much that I could do. Of course, there was the novelty of spending my first Christmas on my own- as I often told my friends, hey, I’m officially grown up. :)

So what made my holidays?

1- Sweet and thoughtful gestures from good friends, in the form of just-for-me text messages that make me smile, invites and generally, just doing things for me. These are the best gifts I got- random acts of kindness and niceness from friends. Yeah, am cheap lang that way. :)

2- Realizing that this kooky bunch of friends have become like family. Coincidentally validated by Gracie’s timely text message: An inspiration from my fave author, Francis Kong- “Apart from marriage, friendship is one of life’s most lasting and rewarding commitments. It is based on more than promises. It’s deep connections have to do with mutual respect, common experiences and love. In our highly fluid culture, friendships sometimes fall prey to the countless transitions in our lives. That is when commitment comes to play.” And still, a couple more from Luis and JP. I’m such a lucky girl. :)

3- Materially, a “corporate-y” tank silver watch, one that I could use for my new job. All the gifts I got were great by the way, but another of my favorites is a book from the Sex Goru (not a typo!)- Elmore Leonard’s 10 Rules of Writing, hardbound! I am taking that as yet another sign that my decision (to leave) is right.

4- Having two Christmas Eves. One at the hotel party where because I was the princess, I had a room all by myself. J Ah, the advantages. Fluffy pillows and sheets made for a yummy embrace in my tipsy state. Said inebriation was preceded by non-stop yakking and silly laughter produced by Pinoy Henyo-Holiday Version and the antics of the socialite of the evening. Then, there was the breakfast buffet the morning after, which was surprisingly good. Trying to make up for the previous night’s excesses, I shuffled over to my favorite yogurt and muesli bar.

The second (real) Christmas Eve was quieter. Dinner at PhoHoa, then spent the rest of the night at home with Shoti opening his gifts, video coverage by Luis, ala-Wish Ko Lang. Of course, I didn’t have anything to open anymore because I’m so EQ-challenged when it comes to opening gifts- I ripped through mine as soon as I got them. I also don’t know anyone else who spent Christmas Halloween-version; we spent the night (and early morning) watching horror movies. Ouija sucked, promise.

5- A glammed-up New Year’s Eve, with aborted plans to spend it at Greenbelt and Libis. Instead, we ate (a lot!) at Shoti’s dad, had a La Vendetta-style photoshoot and a You-Tube worthy video of us hiding from the fireworks, hamming it up and drinking cheers to ‘08, in what else- Mudslide-filled Melaware tasa. Ang cheap! :P LOL

All these in between hardcore Scrabble games that would last until 4am. Must.Sleep.Early.!

And oh, must seriously get that dictionary already.