Untold Half of the Story

Warm host, welcoming friends, karaoke, pizza, few cups of coffee, cupcakes, salad, homemade quesadilla and burritos–all these had made my weariness gone from a long convoy coming here the other day. There was feasting and chatting along with endless laughter that filled the night–a get-together happens occasionally–and oh, not when I’m in town.

I haven’t been coming up and down for almost half a year. Blame it to my isolation and languor the past six months. Thanks for the wonderful time and wonderful people. I feel dandy! This was the untold story from the first day still.

The First Day

Delay, sunburn, grips, paranoia, racing dangers, reckless drivers, playful young people, and a fervent prayer–all these have traveled with me today. It was a fifty-fifty decision to make caused by unwanted dilemma–to go through a long road in a motorbike ride or to squeeze in with people in a car–both were dangerous means. I’ve chosen the former offer.

Then there the furious sun following behind left every convoy uncomfortable. Not to mention the wandering that prolonged the travel because my student isn’t familiar with streets in the city. I’ve just kissed the ground for my safe arrival.

Gratefully Excited

Today I’m on cloud nine once more because the wait is over for another anticipated public holiday. Unlike the past ones when I only isolated myself at home–this time is something to get excited about–an escapade away from work. 

It will actually start tomorrow but I’m already in high spirits ready to take pleasure in my five-day break. It’s just a drop in the bucket from a desperation flying somewhere else outside Asia, but destiny knows I don’t need it for now. Of course, so grateful for this gift–it’s no sweet lemon–it’s a flush of pleasure. 

Tough Habit

A child usually has a memory like an elephant, but I still discourage my learner to learn something by rote–not even a word or a phrase–not in my classroom. That’s why I provide lots of creative activities towards familiarization rather than from memory. 

While I see eye to eye with conventional educators about few things (to memorize a song or a poem perhaps), but I defied the rest of it. “Learn by heart!” is my endless advocacy. In a country where people haven’t thrown off the rote learning yoke yet, it’s a tough habit I can’t break alone. 

The Living Dead

There are masses of them in my circle, but they’re all gone. So glad I’m miles away now. These frightful snobs typify what hostile cliques do in and out of Facebook–they can snub forever. Thought could stand them, but I’m not inured still to this day. Wish I had the funniest phrase to label their kinds, but stuck with this one–“the living dead.”

Besides they’re the rudest, arrogant, indifferent, and selfish dead alive. I stopped expecting anything although they’re my friends, relatives, family, colleagues, and classmates. I blocked each one from my friend’s lists because enough is enough.