Birthday Week

I turned 33 last Wednesday. Turning this age is something that someone like me (single, unattached female) is dreaded -- or the very least, better ignored. In the midst of simultaneous projects, it was easy to set aside the impending middle-age, if I were not reminded so early in the morning.

Don't get me wrong. I have no strong negative feelings towards the mid-30s, only slightly ambivalent just because of the social stigma of "lonely dogs" or "day-old cakes", as females my age and situation are called in Japan.

Actually, I am very thankful with the way things have been going for me so far. Except for the love-life thing, I have been very blessed and continue to be showered with abundant love. It is very tempting to sound like a Hallmark card expressing gratitude and plenty, but at my current state, I guess, that pretty much sums where I am right now.

My work has been exciting, fulfilling and rewarding (save for many instances of "why am I doing this?! moments). I am blessed with friends and loving family members. My future is filled with promising possibilities.

Just to document what has happened this past week, allow me to enumerate:
1. March 1 - We had an office lunch at the Tempura Japanese Grill courtesy of my bosses. We celebrated a colleague's passing of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, but then was also acknowledged as the day's celebrant. Amidst talks of Chinese horoscopes and blood type personalities, tasting wasabi ice cream, it was professional camaraderie at best. Towards the end of the workday, I hied off to the next building to hear mass (since it was my birthday and also Ash Wednesday). After which I went with my senior to go to Shangrila to monitor the exhibits. Was treated to pasta at Figaro!

2. March 2 - I dont remember anything exceptional happening this day. hehehe. Same old same old. Oh! although I was rewarded by my boss for my hard work at this latest office project --- a trip to Singapore to its international arts festival in June!

3. March 3 - Met my college buddies for lunch at Teriyaki Boy. Had a blast talking about the 90s and friendships that lasted and busted. Went to see a PETA play, "Pinoy Wannabes" in the evening with my other college friend. It was a collection of bittersweet one-act ditties which explored the Filipino diaspora. It posed a lot of questions and insights on identity and commitment, conviction to ideals and compromises. but did this stop me from thinking about my plans to migrate to Canada? Nope.

4. March 4 - Played godmother to the hilt as I dressed my niece in one of our gowns for their play, "Rapunzel". Went to meet my lovelorn friends in Gateway. Moped and analyzed their love lives and extramarital relationships (of their significant others). Labored for (i hope) the last time for this exhibit at the shangrila mall.

5. March 5 - Lunch at the Dampa sa Libis with the family and relatives. Not as satisfying as the fare at the paluto at Macapagal Boulevard but generally okay. Had coffee with sisters and cousin at Starbucks in Megamall where we discussed spa business and Puerto Galera and Canada plans.