I got ill for over two (2) weeks. During that span of time, I still reported for work 7/10 days because well…there were many things to be done –there was a courtesy call, meetings, project planning, and well, I am programmed that way. I meant, being sick is like so far in my mind and I always prided myself with having good health all throughout the year, or so I thought.

But perhaps, the weather, the exhaustion, the thoughts in my mind (to do lists), plus some emotional worries weakened my usually strong body. I had fever, really terrible body ache, headache, cough, and just overall physical weakness. Despite that, I never considered myself as “seriously sick” until one afternoon, after a series of meetings and after signing several documents on my desk, I got so nauseous that I threw up at my desk (but not after I secured a plastic bag with the help of a work colleague who was probably surprised at my urgent sudden request).

As I lay in bed, I was already thinking, I want to do this, I want to do that. I want to bring my team to a lunch out, and probably do this monthly, go to a new dining place every month. I want to grab opportunities; I want to make every day count and try not be bogged down by any negative emotions.

I started with my plans as soon as I got back. I brought my team for lunch to Double Dragon Plaza in Pasay (since we need to go back to work after 1.5hrs at most) where, after walking for a few minutes and selecting from some options, we chose Orange Bucket for lunch since it had enough space and was ready to accommodate our group of 11.

A day after, I attended a lecture on the great Asian epic, Ramayana and watched the gala performance of Rama Hari. I was a little out of breath walking from one floor to the next and my knees were a bit wobbly but I didn’t mind. I learned much from the lectures, was able to chat a bit with fellow diplomats, and totally enjoyed the performance (thank you so much to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for the free world-class show.)

Then yesterday, I attended the opening of Malaysian Week 2023 on Paseo de Roxas, Makati, organized by the Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines. The Ambassador graciously welcomed the guests. The food was great; the music was lovely; and the booths offered a wide array of products and services. I visited almost all the booths (except three such as the car, telecom, energy company, because I didn’t need the info/service so I felt that I would be using up their precious time .) I got some goodies (lemon biscuits, popcorn, matcha tea). The University representatives shared information about their programs and that they’re looking for an agent in the Philippines to promote the school and attract more students.

Afterwards, I walked around the nearby park, had a cocktail at Blackbird with a new acquaintance, walked to Greenbelt (but texted my daughter after a few minutes “I’m already here at Greenbelt” but I’m just walking and I don’t know where I’m headed.” 😀 ) I checked out some shoes in a boutique but the design I liked didn’t have my size. I walked to the pharmacy and bought some medicines. Then, it rained heavily so I let the rain pass while sitting down and looking at the rain outside. I really wanted to walk to EDSA carousel to try it (I haven’t ridden this since I got back to the Philippines 2 years ago) but I learned that it was some distance from Greenbelt 5.

As the afternoon wore on, I felt my tiredness again, and my shoes were not the best match for a day-long walk, so I decided to just resched my stroll another time, when I’m better. ❤

Author’s Note:

I was looking for this haiku (I think it’s by Basho) which I came across as I was getting well too way back in my college years. It resonated with me. But try as I search online, I couldn’t find it. It’s weird. I remembered the emotion and the idea but not the exact words so that made the search more difficult (for how can you research emotions?)

For those who have read this entry, take care of your health and consider each day as a gift. Take care. 🙂