In the past two (2) weeks, my mind is full of things I wanted to write about. Various things — events, movies, books, philosophical thoughts, etc. But the schedule, or rather my energy, did not allow me sufficient time to sit down and pen my thoughts.

So, it’s Sunday night now, and another busy week beckons. While I welcome it, and not really averse to entering this new period, allow me to share a few thoughts, not to discuss them at length, but just to share various things on my busy mind and moments today and the previous weeks:

• In the priest’s homily during the holy mass this morning, he said “Everyone of us has something to contribute to create a just and humane society. We need not be rich or powerful to make a difference.” I felt that that was beautiful.
• I visited a bazaar again in Suva after the longest time (since almost all my past weekends were occupied). ROC Market today was lively, with so many stalls and numerous offerings. I bumped into some fellow diplomats. I bought a pearl accessory, dainty wood prints, and food!
• I jogged/walked alone for two (2) hours last Saturday. Then from the park and seawall, I walked home for 15minutes. I felt my tiredness in the last stretch. It was dark already too. Thankfully, I arrived home safe and sound.
• Suva weather shifted recently. It’s not cold anymore, but it still gets cold at night. And the sporadic rain occurs frequently. As I type this, nearing midnight, I could hear the rain and the wind outside.
• Yet again, another typhoon, with international name Champi is moving towards the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) with expected landfall on Tuesday. Reports state it will hit Bicol again (region where my hometown is located). That’s not surprising considering that I experience over 20 typhoons yearly growing up, but I still hope the typhoon will just dissipate somewhere in the oceans.
• There’s an incoming, very real threat of El Niño. I feel for the people. I feel for the farmers. I wish for a clear, decisive, community-supported, science-backed solution in effect. (not just to collect water)
• Violent protests erupted in France (more particularly Paris, Marseille and Lille), due to, according to reports “rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools.” It felt painful to watch, especially as I have a soft spot for Paris, the shattered shop fronts, burned cars, the looting, terrified citizens, and most especially the burning of the 143 yr. old Limoges town hall, with cheers heard in the background as the fire destroyed part of the building. How could you cheer while watching a burning heritage structure?
• I watched the film “Sunshine” the other week. The film hit close to home and was raw, gritty, and emotional. Maris Racal’s performance was vulnerable and electrifying. I was so happy then when she received a best actress recognition in the recent Urian Awards.
• I had three (3) bula dresses done, red, pink, and black (with a geometric abstract design). With the numerous events to be attended, it’s good. I also have 3 more fabrics. I could already envision the design, but I’ll probably have them made in November. Ate Lita, a Filipina seamstress based in Lautoka, sewed 3, and I have another 2 being made by Malini, a local Fijian dressmaker. Landa is a very popular Filipina tailor/dressmaker in Suva. She was mentioned several times by some high officials of the Fiji government during out courtesy call. I should have a set or 2 or 3 done by her.
• How do you approach a certain emotion? Facts are easy to understand (sometimes not, but with evidence and proof, there’s basis). Opinions are manageable too because they are based on facts, observation, experience, world view. But emotions? A friend said, “just trust the universe.” I’ll hold on to that.

So yeah, these are just 10 of my myriad thoughts. There are more and if you wanna share any idea, just write a comment. I gotta sleep now. Finally, sleepiness crept in.

Thanks for joining me in my midnight musings. Have a safe and healthy and happy new week. Take care. ❤