The Essence of Me

I planned to wake up at 6am this morning so I could jog/walk in UP. Typical me, I slept like a log and when the alarm went off, I just turned it off and went back to dreamland. I was having such a nice, beautiful dream, with snow in the middle of September. I woke up at noon and arrived here at the office by 1:30. Lazy me.

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I’ve been pushed into the role of marriage/relationship counselor quite frequently this week. My phone was smoking (literally and figuratively) and my inbox was flooded with the troubles of my friends. I’m not complaining. I actually feel flattered that these people trust me and seek my advice. I like listening to people and analyzing their problems. When I was still in college, my guidance counselor told me that I might have a future as a guidance counselor. Hmm, now that I think about it, it’s not a bad idea after all. I could help a lot of people.

***

People NEED to talk about their problems. Some are just more choosy in picking whom to talk to. That’s why we need friends. Shrinks bill you by the hour, while friends are happy even with just coffee and cigarettes. Most of the time, people just need someone to listen. Advice is rarely required. Talking is also a form of self-analysis. Things seem clearer when you get to talk about it with a friend. Never, ever impose your beliefs or principles on another. When forced to give advice, try your best to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. You can’t just be sympathetic. You need to be empathetic in order to give a sound advice.

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It is still up to the person to make the right decisions. What good friends do is just listen and empathize, and perhaps show you some details of the problem that you might have overlooked. And of course, friends stand by your decision. It is not a friend’s place to judge or to condemn. We all have our evils, they just come in different forms.

***

It surprised me how easily I have gotten over the sadness of a friend’s imminent departure. Sure, I cried half the night but the next morning, I felt light and happy. It probably helped that I know he really wanted this, and that somehow, this would make him happy. And I felt happy for him. What is distance to good friends, anyway?

***

At last, these are the pictures from Bec’s birthday thingie last August 30th.

Kleng, Det, and Moi

Bec aka the Birthday Gal, Kleng, Det

Finally, the circle’s complete (thanks to JR for taking this shot)

Is this a birthday or a funeral???

Tres Woozy Marias

"Sir" Kleng (lagot si JR) and Mommy Det

Me, my future husband, and my future cousin

Detski, Me, Angelic Mon, Iya, and Beckyblu