Having All Saints/Souls Day off was a much needed break! Here in the Philippines, people go to the cemetery to visit loved ones, and I joined my family at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, where my grandfather is buried. He was a pilot during World War II in the Philippine Army and was involved in a plane crash while flying with American soldiers, so he is buried in the American cemetery here. It's a very peaceful place that, unfortunately, has become an oasis in the middle of rapid development in the Fort Bonifacio area. Skyscrapers are going up around the area, a surprise since the last time I visited three years ago.
Before another hectic week begins, I figured I should get out these updates, as promised.
1. whirlwind adventures in the states: As I've already blogged, my BFF Karen got married and my Manila responsibilities happened to leave me with a window of freedom to travel home. I'm so glad I could because it was a much needed opportunity to see my faves and refresh for the second half of this adventure. Besides the loveliness of Virginia, I also had some quality hanging in San Francisco (one of my top 5 cities). Behold, the glory of Dolores Park.
After days of rain and cold in VA, I was so happy to feel sunshine on my face and then stuff that face with ice cream and pizza. (see next update)
2. how to let yourself go in 10 days: I intended to create a photo blog with this title but when I saw all the pictures together, I looked like a complete fatty and decided no one needs to know the extent of my letting go-ness. Let's just say Chipotle, In-N-Out, Chik Fil-A, Ukrops fudge pie, and sweet potato hash at my favorite Richmond restaurant were involved.
3. new apartment, happier home: The day our rent was due, She Who Shall Not Be Named, moved out while the girls were at lunch, leaving a note behind that you can find posted on Nora's facebook. It's worth reading. We found a cheaper and much nicer condo with views of Manila Bay and Rizal Park. Did I mention there are three pools and a helipad? It's going to be hard to transition to homelessness in January. In Boston. (brrrrr)
4. interning and the joys of treats wheeled in on the coffee cart (WHO makes a mean banana bread): I feel extremely lucky to have this internship because I'm working with amazing people and learning about issues I really care about. I am currently neck deep in research for a disaster management toolkit for distribution in 2010 and it's a good reminder of my favorite class of grad school, Managing Complex Humanitarian Disasters. Working in the Emergency Humanitarian Action Unit during typhoon season has created a lot of opportunities to learn from real situations in our region. I heard in a meeting that some areas in Manila will be flooded for 4-6 months from Typhoon Ondoy. It's appalling really, and sad that more isn't being done to alleviate the situation. Public Health Inaction. Unfortunately, the nature of our work is more policy oriented and not in the field, as I'm inclined to be in these situations.
5. a ruptured appendix (not me, my roomie, she is doing better!) Diana is out of the hospital and recovering nicely. If a medical emergency had to happen here, it couldn't have happened under better circumstances. We know a general surgeon at one of the better hospitals in Manila who expedited her care in the ER, and actually performed the surgery and post-op care. Her parents were in Hawaii at the time and were able to easily fly to Manila to be with her. And with classes over and the big projects of her internship behind her, she can take time with her recovery before jumping back into Manila craziness. I'm just thankful she's better and on her way to being cheerful, healthy Diana again.
6. never ending jet lag: Gone I think but I'm still exhausted. It may have to do with updates 7, 9, and 10.
7. Hong Kong-o-ween: this deserves it's own post! Coming soon. But check out this skyline.
8. my common law manila marriage to Nora: We currently share a bedroom, a commute, an internship, and eat every meal together. I know most married couples don't spend that much time together, but somehow our love is still alive (honeymoon period?)
9. my birthday: I'm surprised I didn't break a hip at da club because I was definitely the oldest person there. But, can't complain about birthday festivities on two sides of the world and 4 birthday cakes! Oh, but one cake had my name spelled wrong, courtesy of my sister. At least it was from Ukrops.
10. the Hobbit House, my neighborhood bar staffed by little people: Just go to the link, it tells you everything you need to know.
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