Rea is the daughter of my old classmate from UP. She's visiting us in Devon before she flies off to Manila for the Holidays. It was a a great day out and we enjoyed the sights in Sidmouth. Isn't she pretty?

Time flies

When I was a lot younger, I used to think I had all the time in the world. In fact I used to almost wish my life away by planning what I would be doing at certain times. Okay, so I remembered starting a countdown of 3650 days in 1980. Bloody good that did to me! However, I was and still am an avid planner. I plan my days, trips, activities, alternative scenarios and routine. I am the kind of person who likes to know when things are happening. Maybe it is a controlling habit of mine, my little comfort zone. For some this might cause undue stress, but others may view this trait intrinsic of a super organiser. I’d like to think I am viewed as the latter.
Of course life does not follow the prescribed plan, no matter how meticulous one prepares it. That’s when the ability to adapt to change kicks in. I do not only prepare a roadmap to where I want to go, I also think of possible setbacks and what I should do when they happen. I do not want to be in a position when I could get caught unawares. It happened to me once and I vowed never to be that complacent or stupid again.
The thing is, as one gets older time seem to run out quickly. Nowadays I still have a list of the things I’d like to do before I kick off this mortal coil. Let me see, there’s the trip in the Orient Express, visit Tibet or Nepal (but given my lung capacity I doubt it), see the seven wonders of the world, experience all the culinary delights of Europe and Asia, write a book, build a house in the Philippines and establish a charity organisation. I would also like to contribute in saving the environment, teach and revisit Philippine culture and history.
Notice that I haven’t mentioned financial security at all. That item might have been included in my earlier/younger list. Although I never really considered financial security as one of my lifetime “must do”, I think it is vital in pursuing other lofty ideals. I lead a reasonably quiet life, nothing ostentatious, ensuring that I do not overextend my purse. It also helps that I live in a country that discourages showing off. Eccentricity is welcomed but show offs are scorned.