Everything was happening according to plan, my Christmas dinner offerings were received with much enthusiasm and appreciation. The turkey was cooked perfectly and the gravy tasted kosher. Everything, it seemed, felt right with the world…until the next day. We had a lovely white Christmas, so we decided to stay at home on Boxing Day (26 December) and catch up with the news on the telly. What we saw was surreal, just like one of those Hollywood disaster movies but in this case it was awfully true. Days afterwards, I was compelled to watch the drama unfold. Hundreds of thousands of people dead, communities washed out to sea, total devastation. I couldn’t help but weep. I felt our monetary donation was just a piss in the ocean. There is still so much suffering!
While the British broadsheets and tabloids were busy covering the disaster, I couldn’t help but notice that it hardly made that much news in the Philippines judging by the online newspapers I read daily. I didn’t understand it. Here I am half a world away from the epicentre constantly updated with the relief operations while Filipinos seem to be blasé about the whole thing. Is it because crises and disasters are daily occurrences back there that people become immune even to this apocalyptic event? In that case, it is indeed a real shame.
My new year’s resolutions
I do not normally make New Year’s resolutions but I will make an exception got this year, so here goes:
I need to set new my goals, hopes and aspirations. I am going back to school this year. I am fortunate enough to find sponsorship to enable me to pursue a Masters degree in Business Management at University while working full time. It will involve at lot of hard graft but I do not mind.
I vow to be a better person, try to be more patient and tolerant of others.
I will exercise more frequently, watch what I eat and maybe lose some weight. I have already started this by attending Pilates classes at the University sports centre. I have also lost weight in spite of the holiday food fest.
I will call home (Manila) more often. I cope with the loneliness and isolation from friends and family by maintaining a “stiff upper lip” and getting on with life without feeling sorry for myself. In fact, I get on with life by compartmentalising my emotions. The downside is I am neglecting to nourish my emotional health. I need to redress the balance.
Finally, I will be more relaxed at work. This is tough because I am never relaxed at work. Maybe I take it too seriously. I always want to be the best no matter what I do. I should laugh more and stress less. Yes I shall!
So here’s to a new and hopeful year and good luck to everyone.
