easter mondate

It was the last day of our long vacation, and unwilling as we were to accept the harsh reality of work the next day, we acknowledged our last day in paradise by going out on a date on Monday, our last holiday frontier.  (Our original date was cancelled because of my sudden fever, soon as we arrived back in Manila.)

We went for a destessing massage, (how ironic, to need destressing after a 5-day vacation=p)  and had our date at an unlikely romantic destination. My tastebuds were hankering for something flavorful and since our massage ended late, we headed to the only Thai place conceivably open at 9pm: SOMS.

It’s a small eatery nestled behind the busy road leading to Rockwell.  That night, the air was cool, and the place was bustling with clients from the area.  The canopy of trees were lit with tivoli lights that reminded me of christmas.  The setting couldnt have been more quaint or romantic.  As we settled ourselves in a hidden nook, we savored my Thai fix,  I was reminded strongly about my idealistic youth.  As my tastebuds were exploding with the perfect blend of Thai spices, I was transported back to college, where my dates consisted primarily of the magic of the moment and not the elegance of the food or the venue.  It was more of an adventure dictated by imagination and the capacity of our student allowance.

As I looked at my husband over our easter monday date, I was once again transported to the magical romance of my youth; I was in the magic of someone I love in an unpretentious environment where any setting would have been perfect because of my date.

a grateful heart

I never thought I would get to my mid-thirties, but here I am, inching towards the big four-OH. And yes, I am one of those that never really cared much about age, but somehow getting older does hit you with certain realities, like having a “plan of life“. 

What is it about getting one year older that makes you pause and reflect? It was fortunate on my part that I spent the occassion away from the craziness of my ordinary life where people want something from me. Wait, that din’t come out quite right. What I mean is: where I can hit the pause button on my responsibilities and prioritize my own enjoyment for once.

And was it a great experience.  Eating, sightseeing, resting in an upgraded room (thanks to my boithday!) was more than I could ever hope to celebrate ‘my year’.  Spending quality time with my wonderful hubby was the perfect complement to my heavenly vacation.  Alas, six glorious days were too short and here I am, back to reality with a few more holidays to spare – extending this quiet time with myself and allowing me to ponder on MY YEAR!