What A Holiday
It’s been well over a year of living in the Philippines. Last year I spent Christmas in my apartment in Manila. I had very little desire to hang out with people I didn’t know. I’d only been in the country for about a month and hadn't met too many people so I stayed in.
In Cebu for nearly a year I’ve met a ton of people and in contrast to Manila it was an eventful day. I started by taking a short trip to find food for the staff at my condo. Afterwards lunch(quite disappointing) a great conversation with John from Australia, then met a few more friends. It was a great day filled with food, fellowship, and friends.
Today, Thursday, December 26, 2019, I am grateful that:
I was able to purchase food for the staff at the condo. It’s difficult to phantom that in 2019 some people on the planet go the entire day without eating. It’s even more challenging to believe some of those people I know, even if casually. The ability to feed the entire staff, morning and evening was a tremendous blessing.
Evelyn and I had a chance to have a late lunch. She’s become involved with another guy and felt it best we didn’t see each other. I am extremely happy for her and it was great to see her. Last time we saw each other, she was in that “dark place.” I’d grown concerned and hadn’t heard from her in about a month so hearing from her and knowing she was ok was a great relief and one heck of a Christmas gift.
Kim and I got a chance to have a conversation yesterday. I ate lunch at the restaurant and got a chance to offer an apology for my past behavior. It was extremely uncomfortable but necessary. There’s been something off for months and I’ve wanted to clear the air but was reluctant to actively pursue her in an effort to do so. After our conversation and a good night’s sleep I’m content with the outcome and am totally at ease with never speaking with her again.
I had the chance to Angel yesterday. Only briefly but it was great to see her. What I’m realizing is there’s a level of emotional maturity I desire and she’s incapable of meeting that level of maturity and probably unaware it exists. I’ll begin to distance myself from her as, from my observation, there’s no future.
John and I had a chance to visit a bit yesterday. By several accounts, a brilliant businessman, we had a chance to speak for a bit after lunch yesterday. A couple of months ago I asked him to become one of my mentors. I’d asked when we first met and he was reluctant. I’ve planted that seed several times and will continue to seek out those with the knowledge I require to move forward on my journey.
I offered Shee my contact info. Although I didn’t ask her out on an “official” date she was receptive to the info exchange. It’s interesting how, no matter what country I’m dwelling in, I find attractive women intimidating. She’s immensely intimidating and after months of doubt and reluctance I faced those fears and began traversing that journey. Nothing may come from my lackluster efforts and if so, I will have learned another lesson. Time will tell that particular story.
Even with not writing my list yesterday, I have more than enough to write about today. Some days are more challen
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