Peter and I have been going out on movie dates practically every weekend this month. I guess we just want to make the most of our time together as I will soon be going on a personal Boracay island vacation and my hubby and I will be apart for sometime.
I used to think that I can't live without Peter. When we were still newly married (2002), even if we have already been friends for seven years at that time and exclusively dating for three years, I physically felt paralyzed and out of my mind every time we were apart. We used to do everything together.
Then come January 2008, I was given an opportunity to marshal the 20th Neil Pryde Boracay Funboard Cup. It was the first time I've been away from Peter and it felt like the longest week of my entire life! I was crying at the airport before I left but I knew I had to do it for the sake of reclaiming that sense of happiness, independence and individuality I once had on my own. Peter can't be with me all the time and I had to relearn how to take care of myself or be without him for a little while. I guess I'm lucky to have the most understanding, loving and supportive husband I could ever hope for. It was an emotionally difficult week. I was surrounded and being flirted at by tons of gorgeous and sexy men and all I could think of was going back home, back in the arms of my hubby.
The following year, 2009, I was given another opportunity to explore Jakarta and Bali with my girlfriends Lora and Jowi for almost a week. It still felt difficult, I was once again crying at the airport before I left. But the moment I was with my girlfriends, I wasn't as sad as I used to be. I think, at that time, it was Peter who felt sadder coz he wanted to go with me but he couldn't because of work. It's a good thing though that the thought of spending one week in Boracay right after my vacation in Indonesia helped us get through that week of being apart once again.
Then in 2010, I practically spent the first 8 days of the year touring Asia (Vietnam-Singapore-Kuala Lumpur) with one of my best gals, Jem. I didn't feel that sad anymore. There was still a huge emptiness in my stomach when Peter brought us to the airport but at least I didn't cry anymore. I think I was really getting used to enjoying myself without Peter. I still missed him though. I would rather be with him but due to time constraint (Jem and I just did a spontaneous decision to do an Asian tour on December 31 and by January 1, we were flying back and forth those three countries), Peter couldn't take a leave from his work just like that.
This year, 2011, I am about to fulfill one of my dreams which is to stay on an island, for at least a month without Peter and live like a local, as a culmination of my search for self. If I can do this, if I won't freak out in the middle of this trip and all of a sudden decide to go home, if I can totally be independent for one whole month, then I can finally say that I have reclaimed my inner self. Who knows, I might even end up doing other amazing things! While I call it a culmination, I know this is also just the beginning of something greater.
So this is why every free moment we have, we spend it on a movie date coz it's one of those things we love to do whether at home watching DVDs or at the cinemas. I'm still quite anxious about doing this whole Boracay vacay thing but I'm starting to feel excited about it too. I'll tell you more about it soon. I barely have a week to prepare. For now, I shall start packing a month's worth of clothes and what-nots. 6 weeks actually since Peter will be with me during the first and 6th week. Oh my! Wish me luck... Wish me luck in packing, that is. ^_^
Taken this morning while Peter was still sleeping under the striped comforter surrounded with my clothes. ^_^
You might also want to read:
Trying to Break Away From My Usual Fashion Mode
Thoughts on My Grand Boracay Getaway
Trying to Break Away From My Usual Fashion Mode
Thoughts on My Grand Boracay Getaway
4 comments:
My dearest Jen, this trip is HUGE! I know how long you have wanted to do this and remember that I was supposed to go with you on this island adventure? We will live in Bora for some time and earn our living singing? I play the guitar and you sing. :) One more option was we just get internet access so we can still work online while sunbathing. :)
Anyhow, life is full of many surprises and even though I won't get to be with you, I hope you'll take time to remember me while you're there. :) Have fun, be safe and I pray that God will always keep you safe from harm. I love you!!!
P.S.
Keep us all updated with pics and musings here,k? Or wait, will this be your blog sabbatical?
Dearest Mer,
I know... it's been ages since I've been wanting to do this and now it's finally happening. I just hope there won't be any calamities there as a lot of catastrophes have been happening all over the world.
I wish you could be there with me. We can play music and earn our living. But like you said, life is full of surprises. I'm just happy I found a very affordable accommodation with wi-fi so I'll still be working in U.S. time and the rest of the hours will be spent lazing under the sun and learning about the local life.
Do pray for me sweetie. I hope I stay safe as well as my belongings. I'll be in station 3 so I hope I get to meet good, honest people there.
Yup, I'll be updating my blog about it. I'm postponing that online sabbatical thing I was telling you about. I think I just found my groove again.
Miss you Mer! Stay safe too and regards to everyone in CDO. Kisses to Heaven. Love you!
Mer's right! This trip is huge! I'm super duper excited for you Jen :)
And I'm proud of you for being so brave about it. This trip will change you in so many ways. And I know that in the process, you will claim ownership of your inner self again. I'm excited to read about your would-be realizations and self-discovery.
Sigh. I hope by some miracle a promo fare comes up so I can visit you!
I just wish we could've gone out before you left. But, we've got loads of time to do that when you get back :)
Koryn,
You are so right. the trip has changed me in more ways than one. Ironically, just when I expected to get to know more more my inner self, I actually got reacquainted with my extrovert side. It's just so extraordinary!:-)
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