Eye of the storm

What a busy January! I finally got the time to store away my winter clothes, read some of my new books, and stock up the fridge and pantry. Sometimes I underestimate the effort it takes to unpack my luggage after a long vacation, to distribute pasalubongs, and to wake up to no breakfast and think of what to eat (Mommy, I miss you na!). The reality is there will be shitload of laundry to wash, bank accounts and budget to track and update, new stuff to store and give away, and an inbox full of emails to read and reply to. As always, I need a vacation after that vacation. 

I was able to sneak a week in Baguio to check out the dining scene. So many restaurants to go to, but so little time (considering that I am sleeping during daytime and fasting daily for 16 hours). I went to local dining staples and found new hidden gems. This was the vacation I needed. There was no pressure to roam around because I know I can always go back to this place anytime. I had a record-breaking 7-hour sleep three days in a row. I ate good food, read a good book at nearby cafes, and re-discovered my happy place. Yes, Baguio has always been my happy place. This was the jumping-off point to many of my memorable hikes. I am glad I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to take this trip, but I should remember not to pack light next time (lest I want to do laundry or buy more new clothes).

I am grateful for this much-needed respite. Sometimes we need the break so we can catch up on our regular programming. Sometimes the break is all we need to declutter our homes, to edit our contact list, to rekindle old and forgotten passions, or to write another blog entry. Perhaps this calmness is not the end, but just the eye of the storm. I am still grateful though, because in a world where you seem to always have to roll with the punches, moments of unbothered attention are hard to come by.