changes

i'm really going to do it. i'm all set. i'm going to try to build a life for myself away from home. admittedly, they're baby steps. but that's how i like it...slow. by nov. 7, i will be embarking on my new career in baguio as a university professor. everybody's asking me: "why?" and "do you really want to do it?" i don't know FOR SURE, but i do know these things:
i love baguio
i don't hate the idea of teaching
i want time to write
i need this chance to grow

so i'm off to a less stressful, more promising, more fulfilling, definitely more socially-relevant job.
i went through the whole range of emotions already: fear of the unknown, hesitation, doubt, confusion, and excitement. now i'm definitely happy and excited.
of course, i'm sad to be leaving this comfort zone, this life that i've been living with minimal variation. still and all, it's not like i'm moving to another country. i'll be back for christmas break, and possibly in feb. and my contract, for now, ends in april. i realized also that the unknown may be scary, but the adventurous side of me can't wait! i've this romantic fantasy of being the struggling writer there--who knows how many works i'll be able to finish there at last! cyan says that ambeth ocampo (who i love! love! love!) says cool climates are good for writing. how can i go wrong?
so for the long break, i'm putting things in order, just so there are no loose ends in manila. and i can start fresh in the city of pines.
and yes, yes, feel free to visit me when you're there.:)