life in reverse

Kat is here visiting with some friends. My first visit from a friend from Manila since I relocated. (My sister visited in May though.) Again, I was asked the inevitable 2-pronged question: Are you really not coming back to Manila? What do you like about it (working and living in Baguio)?

I have never been a person with such high goals and aspirations. My needs are simple: to be happy, to do good, to not have to be a burden on anyone else. Sure, in Manila, I had the right jobs and connections, even a considerably high salary. But there too was the stress. In my mind, it wasn’t a question of being able to get a message every 2 weeks to have the stress disappear…but not to have to accumulate that stress in the first place. Some “pyramid”-type money-making ventures came along, but I didn’t see the need to take away time for my self, my family, and my friends just for some more money. As part of their “come-on”, I was asked: What’s your biggest dream? And I told them: to be happy, to do good, to not have to be a burden on anyone else. They had to prod me: Don’t you want a house? A car? To travel abroad? My answers: We already have a house. I don’t drive. And when I save well enough from what I’m earning, I am able to spend on my trips.

So here I am, at the ripe old age of 28, building a life for myself in a place that is conducive to the simple life that I aspire for. Sort of in reverse, isn't it? Some people spend their entire lives leaving "small towns" and moving to the "big city". It's my own version of the "walden" experience, i guess.

Of course, I do miss you, my friends, and I know you miss me too. Who do you drag off at a moment’s notice for long conversations over cups of coffee that grow cold now? But know that I remain the same, just a few pounds lighter (haha!) both physically and…mentally (ba?)--and I'll always be available for a cup of benguet brew. My treat!:D