Davao-bound

There’s a shit-ton of things to be done, but I figure I have to write this down before I fly to Davao this Tuesday. Travel preparations still rattle me — the tendency to overpack, the long list of things to be bought, and the nagging truth that my security blanket, i.e. J, won’t be joining the trip. But I think I’m getting better at it; I chose clothes for four days will little difficulty, folding them its neat little squares, imagining the new faces and landscapes that will greet me positively or otherwise. Darn it, Davao is one of my dream destinations.

(If it isn’t, I probably wouldn’t choose leaving on J’s birthday.)

While composing an email containing final work notes and reminders for my co-writers while I’m away (we’re crazy-organized that way), I had the urge to virtually clip a short note for my boss, telling her to expect a better writer, person, when I come back.  But, of course, it will sound as arrogant and self-absorbed to her as to you now, given the vagueness of it all.

To me, though, the supposed message is pretty vivid — this trip is very much welcome after the long lull, the flaming discontent. It will be a nice break from things.

I have little doubt that I fall under the Stability category. I like balance, guarantee, the thought of a purr of assurance. But sometimes the days are too empty and lonely and unsatisfactory that you feel that your dreams are being hacked to death slowly — oh my God, that sounds soupy and overused — and you decide that you can leave everything in a heartbeat and seek better things.

And then you forget it once again, the office air conditioner humming softly and like a parent, not intrusive like on those other days.

So yeah, I think I need this; the mere thought of being two hours away from Makati and QC and the unnecessary annoyances of life build a strong case for this trip. And I wouldn’t say no to durian sweets, Samal Island, and fresh air either. First time in Mindanao, here we go!