The Whirlwind that was March

The month of March passed me by like raging winds of a hurricane. I was caught up in a series of travels and speaking engagements for consecutive weeks, it was a miracle my body and my mind held up for as long as they can. I conditioned myself for the long drives by properly scheduling night trips and enough rest days. But preparing my powerpoint presentations was the least of my worries; it was switching my brain to talk about women’s welfare and legislation one minute, then elderly benefits and privileges the next, plus LGBT rights and issues every so often.

My first week was spent in Tagaytay where I was suppose to attend a training on policy research. While my division organized the activity, it was the other unit that was really in-charge and I was just a participant. However, with the bosses off running around somewhere too, I was forced to do the closing remarks and hand out the certificates as well. By the second week, I gave an orientation for the seniors of NCR, conducted my last MANCOM meeting, and spoke at a campus forum on LGBT rights. My third week was as equally hectic, starting off with a lecture on women-friendly laws for another university, a bigtime workshop-forum on social pension at Manila Hotel, plus a special briefing for the Commission of Human Rights officials on LGBT concerns. Even my weekends were not spared - I spent them for meetings, family visits, and travel time. By March’s fourth week, I gave another senior’s talk and more meetings.

By the fifth week, I was totally exhausted and I was yearning for a grand vacation I felt I truly deserved. Of course, I was thinking of doing some work too – including some feedback reports, project proposals, and an entry for a writing contest. But I was taking my laptop for another reason as well; the necessary internet connection was to check on my urgent emails and other communications.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, the place we went to was really a complete “get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city”. Cellphone signals were difficult and that included internet connections. So your only option was to access your emails at the resort’s business center. Even the cable TV channels were limited to just three movie channels; truly bad news for cartoon network lovers. But it will give one a chance to really take advantage of the so-called peace and quiet. Certainly no “information overload” from cable, from the internet, or from cellphone messages.

For the first time in weeks, my mind was rested. I could actually hear myself think, or rather…NOT think. I allowed myself to sleep deeply, not worrying about alarms going off. And since my body clock still automatically wakes up at 5AM, I just took midday catnaps while watching TV.

Yet the biggest change I noticed was that I didn’t feel like eating much. Don’t get me wrong; the resort’s restaurant was great. Besides the fact that the menu offerings were varied and reasonably priced, the servings were big portions and quite tasty. My appetite was normal, but without the stress and tension, there were no cravings or binge eating too.

By the last day of March, I was ready to get back to the reality of work and everyday living. I was refreshed and sufficiently recharged. But by April 1st, I was just a fool again…