Instead, instead

October 4, 2008
Makati and Ortigas, Philippines
Mood: dreamy

Baptism. Who? "My spanking brand new baby daughter" - according to Albert, one of my ex-software devs.  When? Saturday. Where? Batangas.  Ayayay!  A bit too far for me.

Instead, I went to the Open House of the Nihonggo Center.  Instead of our Saturday class, this was the event that we would be attending.

Arrived late after lunch. Didn't know a soul. Looked fun though. The kids certainly do know a good thing when they see one. I also queued up for the glitter tattoo even though I was the only "adult" one. I'd have gotten a seahorse one too if I wasn't in a hurry. The good luck character will just have to do instead of having two.

Missed the tea ceremony, origami sessions, amongst other things...

Instead of getting to watch those I was interested in, I stood witness to their sumo demonstration. Hmmm...I wonder if female sumo wrestlers would ever happen in my time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the past week, we have not been having the best weather. I was set to go to Ortigas for some educational-related stuff, as well as a chika-thon slash food trip schedule with my "tokayo'/namesake/classmate Catherine who I have not seen in a long time that October 1, which was also a holiday.

Instead, I had to reschedule for an October 4 slot in the afternoon

Earlier before I left my quarters, Marie (Ellaftiz) texted if I would like to join her when she would watch the 4:30 movie from the current Spanish film festival showing at Greenbelt. Regretfully, I instead texted back that I had to take a rain-check because I was going to Ortigas after my visit to the open house at Pasay Road (see event post earlier).

I had little time left to spare after leaving the Open House affair, but I was hungry. I felt lazy just thinking about going back home to cook and eat lunch. Instead, I stopped by Ole Spaghetti House in Glorietta.

I ordered the parma ham/walnut/cheese sandwich. The waiter came back after I was dreamily anticipating sinking my fangs into the sandwich. It was out of stock.

So instead I settled for tuna sandwich Italian-style. That and a rootbeer, and I felt half-human again :-)

I wanted to avoid irritating, boorish, and money-lusting taxi drivers.

Instead of that particular mode of transportation I took the MRT train, and arrived just in time to walk to the the corner of SMPC and Shangrila EDSA and to be soaked to the bone by the cold rain dumped by the dark, forbidding skies. I did not have a raincoat.

I had instead brought my umbrella, which wasn't really of much use under the circumstances. The wind was causing havoc with it and had ferociously lashed the water against my legs up to my shoulders. I swear the only part of me which was dryer than the rest of my body  was the inside of my nostrils. *Sniffles and flares nostrils like a horse*

I straggled into the building and dripped water on the pristine floor. I took occupancy of the comfort room, and wrung out a basin of water from my pants, t-shirt, socks, hanky and hair (my undergarments were the type to dry out quickly). Luckily the air-conditioner was out, so I settled down for some brain-usage time and slowly dried out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was told that two of my fellow AVPs at a previous company would be meeting me for dinner that night at the Fort or Serendra. I instead harrumphed and said I would believe it when it had already happened ...since I knew that one of the ladies concerned has a tendency to plan but not push through. I was hopeful but skeptical.

I ended up instead planning to have dinner before going home as my friend was dieting. I walked to Shangrila Mall with him and just when we were to go our separate ways, someone called my name.

It was Marie! Of all places and of all times! Just when I was super hungry too. So that means that instead of meeting in Makati, we still did end up meeting today.

Instead of going for the other restaurants at the higher level, we ate at Secret Recipes restaurant at the aforementioned mall. Intriguing name.

Instead of cheesecake (they were supposed to have rave reviews for their cheesecake), I got tiramisu. Instead of their stew, I ordered fish and chips. Since Marie had to stay away from sugar, I slurped her ice tea instead of ordering any drinks for myself.

We were looking at each other ruefully - instead of being happy that we got to try out the place, we thought of not coming back in the future. Ever. As in. Never.

Why? Now that would be telling, so instead, I will be keeping it a secret (in keeping with the restaurant's name).

Instead of hanging out, having a beer, or coffee or some other dessert, I thought maybe we could watch a movie tomorrow from the filmfest because we both were unable to watch it today. So I caught the last train back to Ayala and Marie went on her way too.

I came home and multiplied. I found out from Marie's given links that there was still a 12 midnight showing of one more film.

I went to sleep instead.
I think it was for the best as another day was almost beginning too.

So, instead, I will ask you -

were your "instead" days as ordinary but wacky, wet and fun too?