Voila. And just like that, we’re in Q4. The pandemic has not shown signs of slowing but it’s encouraging to see somehow that there are countries that are faring better than others in their COVID response. Where I live, cases of community transmission are down to single digits day on day for the past few weeks. The SG government is mulling to ease some restrictions in the weeks to come. At least we know all hope is not lost and that waiting for a vaccine is not the only solution. This damn thing can be contained. Nations failing in their response must learn to swallow their pride and take responsibility. Duts and co, what’s up mga kurap? Get your act together, my Lola misses me already!
Things at work have picked up in the last couple of months. The behaviour of the funds industry runs rather contrary to what you might expect in a world experiencing global recession. Investment managers have been launching funds here and there and money is pouring in from rich people everywhere (brief explainer here). The inequity is clear but I can only shake my head in disbelief. I cannot bite the hand that feeds me. I go to work each day, do the best I can and try not to take things personally. It’s a mindset I’ve adopted ever since my art of dedma epiphany. Unless someone’s an inherently vile person like Donald Trump, a lot of people are also under some sort of pressure these days and sometimes lashing out is more a sign of stress than a defect in character. I know this because on several occasions in the past, I’ve cracked under pressure too. We all learn. My point stays, don’t take things personally.
I spent the last month luxuriating in the company of people, new acquaintances and old friends. Nothing brings me greater joy than making real connections. But solitude also brings me peace and comfort so I’ve requested to work remotely this last few days. In solitude, I work undistracted ergo faster. My boss loves to chat and while I don’t mind indulging him from time to time, work isn’t going to get done on its own. Peace boss! In truth, I’m also anticipating delivery of my iHerb purchases this week.
A day after I posted my last blog about my grandfather, I learned that his brother passed away. Papa Aking I called him fondly. Lolo and Papa Aking had an uncanny resemblance. People thought they were twins even though my Lolo was a year older and was the eldest of five siblings. On my grandparents’ golden wedding anniversary some 13 years ago, friends of my grandparents mistook Papa Aking for Lolo and kept congratulating him outside of the church! Our family misses them both but my heart goes out to Papa Aking’s immediate family- Mama Langga, Tita Ivi, Tita Shiela, Craig and Tonyboy- whose words of comfort also warmed our hearts when Lolo passed on last year.
There was an unexpected development in the past month that made me somewhat excited for the future, details of which I shall share no further lest I jinx it. Anyway, I hope everyone is finding reasons to be optimistic.
Bon. Those who asked to be woken up when September ends, it’s time. It’s the first of October. Are you good?
Cheers,
Your apocalypse-ready Tita
