a.world.of.my.own

Not all of my friends know that aside from spending time with them, and going to a spa, I have one other favorite way of detoxifying and relieving stress -- I treat myself to some alone time.Sometimes, when I feel I just need be away from everything, I escape to my own relaxing world...my own sanctuary.

Last night, was the first night after so long a time, that I had the chance to do this again. For the past 2 weeks, I have been taking a cab from Makati to Cybergate. Everytime, I would ask the cab driver to take the Greenbelt - Glorietta - Ayala route to avoid traffic and everytime for the past two weeks that I pass by the newly constructed underground GB5 driveway , I would notice Fully Booked and I would make a mental note and a silent promise to myself that I will take some time to have my alone-time and drop by the newly opened shop. But once I try to think of WHEN to do it, the promise quickly becomes just some sort of a daydream. My schedule for the week will suddenly come flashing itself to me. Either I have the urge to do some unnecessary OT ( yeah "unnecessary". I'm not required to do OT for work, but I have been so hooked up to my work lately, that I feel compelled to stay late everyday. The only way I will get off early is if I have some activities after work, which I rarely have these days), or I have an after-work rendezvous with friends. Alright, alright, so it is my fault..but that is not the point I'm writing this.hehehe!

Anyway, so there, finally last night, I grabbed my chance. We had our TownHall meeting and CMMi victory celebrationthat technically means an early dismissal from work. I already shut-down my pc before going to the meeting so going back would be a waste of time since my pc takes a lot of time to boot up and by the time it does, it would probably be the time that I usually go home, ergo, pointless. I had no scheduled gimik so the time is perfect. I finally had my alone time. With just my iPod in tow-- my iPod has been an excellent escape-buddy -- I just took my time strolling around Greenbelt area, breaking-off from my usual 2-stride walking pace (I am almost always in a hurry and running after time that I take big and really quick steps -- like I cover 2 strides in one step.hehehe!) and just enjoyed my moment, appreciating everything around me. The enchanting Greenbelt garden with its charming lights, the picturesque mall structures that seem to be watching over me, with the black, star-laiden sky set as its backdrop. With slow music to my ears, I headed towards Fully Booked, looked around and grabbed a couple of good reads. Fully Booked is my new hiding place!! There were not so many people and it's almost hidden. So perfect for the moment when all I want is to be alone, not to be found by anyone I know and be away from the noisy, fast-paced, busy world that I share with millions of other people.

Finally, I was in my own world.

After my stop at the bookstore, I dropped by Healthy Options, and got myself a bag of healthy cheese puffs and a small carton of Apple Juice -- which I consumed while enjoying my stroll. I topped my relaxing night with my visit to the GB Chapel, thanking the Lord for the restful opportunity. I walked back to the Ayala Terminal and went home rejuvenated. The experience was so serene. Like I just had more than an hour of body massage with all the works. I loved it and I will try to do it more often from now on. (I'll keep my fingers crossed that I will.hehehe!)