junkapalooza

The CA has acquitted Daniel Smith of rape. I have not been monitoring the reaction to this news for sanity's sake, but will do so soon when I'm feeling a little less distracted and maybe a bit stronger. Honestly, I'm a bit hesitant to get sucked in to that vortex again. I don't think anybody though was surprised with the decision in the wake of Nicole's controversial affidavit.

I completed the first semester of my MFA a couple of weeks ago, which was followed by a nice surf trip to LU during the Holy Week. (In fairness, I refrained from going in the water on Friday.) I arrived in San Juan at about 4am. Mosquitos congregated around the lonely lights of Sebay. I think it was a happy moment. Quiet, early, pre-dawn hours with nothing but the sound of waves breaking in darkness. I walked through Surf Camp and onto the beach where I hijacked a little spot under a commercial tent. Using my bag as a pillow and my jacket as a mattress, I was happy.

Was directed to a pic of me surfing with the caption: "Frina, the Fil-Am girl from Lingsat enjoying the whitewater to the shore." I wonder where they get their information... I ain't no Fil-Am dammit.

We were hit by a terrific hot spell about a week ago. Now, the rains have come somewhat unexpectedly. The weather is so confusing.

I bought myself a classic bicycle a few days ago. I forgot how much fun riding is. I've fitted it with a basket and some side mirrors. I really enjoyed tinkering aroudn with it and may have gotten a little carried away with some screw tightening action. Am considering painting the bike which I haven't named yet.

I've been trying to work out a bit more regularly the past few days to capitalise on my gains after my last surf trip. By gains, I mean weight reduction. I haven't had softdrinks since I returned and have been pretty disciplined with my exercises. I don't know if I'm feeling my age, bu I know I need to work harder now. Now if I could just quit smoking. Damn, I'm thirsty.

A Taxi I'm Glad I didn't Get

Interesting day today but one thing at a time.

Met with Tita Girlie at the Fort this evening and was waiting for a taxi to take me home. I walked to a nearby ATM to get some funds for tomorrow (Chelsea's ear surgery) but the ATM was closed. A couple of taxis passed by which I was lazy to flag down. One taxi cut in front of another taxi just a couple of metres away. Nothing too malicious. Just trying to squeeze in to make a turn as it was a red light. However, the passenger of the other taxi - a man sporting a sando, shorts and a beer belly alighted and confronted the other taxi driver. They argued for a few minutes and as I feared the situation might escalate, I flagged down a taxi to escape the scene. We were directly behind the two taxis and I saw the man plop his messenger bag on the hood of the taxi he was riding and remove a handgun. I don't know what he planned to do but I was really hoping my taxi would drive off already. The taxi driver the man was threatening meantime managed to make his turn and leave the scene and the beer-bellied man got back into his cab where his driver had sat silent the whole time.

It was a little frightening. You know that there are truly violent people walking the streets who have no qualms about confronting any perceived slight. People walking the streets with weapons who may be itching for any situation to use them. Stupid man.