Yesterday I met a classmate back in college who’s going to marry end of October. It was nice to reminisce happy college memories. She was a close classmate back in my freshman year in Ateneo 12 years ago and we haven’t communicated after I transferred to the university in our small town. We were four in our group, Eme, Racquel, Karen and me. During those days that we were classmates, the four of us are inseparable. We were seatmates in all our subjects, eat lunch together, go to the library together, or anything that we do be it curricular or extra curricular, we are all together. We were recognized as the BEST BARKADA during the simple thanksgiving party to honor our FCF adviser, Mrs. Ninte. 

Years after, I accidentally met Racquel in the mall. Now I could hardly recall how did I came in contact with Eme. We rarely see each other since then but we never failed to update each other through phone calls and text messaging. 

Yesterday Eme give me their wedding invitation. I am looking forward to this wedding because many of our former  classmates will be attending. Meet up would not be complete without gabbing over baked macaroni and lasagna. We talked about work….work….and work. We’re in the same field (when I was still working) so we share almost the same experiences. Then conversation was shifted to her eldest sister who’s leaving the country together with her husband and pursue their medical profession in Australia. According to her sister, life’s really hard here in the country considering that they are both doctors with other source of income outside their profession. If that’s the case with them, how much more with us whose income are just enough? There are thousands of work opportunities abroad. The only problem is my lack of confidence to go there and brush elbows with people of different race. I cannot see myself working in other country not like with a friend who’s confident enough and experienced different jobs in Dallas and in other parts of Texas. 

I think I have said a lot. Time for a nap now so I’ll have the energy to wash Ace’ pants later. See, laundry is not done yet. I am doing it in small batches everyday so I will not tire myself too much.

Almost everyday, my sister-in-law’s boyfriend sends inpirational SMS to his friends….and I am lucky enough that I am one of them. This morning, he sent me something to ponder.

“In life, there are five balls to juggle:

1) Family

2) Friends

3) Health

4) Values

5) Work

Only work is made of rubber. The rest are made of glass. Don’t drop them!”

Hence, I salute those who gave up their work for the sake of their family, friends, health or even their values in life.

My Dad’s nature of job almost made him live in the camp, 24/7. Though our house is only a few meters from their detachment, he wasn’t able to spend more time with us. He gave up his work when I was 7 because he wouldn’t want to compromise his values and didn’t want his children grow without him. 

I believe one thing is for sure, money cannot buy family, friends, health and values. If these are shattered, it’s hard to bring back the broken pieces again.