Invasion
I was browsing through the pictures in my gallery looking for that single photo that will complement my CVATM [current view at the moment] post when a Messenger notification popped up on my screen.
I clicked it so as to open the message. After I was greeted by a frontal nude pic from a friend, I just shake my head with a faint smile and continued to the task at hand.
Was literally hovering over the pictures when someone commented about the multitude of food pictures I have in the gallery.
I was shocked because if she had seen those pictures which were displayed as tiles on my phone's screen, the definitely she had a clear view of that nude picture that my friend sent! Just imagine my horror!
Can that act be considered as invasion of privacy? Was my private space encroached when that person saw what is not intended for her. Because honestly, I thought I was scanning those pictures in the privacy of my own phone.
Saving a Quarantined Sole
I had always been a wanderlust but since the pandemic, I opted to stay home and not contribute to the statistics about Covid: infected, positive, negative, PUIs, PUOs, whatever (the terms used change as fast as the virus mutates?)
So when I was invited for an out-of-town road trip, my head was already nodding even before my brain could register the information. Is that even possible? I was not concerned about the specifics, what caught my attention was surely possibility of going somewhere other than the 8 corners of the octagon home.
Tis been almost six months that people - I mean, the good citizens had been cooped up because of this pandemic and not only had it affected them economically, but even physico-psychosocially (is there even a term like that)? And the chance to escape it even for a day is like a drink of freshwater in the vast desert. That I need to grab it before I realize that it's just a mirage.
And true indeed, the road trip had been a much needed therapy for my quarantined sole. The feel of the sand squishing through the digits on my feet was a very welcomed feel that I missed. The sight, the smell and the sound of the gurgling sea was a break from the cacophony of chicken cuckles and the monotony of grey walls. It was a sweet respite keeping the love of wandering alive until the time that it is already safe to do so.
The Tryst
Pre-pandemic, us friends used to get together whatever free time we could squeezed out from our tight schedules: work, business, school, family, communities. These bondings will bring us up to date with everyone's life. During these meet ups, activities vary from merely talking, joking around, cooking, eating, enjoying coffee, trying out new teas or road tripping.
During this pandemic, despite the abundance of time we already seldom if not never see each other because just like the good citizens we are, we also want to observe health protocols in order to flatten the curve. Today's holiday courtesy of our Muslim brethrens' observance of the Islamic New Year brings back memories of our sleep-overs and what-have-yous.
The one time we've decided to take a break from the monotony of self imposed seclusions, the gang decided to have a sleep over and just let it roll from there. The easy banter that ensued over the wide selection of food had left us teary-eyed with laughter and still gossipping till the wee hours of the **morning**`.`
And the road trip that followed brought us to the most visited beaches of quarantine-bored populace. It also helped us scoured plants to indulge just currently acquired horticulturist passion. We even visited some friends whose dwellings we're along the way. It was fun-filled and truly exhilarating. The lazy day ended with a promise to the same some time.
The Cure
The community quarantine - be it general, modified, enhanced - had given everyone plenty of time on their hands. Most had filled it up going gaga over those succulents, caladiums and aglaonemas. Others by selling anything they can get their hands online. I go for the very obvious one which I haven't done due to work: reading!
When this started, I've scoured the paperbacks my sister have on those Balikbayan boxes though some had already been ravaged by termites. When I finished those, I moved to more serious stuffs like biographies and cook books. Suddenly, found myself with nothing to keep my eyes busy.
Until a friend intimated to go eBooks and she went to enumerate Novelcat, Dreame, Lightread, Lovel and many more. Was too happy to indulge but when I downloaded those apps found out they are not actually free as advertised. It only got me annoyed and infuriated. So she downloaded InkItt.
I am happy with it as all novels are indeed free. I don't mind that some books have grammatical errors but I could easily contort my brain to understand it. With InkItt I sometimes have chores left undone and tasks unfinished but it had kept me busy and my thirst for reading satiated. What a way to circumvent boredom during the ever changing CQs.
The Curse
Renewing my bike's registration always gives me the jitters: the wait, the wait, and the very long tedious wait are culprits to say the least.
This year due to the pandemic makes it doubly excruciating as you have the get a schedule on top of all the backlogs..
I expired first week of June yet the schedule given to me was 2nd to the last week of July, specifically last Friday. That day I was at the venue early but unfortunately didn't make it to be accommodated and was advised to be back Monday, that's today.
So again, prepped myself by waking up with the alarm at 4, did my usual chores and was on my way at around 6. What greeted me upon arrival were 12 bikes already on queue.
That gave me the anxiety I don't want to entertain so inquired from the clerk if I'll make it. The roll call included my name at the 8th spot but I was called second. Of course I didn't complained. 😊
After furnishing them with a photocopy of my authorization to use temporary plate I was off to the LT Office and sat there for an hour before I had my OR in hand.
Thanks God for making my wait bearable and for the retinue of faces who made it smooth. This is it! I would no longer be apprehensive passing through checkpoints with my documents finally updated.
Rants and Ramblings
Seems to be my shitiest day.
Been waiting for my sched to have my motor bike smoked test as requisite for it's registration renewal.
Finally it came and on a Friday on top of many things to do and accomplish.
Woke up early and was already on site earlier than the one in-charged to conduct it.
But was told to come back by 4 in the afternoon.
Needing to do it once and for all was compliant and returned on the designating time despite the rain.
Anxious that might not be accom-ed asked the lady if my name was on queue.
She told me, ya, and we are on this together even if till 7 pm
Browse my Inkitt to while my waiting time. Only to be told, I'm not actually included with those who will be served today.
And I woke up early, forego some if my chore, skipped lunch and got drenched ONLY for nothing?
You think I deserved to be pissed?
@Reichczard
