Blogging from Bora (Part One)

First of all let me just scream it out… AAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Whew… there, it’s out. It’s already Day 4 for me in Bora actually. And as much as I would have wanted to blog about my daily frustrations, epiphanies, rants and raves for the past 3 days, my hectic schedule just didn’t permit me and catching a FREE Wi-Fi spot was far more difficult than I expected. Heck, getting a booty call and maybe a marriage proposal would even be 10 times easier on this island.Whenever I tell people that I’m off to Bora for an event project, I never fail to get the reaction… “Wow sarap naman…” HAH! I wish! Contrary to what most people think, working on this island is not as fun as you would expect. First of all, let me just tell you that even the phrase “working in Bora” is largely ironic. And that’s probably why it has become my pet peeve.

Okay, you probably think I’m an ingrate. Don’t get me wrong. I always thank God for my projects, this one most especially because it’s a big account and I’m getting a rather hefty sum for it. I’m just irritated with the fact that ALL the countless times I’ve been here, it was all because a company sent me for work. Believe me, I’ve only been here ON VACATION ONLY ONCE and even that wasn’t all that pleasurable. The only time I was here for “fun” was when I came with my mom, siblings and Kean. It was great being with my family but of course that event didn’t just happen all too smoothly. Knowing my family, we had a lot of spats and tirades during our weekend stay.

So anyway, ever since I got booked to this event a few months back, I already planned on bringing my husband. In fact, I even asked permission from the events company who hired me if I could bring him along. All was set. We decided not to go home to Davao and Bohol during the holidays partly because our eyes were set on Bora. Like I said, I’ve never been to Bora on a pure holiday. And more so, I have never been to Bora with a sweetheart in tow.

So I was really looking forward to the idea of walking hand in hand with my hubby on the shore… getting one of those famous Boracay spas… hop onto one of those island tours… In short, I was all geared for our 2nd honeymoon. Knowing that the following months would be busy, I thought this could be our early valentines date. Unfortunately, much to my dismay my husband failed to file his Leave of Absence before 2008 ended. And to even make things more complicated, he got promoted in December which made him more obligated to the company when the New Year comes in.

Argh. I could not believe it. We’ve been praying for his promotion and it’s all too ironic that he got it now – just when he wanted to play hooky. I’ve been asking God about this. For a short while there I resented it. I was so upset with what happened which just sent me downward spiral. I lost interest on the event. I dreaded my flight. I acted like a kid who didn’t get her candy. I was disappointed because for a moment there I felt that my husband chose his work before me. I knew how much he wanted to get a promotion and as much as I was also happy, the feeling of being neglected rose above my glee. But then again, who knew this would happen.

Although I know in my heart that my husband wanted to come with me to Bora, I let my disappointment swallow me. Thanks to my dear friends who were fellow young wives who ministered to me and counseled me through the whole thing. Okay, you may think it’s a just a trip to Bora. Why am I making such a ig deal out of it? It’s not just the trip. It was more about the feeling of knowing that one of the most common plagues that set upon marriages has set foot in our midst – WORK.

Anyway, my husband and I talked about it. Oh I really pulled him aside for a HEART to HEART talk. I poured out how I felt and he was really sorry and he even offered to push the envelope with his boss regarding the trip but I told him not to anymore. I didn’t want to jeopardize his career just because I wanted a 2nd honeymoon. Although in my mind, I really believe that our marriage should come first by hook or by crook but then again I guess sometimes we really have to fall through the cracks and just learn to pick ourselves up and plan our route wisely again.

I’ve been in trouble at work far too many times because I prioritized my family; my husband. A lot of times, I would skip tapings, end early, and cancel meetings because I’d rather spend the day with my family. Tell me – IS THAT WRONG? Mind you, I never leave work unfinished. And I only cancel meetings when I feel that it’s not that important yet. Sorry but in my heart I just don’t want to miss out on the more important things – spending time with your loved ones. Anyway, don’t get my husband wrong. He loves me (I KNOW). And he does the same thing.

Unfortunately, he just doesn’t have the free hand like I do. He’s a regular employee in a bureaucratic corporation while I’m a freelancer. I know that if he had his way he would be here with me now. We just have to live with the fact that we are in a very compromising situation now and we’ll just make it up. Oh – HE’S GOING TO MAKE UP. Hehe.

Well like one of my married friends said, “Welcome to the married life!” I guess this is one those inevitables that any married couple encounters in their life. So last Saturday, with heavy feet I took my flight off to Boracay. And I’ll tell you more about it later because as of now my phone’s ringing incessantly. Sigh. It’s time for work again. I miss home. I miss my husband. I just have to remind myself that a good paycheck is in my name at the end of this event. Money to pay bills… to buy our lifestyle… Hmmm…. Domestic life… there are some disappointments but I believe LOVE and knowing that God is in the middle and taking control has stopped me from becoming disillusioned.

More from Bora… soon…

P.S. Babe, I miss you terribly...