This Oasis Of Mine

Hey, I’m like six days late but… oh well. I like this prompt: A sanctuary is a place you can escape to, to catch your breath and remember who you are. Write about the place you go to when everything is a bit too much.

Oh, wow. This is a toughie. Um… I go to the back of my mind? I’ve been pretty stressed out lately with school, my family and all the other typical problems that come with being a teenager. Exams are looming, meaning my teachers are hounding me – and the rest of the class – to study, revise and just do a damn good job. I’m trying to make nice-nice with the relatives, seeing as I’m holidaying over at the Philippines for Christmas break, and finally I can’t seem to deal with the people in general (typical teenage angst; O woe is me, O woe is me, blah blah blah).

It’s no wonder I seek refuge in my so-called ‘oasis’ as much as I can, practically after the end of every day. My oasis, of course, happens to be my flat. In that little studio apartment, I can just be. No coursework to worry about. No errands to do. No people to deal with. I’d have to deal with all that the moment I step back out again but, what the hell, I’m watching Supernatural and munching on mini muffins. Go away and don’t bother me, I’m in my happy place.

I listen to music as well and, on the off chance, I get into this cheerfully energetic (or energetically cheerful) and I just dance. Chill. I indulge in the pop songs I usually turn my back on.  And on a completely different note, here’s one of my favourite songs by this band called Oasis:

Appropriate, don’t you think?

If you’re a long-time reader of mine, then you’d have probably realized by now that I’m an introverted kind of gal. If you know me in real life, then you’d see that I’m as socially awkward as can be: you should see me interact with people on a day-to-day basis. I’m like a walking guidebook on what not to do if you want to function socially. Maybe that’s why I visit my sanctuary almost daily… I value these moments I get to be alone and think about things and not worry so much and woah, was Jensen Ackles just lip-syncing to Eye of the Tiger? I need this in my life!!

Over and out.

Carpe Diem: An Abstract Letter

Or: A Letter to an Abstract Noun

Maybe: A Whimsical Way in Utilizing Apostrophe

Either way, I’m addressing a letter to the month December. I feel like I should, as it’s my favourite out of all the months, though I might be a tad biased because December is my birth month… and it has Christmas. And, not only does it symbolize the end of things, but it also signals in new beginnings.

I would like a few words with you, O Twelfth Month of the Gregorian Calendar. One, I’m glad you’re finally here. I’ve missed you. You’ve been gone an entire year, all right?! The other months just aren’t the same without you. You’re the busiest month for me, particularly this year, because so many things are happening and I’m half spinning out of control and half relaxed because duh it’s December.

My birthday’s coming up, of course, along with Christmas. I’m glad that I was born in this month and do you know why? It’s because I’m a relatively selfish individual yet at the same time I’m extremely shy: I would like a day dedicated to my being alive, but there’s this event at the back of peoples’ minds called Christmas and they’re all hyped up about that too. And I like thinking up of presents for people; it makes me happy. The duality of selfishness and selflessness is an endearing concept.

Also, December, this year I’m going to travel. You provide for me the concrete evidence that no, I’m not alone and yes, I do have family. I do have a culture that I can connect with. I am terribly thrilled to see my friends and family again and feel that camaraderie that seems to be missing these days. I’ve been feeling so out of sorts, you won’t believe how much I’m looking forward to a quick getaway.

December, you better not disappoint me. Yes, I know that you’re presence means January is lining up for his turn but just tell him to calm his horses, all right?! He brings the January Exams with him and I dread the days wherein I have to answer question after question after question. Who cares about inverse functions and working memory models and damn it, I know how to evaluate quotations. Just leave me be, okay? The teachers will be out to get me (and all students alike) but carpe diem, man. Carpe diem.

I have high hopes for you, December. Don’t let me down. Tell your friend November that I’m not happy with him. I feel like I’m asking too much, to be honest, but if people can dish it out on me then I can dish it out on you. It’s a horrible cycle, I know… Still.

I’m counting on you.