"Gusto kong matutong mag-drive..."

Technically, I can drive. I can move a car from Point A to Point B, albeit only in a straight fashion :). No fancy U-Turns for me, no complicated intersections, no freeways please. I can press the gas pedal and the break, period. Does that fall under the category of driving? :D

Last night, I was craving for soda. I graciously offered my last, precious can to a newfound friend. At around 730pm, my throat was aching for a can of cold, thrist-quenching, brain-freezing soda...regardless of the brand. I asked my husband sweetly to drive to the nearest Shoprite to get me some (I know he's into the stuff as much as I am), but he politely declined and told me "Ikaw na lang bumili. Magdrive ka..." My mind was churning questions --- Moi? Drive unsupervised? In nighttime? Are you insane? Are you playing a cruel joke on me? I may be a soda addict but I'm not crazy. To my surprise my mouth blurted out the exact opposite of what I'm thinking, I said "OK. Alagaan mo mga bata."

And so my first purposeful, unsupersived, night driving commenced. As I walked towards the car I made the sign of the cross (venturing to unchartered territory makes me feel I needed an extra boost from my Big Boss), I also made a mental note to open the lights.

I sat down, felt an extra surge of energy and started the car. When I was trying to manuever a reverse my PA started. I don't know which way to manuever, it took me several, lifelong minutes before I was able to move from the parking spot to the road. I nearly severed a parking sign :(

As I was driving, I tried to look at the mirror -- DANG! I forgot to adjust the mirror, prayed that nobody was following me. Thank heavens I safely arrived at my destination.

Next problem, how to park...I chose the most car-free spot. I tried to put my car between the two white lines to avoid hogging more space than necessary, unsuccessful in the first attempt. I tried again, no luck...again, car won't budge :). I then decided, I'll make it better next time.

Getting out of the car was exhilirating. I felt good to be alive. Did my shopping. Smiled at people. Felt triumphant about the whole process.

Going home was better. Uneventful at most. I was still on a "high" when I finally settled my groceries on the floor, I gave my hubby a great bear hug. Had he tolerated my fear of driving, I'll be writing a blog that exactly fits these words "Gusto kong matutong mag-drive..."

My life so far...

Exactly 34 years ago today, I came to existence. I was born with no expectations, no dreams, no problems. I started not knowing what and how life will unfold. But now, I know better. I am AWARE of how life nurtures each and every creature. How you are supported by the UNIVERSE, of how when you put your mind to something you really want "the universe will conspire to give it you." That's what I discovered in Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist."

But before I discovered Mr Coelho's work. I discovered LEAP 23 first. I discovered how powerful I can be, of how I can trust in the process of love and collective consciousness. Of how everything is really possible if you put your 100% percent in it. And how life's most simple problem can make your life difficult if you always wallow in the DRAMAs you have in your life. You can be a VICTIM or you can be whatever you want to be.

It's my birthday today and it's really wonderful that I am aware that I have CHOICES in my life. I can choose to whine and be sad and sappy because I didn't get the gift I wanted, or because I am not celebrating my birthday with family or close friends. Instead TODAY I choose to focus on my blessings -- loving and faithful husband, my adorable and intelligent kids, my supportive relatives, amazing friends and the LIFE I am living today.

My life, my choice. In any given day -- I choose LIFE, LOVE, HAPPINESS.