Nostalgic

I remember my call center days whenever I hear the "Papaya Song." I would usually wake up hearing it on the telly during its heyday on Game Ka Na Ba. Oh, I miss those days! I was so tied up; yet, I enjoyed what I did. As my friend would always say, "It's better to be busy than be bored."

My day would start at around 12:00 noon or 1:00 PM. In an hour, I would prepare and have my first meal consisting of a half serving of rice, vegetables, and a glass of fruit juice. It's weird because it used to take me long hours to prepare for work. I had less than an hour in the bathroom and the same amount of time was spent for my other rituals like fixing my hair and putting on lotion.

At 3:30, I should be on my way to my first part-time job. (Yes, that was just the first!) Good thing the academy was only in Annapolis; so, I didn't have any problem travelling. There, I tutored a Korean kid from 4-6 PM. It was fun because I love my student. He was such an angel. (At times, when he was still at school, I substituted for other teachers; unlucky me if the student was a brat. Nevertheless, I had a good time.) After teaching, I chitchat with my friends.

At 6:15, I was already on the jeepney to my other work where I taught an eleven-year-old girl from Poveda. I was again fortunate because their house is also in San Juan. Her mom would pick me up at a gasoline station. I liked tutoring the girl because she's very smart and spoiled at the same time. She made my job challenging. I learned a lot from her as well. The best thing was her mom was super kind. She's one of the most hard-working (She's a hands-on-mom - no helper in the house!) and one of the kindest (She's very sweet with all her employees.) women I know. I always have free dinner or lunch, in my case.

At 8:00 to 8:15, I would be on my way to my full time job in Eastwood. My work was from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. When it wasn't queueing, I could either read a book or chat with my coworkers. I would go straight home after work and drink a glass of warm milk. Whew, after 18 hours of being restless, I could already call it a day.

There, that was how hectic my schedule was before. As I said, I could hardly loosen up nor think of anything; but, I had a blast. It was the times when I could already hear a buzzing sound because of sleep deprivation or stress; yet, I was glad I was doing something. Despite the good things about, it came to a point when I already got tired because of health and other reasons. It was an experience I couldn't get back again; still, it's one the most meaningful. I miss it so much!