Usual weekend

Another weekend. Another Saturday spent sleeping, working out, and generally driving around town looking for a new trick. Except that the usual suspects aren't with me to do it this time. Well, except that another friend's turning 30 today. Maybe something new will come and help me snap out of it.

Good friend JT's left the country for a few months, work-related, of course. Second JT to leave the same year. Will surely miss you, my friend. Fifth friend to leave the country, many more to go. Just got SMS from Erwin that he'd settled nicely in Norfolk, a month after we've agreed to hang out after a year of being out of grad school (but not graduates yet). The Cats will be going in a month, to Vancouver. The Jen, well, off to Germany to follow her heart. MK's already in Singapore...etc etc etc.

Everybody's leaving, at a time when I am more and more convinced that I'd stay. Two years ago I was so restless and discontented here that I'd leave the country first chance I get. Now, though I'm not preaching everyone to stay, I am more contented and at home. It helps that I am more comfortable with my own skin as well.

On JT's leaving, am sad because I lost a hangout buddy and a relationship expert, from whom I ask a lot of advice. Same JT who's asked dating advice from me, of all people. Too bad no one's going to ask me for an early morning dimsum treat at Makati Avenue's Northpark, or a late night Sunday movie if only to attest to our (in)human work schedules. You see, we both work on US time zones.

Anyway, JT's leaving may be sad for me, but in a way it is also a good thing. It means less chance for me to move in his circle, a circle that's proven to be too tempting to move in. Am relieved, if only for the distance JT's leaving will provide in terms of my interaction with some other people. Interesting people, perhaps, but dangerous nonetheless.

So am thankful that JT's gone at a critical time, when I almost lost it. I welcome his leaving at this time, if only because I get some distance from people I should not even be talking to.

Now, am off to sleep.