45!

I say my new age with an exclamation point because it feels so badass 😁 Moreso if you say it in Spanish.

This pandemic has been tough on everyone. But it also made me see how much I have to be thankful for. 

Let me start with a heartfelt "Maraming salamat Po sa lahat."

Thank You for my love, family, and friends, wherever they are. Please keep them all safe.

Thank You for my health. The world around me is changing, and I wish to explore it on my own willpower.

Thank You for Your guidance. In this world full of negativity, You are my refuge and strength.

Thank You for the miracles. I consider my 45th birthday nothing less than that.

Thank You.

Birthday ride

It's my birthday and I was in the mood to take Meri for a ride, enter places I shouldn't, change a flat, buy my supply of disposable face masks from Manong Vendor, and reminisce the past. Shot entirely with a handlebar-mounted phone so my apologies for the jello. No playback speedup editing this time so you'd see how slow I ride, but lots of "teleportation" in-between intersections. (Typo at 21:52: "Parish of the Holy Sacrifice") This pandemic has been making life tough for everyone. But it also reminded me how much I have to be thankful for. I don't know where or how to begin with expressing my gratitude, but let me start with a heartfelt "Maraming salamat Po sa lahat." Stay safe, everyone!

Preps

Spend the whole day sorting books, documents, and other stuff for shipping to the provinces.

There is so much uncertainty ahead, thanks to this pandemic and the way this government is handling it. I feel compelled to prepare ourselves to move quickly when needed.

On the other hand, I think I'm over-preparing Meri for something so small. For such a short ride of around 20 kilometers one way, I think I've been purchasing too many accessories and items. 

Or maybe I just found an excuse to treat myself to some (online) shop therapy 😁

Late start... but time for beast-mode

This morning wifey told me to get the flu vaccine. I usually just obey her, but today was different -- I was excited. I rushed to the nearest Healthway and got the shot. Next scheduled shot: pneumonia vaccine.

After Healthway, I went to the nearest bike shop (Bike Town Cyclery) and had my Meri tuned up. Kuya Angelo, the bike mechanic, gave me tips on gear-shifting and maintenance. He also owns a Merida Big 7, he said. 

(Side story: I saw Goyo Larrazabal while scouting for accessories at the second level of Bike Town. I wanted to ask him for a selfie but he was busy with some sort of event -- a DJ was working the music and there were lots of phones pointed at Goyo. I'll catch him some other time.)

Flashback to the past week...

My dumbells are five pounds heavier. I've been lifting them more frequently now, as with doing crunches, squats, push-ups, and lunges during lull moments between work-from-home and errands.

Something in me snapped when I heard that Metro Manila will revert to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine from August 4 to 18.

This pandemic will be around for a while. I want to ride Meri, and I need my body to be strong for it.

I'm going beast-mode... for my health.