Blame It to the Heels

Okay. This happened four days ago. I was with two of my close friends in Lee Super Plaza to buy something for our major subject. Too lazy to change my attire, I flaunted with my course uniform on the heavy thoroughfares of the city. That included the pencil skirt, killer heels, and stockings. Walking in uncomfortable shoes was my constant struggle but I acted like nothing was hurting. We traveled from one stairs to another and finally decided that taking the escalator would be better. 

After finishing a cone of free ice cream on the food court, we made our way out and looked for escalators. We found one, going down. Just as I was about to step on it, I saw the facade of the open space below, trying to swallow me whole. I literally passed out and my nerves could not put me on that escalator. I saw my two companions waving at me while the escalator transported them below. They were laughing but I could see myself fighting for that sudden fear of escalators. A man who obviously looked older than me tried to assist me like I am an elderly and said, "Dali day. Kuyog ta. Ayaw kahadlok." (Come with me. Don't be afraid.). Harhar! NO WAY! ahhhh...soooo!! I looked and sounded like I am from a jungle where escalators do not exist. I looked and sounded like an ignorant lass who would finally, for the first time in her life, step on an escalator. Like oh my goodness! I can't believe I did that. 

I made a second attempt to step on the escalator.  Two salesladies started to observe me. I could even hear them talk. "Di s'ya kabalo?" (She does not know how to ride on an escalator?)

"First time dagway niya." (Maybe it's her first time.)

Huhuhu. I checked on my intact heels and started for the rail and then the first comb plate. Come what may. I can't afford to make another scene. In no time, I was already on the second floor, joining my two other friends who almost died laughing. I couldn't help myself but laugh, too, with that queer behavior of mine. Though I know those people did not recognize me, I still came to think that I would never stroll downtown in killer heels again. Hmmmppp... :/

Random Thoughts Part 8

My thoughts and my hands were a little cranky these past few days. Reading and writing seemed to have been banned in own little world. But now that blogger is back and my creative juices are spewing orange pulps all over the place, I might as well spill it all.

Thursday the 12th. That was five days ago. I just hated the fact that I was one of the representatives of our class for the Declamation Contest in the Mini-theater of our college. I know I suck because during the try-out, I forgot a paragraph of my piece. There was a lot of ad lib and that was a big deal. 

I wasn't prepared yet with my delivery and the contest was only hours away. We still have to finish working on the backdrop and do the letter cuttings which I made all by myself. Everyone was saying they can't do it. Hay! 

Come what may. That was what I placed in my head. But my greatest plea was that I will never forget a line of my piece. Alas! God seemed not to hear my prayer. After I recited the first paragraph successfully, the words which I have been reading in my head became blurry. Oh God! I can't afford to stammer in front of these people. Not now. That was where my ad lib abilities came out. Good thing I was still able to connect the thought and returned on track. From time to time, I missed a word or a sentence but I never showed my mistake. What I did was own the stage and walk from here to there. There were pauses but there were also valid emotions attached to it. Perhaps, that was the reason why, though I thought I was such a crazy woman shouting and crying in front of a crowd, I got the second place. (hehe)

First time to join a Declamation Contest after being deprived by my elementary teacher to perform and after all doors of opportunities closed when I was in high school. It wasn't that bad for a first timer. Thank you Lord.

Friday the 13th. That was four days ago. This day is always associated with negativism by many for they think that Friday the 13th is "demalas" (unlucky). More likely, it was based on some lame Chinese beliefs that enormously blinded and gave a great influence on present-day Filipinos. But my God, who is more humongous than any other beliefs, proved that Friday the 13th is never a day of "demalas." 

'Twas the day of my final examination in History 141. The teacher in the name of Dr. Ma. Ferry C. Valencia, who was such a spoon-feeder and well-loved by her students, gave us the pointers two days ago before the examination. But a procrastinator as I was, just like the rest of my Education gang, I studied the night before. I never prayed for a perfect score. What I told God was for me to have guidance from Him. And focus, too.

The result was final. I got a perfect score! Not to brag, but the examination was easy. The teacher was amused with my performance, including those students who had the same fate as mine. 

I miss the class and my crushes. (haha) History 141 was quite enjoyable. And I honestly learned a lot from it.

Tuesday the 17th. That is today. The day for our final demonstration in Developmental Reading 1. My long kept uniform has finally went out of the closet. Say hi to the world. It went well, thank God. There were more commendations than points to improve, but I will give more importance to that one thing that comprised my "to be improved" box -- discuss the story further. Okay! :)

Summer classes isn't that bad, I finally decided. 

Dumbfounded Me

"Okay Catanus, Ozoa,  and Trasmil. You will..."

I can't believe she uttered my surname. As I looked at her face, my memories brought me to the time when I got humiliated in front of my 11 classmates in our Developmental Reading I class when I delivered my piece. I forgot several lines and I had to invent phrases that might somehow rescue me from my mental block. It did not prevail, however, for I was too consumed by my nervousness. Minutes later, I was stuttering in front and though our teacher did not give any negative comments, I know I could've done better.

I am so cute when dumbfounded...haha

My dream of becoming an orator, or a pompous speaker, or a declamer ended when I realized I did not have that talent. I was grade six that time. I know my sisters can deliver public speaking better than I do, hailed as the best orator and best declamer in their school, respectively. I know I am just good in writing. 

A day before our teacher said that she will announce the participants for the Declamation contest, my friend asked me, "Do you want to be chosen?" My big NO came out. "I'd better write the whole day than murmur in front of a crowd like an inane virago."

Minutes before she gave the final list of participants, I was confident that I will not be chosen because I know how poor my performance was. But when...

"Okay Catanus, Ozoa, and Trasmil. You will be the representative of this section for the Declamation contest on Thursday in the mini-theater. There will be ten of you. I will invite some judges, especially President Sojor himself. I hope he's not busy that time. I will also ask VP Dinopol if she has time..."

The rest was a blur. My eyes were watery as I heard my classmates taunt the three of us especially me. Why in the world is this happening to me? Why? Is this a punishment for not coming to school early? I can't believe I'll be doing this. 

Deep breath. Very deep breath. I still couldn't imagine myself screaming, crying, and walking like a fool in front of a humongous crowd, but I'll try. So help me God! Maluoy!