Stressed to the nines

This past week must be one of the most stressful I’ve had in my entire life. I had dark circles under my eyes. I was on the verge of losing my voice. I had zits springing out like mushrooms. Awful, awful, awful. Just awful! So what did a poor, harassed girl like me do?

Sulk? Nah. Rest? Not quite. I was in the middle of everything so I couldn’t. And just when I was starting to feel every part of my body ache — bam! It hit me! I had one more thing to do: The Business Management Society (of La Salle) was having an acquaintance party called "Apocalypse" and I was supposed to co-direct it!

"Apocalypse." What an apt title for a party, given my state of mind at that time. Now, how in the world was I going to do that when I couldn’t even manage four hours of sleep in a day? I must have prayed to every saint I knew (and some I made up) so I would have the energy to do everything I had to do. Despite the 1000mg of ascorbic acid and other multivitamins I was taking daily, I felt like a fly ready to drop dead any second.

People always tell me that I do not know how to say "no." They accuse me of being too accommodating at the expense of my health. I am an Energizer bunny, who by luck, is also a cum- laude at cramming. Impressive combination, I must say. Having this famous (or infamous) trait, I knew I could not afford to drop any of my activities. But things took a turn when I realized I was really feeling worn-out. Last minute, I backed out. I would not co-direct the "Apocalypse" because I had not mastered orchestrating mine at that time, and I would soon experience the full brunt of one if I pursued.

I let it go. Instead, one of my best friends Ronald Rillo was going to direct. I had faith in his talent and I knew he could do it. But of course, I offered to help. In fairness, I think I did a fairly good job in doing so, given the amount of energy I had left.

And who said not co-directing would stop me from going? True, I didn’t need the stress, but boy, did I need the fun!

The event was an acquaintance party for the BMS, organized to fully radiate a sense of belongingness within the organization. It was held on Nov. 23 at Club V in Makati City. The event featured a fashion show — the highlight of the party. The sponsors were Novecento, InStyle, Flirt, Lhasa, Limited and Seventeen.

I have featured events for UP in the past, but it’s La Salle’s turn this time. The organizers playing the biggest roles in the event were Ara Sam (vice president for special projects), Abigail Sia, Jason Bibit, and Rico Mendoza (assistant vice president for special projects). There were 27 models — 17 girls and 10 boys, all from DLSU. I attended the event and helped in whatever, whichever way I could. I saw the models prep up before the show, practise and rehearse their cues. They looked pleased with what they were doing, and looked pretty remarkable that night.

The event was a success and the place was packed. Rillo and the organizers did a splendid job of putting up something like this. Congratulations! The "Apocalypse" was definitely a celebration of music, friendship, fashion and style.

Here’s the clincher: When I got home, my partner Marga was waiting for me so we could finish our paper. Surprisingly, I was awake as I could ever be. I did not feel as tired as when I left. We were able to finish our paper with much ease.

I learned to appreciate a number of things that night and the whole week for that matter. I’m sorry if this reads like a sermon (as if you haven’t had enough from your folks!) but what I’m about to say is true. Some things in life aren’t meant to be taken too seriously unless you want to lose your sanity. Sometimes, the things that take most of your time and occupy your thoughts aren’t the things that are meant to teach you life’s most valuable lessons. Sometimes, it’s the mundane, ordinary things that end up handing you the extraordinary treats in life.

It pays to work hard and strive for higher things. But remember, up there your vision gets blurry, images are distorted and often, you fail to appreciate the beauty of things.

Know your limits. Better to take a rain check once in a while. Take time to sit back, relax, have a few good laughs, and yes — smell the flowers.