LivingTodayInThePresent

Author’s Note: Jay, this isn’t anime this time. Hehehe. ^_^

The past two months, I’ve felt much like an old book, worn out and left to sit on the shelf– unattractive, insignificant, unloved and infinitely unimportant. My self-esteem took such a beating and the last few weeks, my friends and I have been picking up the pieces to pull myself back together. I’m truly blessed with such wonderful friends but a completely unexpected surprise snapped me out of this sea of self-pity and rejection.

Last night, after a harrowing finals exam in Criminal Law when I got home at 9:30, I got a text message from an unknown number.

Hi Ms. Joan…I’m Aileen from Solar for the Champions League Coverage. Are you free to do the games tomorrow 1pm-6pm as our courtside reporter?

My head spun! I’ve been out of the sportscasting loop for so long I wasn’t even thinking of ever going back. But apparently, someone thought of me as a good courtside reporter that they’re inviting me back after a long hiatus. Also, I felt too ugly to be in front of the camera but here it is, another offer to be a courtside reporter.

Shocked, I sent a flurry (actually 4) of text messages asking who and why I’m being asked to be a courtside and what is the Champions League? And here’s what I found out. Jay-R told me that it’s a tournament of the toup four teams in the NCAA, UAAP and a couple of pro-teams in the south. Noel told me he referred me, and Coach Jude told me it’s only the beginning of good things to come.

What girl would sulk and remain depressed after such positive validation? Unfortunately though, I had to decline the offer because I have three finals exams today and tomorrow. But regardless whether I not I got the job, I can’t help but smile. After all, it is the thought that counts. It’s like wow, I’m not left on the shelf after all. ^_^

After sending my regrets to Noel and Aileen, I continued my text conversations with Jay-R and Coach Jude. I joked that it might be mistake to get me as a courtside reporter since I have super short hair and look like a boy! Jay-R just laughed and said I’m still cute regardless. It brought back so many nice memories from my NC days and even though I get complimented by friends (and stalkers), it took his words to finally, finally make me believe in myself again.

While Coach Jude was the ever gallant here’s my ear and shoulder if you need me, it was Jay-R’s lighthearted take on the whole mess that truly made me smile. After all, he did go through a tougher break-up (a six year relationship gone pfft!) and he just told me, “Sige, kwento ka, makikinig ako. Sa una lang mahirap…”

I told my story and he told me his. While I haven’t seen him for so many months, it felt as though he was right beside me and my load suddenly seemed lighter. I almost cried too (and got a little creeped out, hehehe! ^_^) when Coach jude said, “I’ll always be here for you.” Thank God for such constant friends. I’m truly blessed and my birthday is now a happy one. For real this time. ^_^

Mood Music: Loveable by Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore

More good things to come, I believe in that, absolutely, I believe in that.