Joni Ang

I have this leaflet situated right in front of me in the office for the past three days now. I can’t say that I am totally annoyed by it because every time I’m having a hard time concentrating on the work I have to do, I glanced down at the thing and see myself as the girl version of the guy in the photo who looks like he’s on the verge of going crazy! It’s like the leaflet has the ability to recognize and feel my emotion at those moments. Ah, empathy.

“Can’t Focus?” You got that right, buddy!

This little thing fell into my hands last Tuesday. I was seated in front of my PC minding my own business, when suddenly a group of five or six people wearing bright green T-shirts entered our office and called out a loud “GOOD AFTERNOOOON!!” It was really rude how they just barged in unannounced and started shouting like that. They then went straight to our desks to hand each of us a leaflet with a teabag attached inside. Those “green” people were from this well-known international tea company that’s promoting their product by distributing teabag samples in offices. Apparently, drinking green tea helps one focus more on the work he’s supposed to do..

“When the pressure’s on and distractions are everywhere, it’s time to get in The Zone: a unique mental state that lets you block out any disturbances in your work, helping you make the best of your workday!”

While that message sounds appealing, I unfortunately do not like green tea. lol.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have something that you can just gulp down to wash all the stress and distractions away? I don’t know if that thing exists. The only thing that, at least, relaxes me everyday is having had a right amount of sleep (which I rarely get nowadays). And of course, downing coffee in the morning, can’t forget that one. Sadly though those stuff do not always keep me focused. lol.

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On a lighter and “more focused” note — it was my mom’s birthday yesterday! She and my dad prepared food for the mini-dinner party at home last night for everyone: me, my two brothers, and my parents’ soon-to-be children-in-law. LOL! Anna Grace was there too. It was just a small and simple gathering, but it was nice to have everyone around. :)

“Smile, Mama! It’s your birthday!” :D

Papa’s birthday dinner at Shakey’s last July 1st.
L-R: Deej, me, Sharon, Jem, Jec, Papa, Mama

My mom is now 50 years old — time flies so fast! It seems like yesterday when I made myself not forget that she’s 37 so I would know how to answer my teacher correctly when she asks me how old my mother was (Obviously, I was just in Elementary school then). And my dad is now 53. Today he looks exactly like my Lolo the way I remember him before he passed away when I was just a little girl.

Parents growing old is kind of a sad thing. But to quote what my mom said to me last night, “I have to grow old so you can grow old.”, I don’t know if that makes much sense but maybe it means that she’s already had her share of experiences and now it’s my turn to face grown-up responsibilities and anxieties. Waaah. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to focus on those too. Can everyone just stop growing old?