Happiness Exercise Number 9

1. The Filipino American History Month Celebrations at the Asian Art Museum was such a wonderful break from my ordinary routine. It was just a wonderful, wonderful escape. I got to go back into a world I never think about (well...as much as I used to when I was at SFSU)....identity, being an immigrant, my ancestors, the legacy of Filipinos, Pinays, all that beautiful, wonderful, wonderful stuff. Seeing Dr. Gonzales again almost made me cry (okay. inside at least). He was my champion when I had no one else. He always treated me like I was a serious smartypants. He treated me with respect. I loved his class. I loved the way I found myself swelling with pride as he spoke about the legacy of the Filipinos in our Pilipinos in America class. I remember how much I learned and how much it affected me. I felt my cells trembling with awe and fury and joy. Seeing Jaena after such a long time was a treat. Eating sisig nachos was yummy and fun. That "Lalawigan - A Contemporary Tagalog Song Cycle" was the perfect end to the entire experience. Beautiful, touching, memorable. Those performers shook me to the core. Unforgettable.

2. I feel that spending time with Jonathan and Leo after was better than any medication. I just feel so much better than the past couple days. Their presence is such a comfort to me.

3. A text me this morning! He is coming back sooner! And he wants to see me on Tuesday! I hope it's not wrong how happy this makes me. I text him a picture of my sisig nachos, and he text me back later: "Damn--that looks good" Just reading his texts fills me with an absurd illogical joy.

4. A said he was registering for swing dance classes tonight! Which means....he's going to take Lindy lessons with me for a month! I am so excited! I can't believe he's doing this! I couldn't get my ex to do this! I can't believe it! AMAZING

5. There is something so comforting for me to hear about my culture, to see my face reflected in others, to hear tagalog, to laugh at Filipino humor...the whole shebang. I feel as if my tank has been filled. Emotionally, a fulfilling experience.