Rested

I spent the previous Sunday with Brian M. and his family at Hacienda Linda, their lovely get-away farm compound, to celebrate his 22nd birthday. I spent most of the day with his younger cousins watching Kung Fu Panda, recounting his antics in school in exchange for stories about his more scandalous exploits and discussing random things with Andrea, who has the (mis)fortune of being the only girl among the cousins in that age group (My playmates and good friends as well as the cousins I spent time with, growing up, were mostly guys, so I could relate pretty well). Spending time with Brian's family made me miss mine so I sneaked in a call to Pice, my little sister, after lunch.

It was the most relaxing day I've had in a while, given all the work I've had to deal with (I have my Eco minor to thank for that. :| ), so I was happy Brian convinced me to go. I owed him a favor because he drove me to Greenbelt and back one crazy night when I was supposed to catch Inception with him but something came up with a friend so I had to run right back to Katipunan--so he figured I could make up for it by coming with him to his birthday lunch. I think he might have decided to save me from myself when he saw how agitated I was coming in to class everyday loaded with half a dozen books and a planner close to bursting the last two weeks. Haha!

Back home (and whenever the brood's here), I've always preferred just hanging out with my family and a couple of my parents' close friends and their kids, bonding over good food, movies and a bottle of wine or two for dinner over partying. I enjoy taking care of the young ones and amusing them with my stories and, when they're off playing new games or doing things no self-respecting teenager should take part of, I like joining in the adults' conversations, learning about their experiences and what they think of my generation. So my day with Brian and his family was refreshing and comforting, given that I haven't had time to see my family (save Daddy) since the first semester began.

Brian's mom is one of the coolest I've ever met. She's gorgeous and poised, but she's also quirky, witty and confident. I guess growing up spoiled by four (or five?) boys can make anyone a fun go-getter. She has great taste in music, judging by what she was asking Brian to play in the car, and she made me feel at ease within the first five minutes of meeting her. His grandmother was just as lovely, reminding me to feel at home every so often. Brian's uncles are an interesting mix. His Uncle Joel made it a point to introduce me to everyone, joined our table for lunch and had me cracking up every five minutes. Brian's cousins, Eric, Victor, Andrea and Nicole, were a delight and made me miss my siblings and cousins terribly. They aren't your typical kids--they're mature, quick-witted and their interests are...hilarious. :)) It was like being with my siblings and the Niners (the group of kids who'd always come over for playdates in the Zambo house while the adults are at parties), but with more disturbing YouTube videos!

I told Brian the afternoon made me see him in a different light and that I'm happy that I did. The group's always seen Brian as the quintessential party boy, the one who can make everyone crack up just by going, "Hey, G!" Seeing him being doted on by his grandmother and doting on his mother and cousins made Bri just a bit more...human to me. I've always been the most comfortable with Brian in the group but, even then, I was always wary. Seeing him drop the party boy nonchalance reminded me of how my brother is when he's around the family. Brian is now officially one of my "homeboys"! Haha!

I'm really glad my friends think I'm someone they'd feel fully comfortable introducing their families to. I like thinking it's a testament to how much they trust me--and the fact that, so far, I've gotten along with all the families of my friends that I've been introduced to makes me happy.

My love and thanks to Brian and the Manalac family!