Wednesday 9/16

Today i did something cool and (for me at least) brave! i went out on my own- further than ministop or even the drugstore. Well, let me back up. i woke up just in time to have my bible study discussion with Cindy, then made some plans with Scott for our trip to a volcano this weekend. Then, i started thinking that if i didn't get out on my own and do something while we were here i would probably feel pretty silly. i am nervous in unfamiliar situations and have a lot of fears- some rational, others not so much, but it is time to not be controlled by them. So. i got dressed, put on my new hat which is awesome, and walked up to Scott's office to surprise him. that was fun, and the furthest i have walked on my own (about 6-8 blocks), so it was an accomplishment. After i said hi to some ofthe guys in the office and talked with Scott a bit, it was time to start my real adventure for the day. Scott rode the elevator down with me and helped me get a cab. I got in and told the driver i wanted to go to Glorietta 3. It was my first ever taxi ride by myself (taxis alone are one of thsoe irrational fears...) and i did jsut fine, paid my fare and headed into the mall. i got money at an ATM, wandered up to the movie theater, bought tickets, and then had a Frosty at Wendy's as i decided what to do with the 2 hours till my movie started. i had a little bit of shopping to do, so i headed over to the Landmark- our favorite department store here- and got the few things i needed. one of these is a Barong- traditional men's shirt- for Scott. i founda really nice one for him. it's so nice. the Barong buttons about 2/3 of the way down instead of all the way, and the one i got for Scott is a light seafoam green with inlaid mother of pearl buttons. many Barongs have embroidery around the button placket, and Scott's does too. after my shopping i headed bakc up t othe theater and got seated for my movie- Sorority Row (it;s a dumb horror movie, but it was entertaining). this wasa different experience than i have ever had at home. at home, i am used to people gasping or cryhing out a little at a jump scene in a horror movie, but here- people openly SCREAMED at these- and sometimes preemptively- it was hilarious. so, the movie was fun, if nothing else, because of the screaming. after a little more shopping, i got in a cab to head back to the hotel. Just my luck, for the first time ever in our time here, the taxi driver knows nothing about hte area, and i had togive him turn by turn directions out of the mall complex and back to my hotel. Good thing i knew the way! After a bit longer Scott came home with McDonald's for supper and we just hung out and watched The Jackal on tv and then went to bed. a good day. :-)