(Fight against) Depression
I started running again after ermmm, a long time. This current reawakened enthusiasm of mine to run began a month ago when I visited LB. I was going through a lot - mentally, physically, and emotionally, and I just ran with my current librarian (though I prefer to address him as Chief Hermetic Scribe) around campus. Needless to say, I succumbed to depression after that weekend due to more stress that welcomed me back to work.
It was also that week that I decided to run during nights after work, despite my busy schedule. I told myself that if I cannot find time for exercise, then I won't. Running always helped cleared my mind, and fight negative emotions. My eldest son even told me that he read somewhere that running makes someone happier. Well, he is correct.
Remembering Names
Just tonight while running around my usual route in our village, someone called out, "Sir!!!". The one who shouted was my former student in CMSC 2, Chezka/Cheska (please forgive me dear, I'm still trying to remember, but I think you are a BS DC student right?). By common courtesy I asked the usual teacher's question of "Graduate ka na?", to which she replied, "Hindi pa po. Junior pa lang po ako.".
Just tonight while running around my usual route in our village, someone called out, "Sir!!!". The one who shouted was my former student in CMSC 2, Chezka/Cheska (please forgive me dear, I'm still trying to remember, but I think you are a BS DC student right?). By common courtesy I asked the usual teacher's question of "Graduate ka na?", to which she replied, "Hindi pa po. Junior pa lang po ako.".
Also last Thursday in an office lobby, someone also called me "Sir Mykmyk!". I returned the gesture by saying "Hi!", but nothing further than that since I cannot remember her name. Three years back further, in a mall before a concert, someone called me and I asked the other usual teacher's question, "Wala kang pasok?". Her reply? "Graduate na po ako..." (Yes, it was a kill me now moment).
I now regret requiring my students to wear name tags only in my last year of teaching. I should have done it earlier in my academe years. Sure I won't still remember everyone, but it would have improved my name recall.
Baby Steps
I was able to run 5 times this week, and I am just reminded of my beginnings in running when I was a college sophomore. Of course, I am not as strong as in my prime (oh, I feel old saying that), but it doesn't mean I should just throw the white towel.
I am still trying to lose weight, but this week had been not productive if weight was the only factor I had to consider. So far, I feel more mobile, but my weight hasn't dropped significantly. I believe it's still early to call this exercise futile since I have just been doing this regularly for the past week.
"Not there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday."
