I love ironic changes. Two years ago, before I retired at 63, the alarm would rouse me everyday at 4:00 AM. The first thing I would do was turn the TV on to Gising, Pilipinas!, and it would still be on while I dressed and took my breakfast. Everyone in the house would still be asleep. I would be on the train at 5:00 AM, and in the office 5:30 AM. I was always the first to arrive, and was the person who turned all the lights on.

Worked on my novel the entire night through dawn. The TV was on and Gising Pilipinas! was on the screen again. It made me think of those stressful days in the past. Now I am relaxed, I don't have to catch the train, and I don't need to turn on the lights for anyone.