Can't wait for normal

I had my second dose of the COVID vaccine last June 7 and the process was quicker and smoother this time as it only took me less than an hour. 

I was already told by some that the booster shot might show more side effects than the first one and it actually did. This was all new to me as I always get a flu shot every year and never had any after effects, ever. This time though I stayed in bed the whole day because my left arm felt heavy and sore. By nighttime, I got slight chills and a general feeling of discomfort, but nothing that sleeping off can’t remedy.

I’m just happy that I’m done with the vaccine. It lifted off a heavy worry for me especially during the second wave and after witnessing first-hand how serious COVID is. I wish we had them early, maybe then we wouldn’t have to lose loved ones from the disease. 

I may be fully vaccinated, but this does not mean I’m ready to ditch the face mask and even the much-hated face shield. Remember that getting vaccinated does not mean you couldn’t get COVID anymore, only that we’re protected from getting severe complications. One can still be infected and spread it to others. I will still observe social distancing especially when running errands outside (no problem I’ve always been socially distant) and wash my hands as often as I should. Come to think of it, I have not been sick since last year and if that is because of the measures I’m doing right now, then I think it’s only wise for me to continue doing it. 

I got to admit that I’m impressed at our city’s ongoing efforts when it comes to administering vaccines. Sure, the initial rollout had some challenges and not without a few snags but I realized we fare better compared to other places as many are lagging behind. I’ve heard of seniors in some areas in Cavite who haven’t gotten a slot for their first dose yet. Most of my officemates who do not belong to any priority groups are still waiting for a schedule. I do pray they ramp it up so we could see the herd immunity we’ve all been hoping for, and probably a mask-free Christmas as well.  

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We all can’t wait to just find some sense of normalcy after languishing months and months of isolation. IATF has allowed leisure travel for all NCR Plus residents to MGCQ areas but I don’t think I’ll go and plan out-of-town trips at the moment. While the cases in the metro declined, it’s increasing rapidly outside the NCR bubble and in the provinces. Plus, there’s the Delta variant that we should all watch out for. Meanwhile, many areas still require a negative antigen at least 72 hours before the trip, which will only be an added expense if we bring the kids along. 

I feel bad for my nephews who had grown increasingly anxious for being holed up at home for months now. They’d always ask me when they’d be allowed to go to the mall with us. 

Last Saturday, my kuya and I brought them to the Central Garden Ring, an open park at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. This was their first time in months to be anywhere. 

Liam, in particular, enjoyed it more, approaching the other kids and playing with them. We couldn’t stop him from running, playing soccer, and doing cartwheels. He’s just so thrilled to be in a big space where he could do whatever he wants without us shushing him. Liam’s also very game for pictures. He would ask me to take his picture while doing all these funny poses. 

But there are still lots of things that are not allowed. The playground right in the middle of the park is cordoned and off-limits. The boys could only do as much as pose for pictures. It’s actually quite painful for the grownups to watch the kids just looking at the play area but can’t go near them.

Children are also not allowed inside the mall even just to use the restroom. When the boys wanted to pee, kuya had to walk the boys to the terminal where there’s a public restroom. Meanwhile, I went to Jollibee by myself (which is inside the mall) and ordered takeout so we could eat at the park. I wasn’t able to check the available restaurants with Al Fresco dining and allows kids. Nevertheless, I think the kids enjoyed it more eating like we were having a picnic.  

We were also hoping we could watch the sunset along Seaside Boulevard but when we drove there, we were stopped by the guard as children are not allowed. Liam almost threw a fit as he had been looking forward to this since seeing the video of his Tito J fishing. My older brother could only carry him so he could have a quick view of the bay.

When the situation improves, the first thing I want to do is to go to the beach with the kids. It’s what I really want to do aside from another out-of-the-country travel. My kuya and I wanted to go back to Pagudpud with our nephews, but if that’s a stretch because of the long travel, we can settle for any beach within Batangas or Zambales. 

Had I known that there will be this pandemic, I wish we have traveled more before. It’s a realization that my brother and I had during COVID: To spend more on memories, less on material things.

It’s still not clear how long these restrictions will be in place, considering more cases of the Delta variant, which is said to spread faster and affect younger people more often. But I do hope that with the vaccines, the situation will somewhat improve and kids can be kids again.