Happyness in a Plate of Cheese, a Cup of Hot Chocolate, and a Drug Called LOVE
Last week, my boyfriend and I had a tasteful dinner. It was our first year together so we decided to try something different from what we were used to eating. Italian, American, and Japanese cuisines aside, we headed out to Chateau 1771 in Greenbelt 5. That night, we affirmed our love for each other through forkfuls of sumptuous French cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and buttery seafood.
Honestly, we wanted to do something else for our anniversary, like maybe go out of town or out of the country. Unfortunately, due to time and budgetary constraints, we had to settle for a good enough activity—and that is to have dinner in a fine dining restaurant. So we met up after my work (it was a Thursday), boarded a cab to Greenbelt 5, entered the famous French restaurant’s wood and glass doors, and asked to be seated. We were offered a table by the window, where everyone going to and from Greenbelt 5 can see us. Once seated, we sifted through the menu, picked our pleasures in dishes, gave our orders, and then waited in animated delight. My hon, ever the shy type, asked our serveuse if we could transfer to a table on the other side of the room, the one facing the trees.
Thankfully, Chateau 1771 was not fully booked that night, so our whim was accommodated. All the utensils, glasses, and plates were then set up again by a garçon. A few minutes later, he came back to serve a basket of warm bread and butter. I was already really hungry by that time, so I finished (almost) the whole basket. Our appetizers were taking too long to arrive, and my stomach, hungry from a whole day of stress in the office, couldn’t wait any longer. Hehe. Just when I had finished off the last piece of bread, the garçon politely took the basket and had it refilled. Imagine my stomach’s delight. 
After I had gone halfway through the second basket of bread, our appetizers finally arrived. My hon had Cream of Tomato Soup, while I had Chateau 1771’s famous plate: the Raclette. Mention Chateau 1771 to any patron and the Raclette usually comes to mind.
The Swiss dish is made of sharp and salty Raclette cheese melted to tangy perfection. Served with potatoes, onions, and what seemed like pickled baby cucumber, the dish is a delightful mixture of contrasting but blending tastes. Ahhh, you can never go wrong with a plate of good cheese.
What Turned My Life Around at 22
For the past couple of years, so much has happened in my life that I barely kept track of. Some things I thank God for letting me experience; whilst some, I wish had never happened.
Just over a year ago, I found myself lost and going in no direction. Having just finished college, I went through a phase of countless abandoned responsibilities and careless partying nights. I was young, bold, and stupid. I thought I was finally being in control of my life with all the choices I made for myself. It went on for the longest time—I aimed for nothing more than the life I was living then. I tried everything that came my way, without regard for myself or for the people around me. It was a 180-degree turnaround: I started drinking (after 21 years of being sober); I tried an illegal substance (only once though); I abused medication (and almost got hooked); I started smoking (which I never thought I’ll ever do); and I dated a lot of guys (you wouldn’t believe how many losers I have had dinner with).
I justified everything I did that time to myself and to people curious enough to ask me why. It was scary: I knew why I was doing those things, but I never bothered to stop and think if I was going the right way. I just kept moving forward, committing one mistake after the other; creating more memories to regret, more negative things to undo. I was aware of all these, but I couldn’t stop myself. I knew I needed someone to guide me, but I didn’t have anyone. I had my family, but I never considered them. What I needed was someone who can be more than my friend. I needed love.
My dazed existence went on for a few more months, until I had semi-realizations and decided to lay low for a while. I was already mentally, emotional, physically, and (yes) spiritually tired. I still enjoyed partying here and there, but I was noticeably tamer. I had a seemingly fresh start last year: I took on a good-paying job, I made new friends and connections, I developed better interests, and more importantly, I started planning my future again.
I was happy with my new life. After what seemed like many years, I felt almost peaceful and in-control again. I started living for the rewards of the future, and not just for the luxuries of the present. I pampered myself, but I didn’t indulge. I calculated every move I made, in the hopes of succeeding in my (future) career. For a time, work, family, and friends were all I thought about. I knew I was ready to be with someone, but I denied yearning for love or attention. All these changed when I met him last year. It may be cliché, but I really didn’t know that I was looking for love until I met him. He almost disrupted my peaceful existence, but I can’t deny the fact that he became the welcome diversion in my almost routine-based life.
