A Hand that Hurts and Restless Feet

The second day of my Comprehensive Exam for my master's degree was double-stressful. Though we only have two more subjects to take, Macroeconomics and Organizational Planning and Control, it seems like I was feeling the need to exert so much effort for these two subjects -- the first one being the subject of the Graduate School Dean and the second one being the subject I have least understood (and studied). 

My biggest problem in the next four hours of the examination would be when my right hand (the one I use to write) hurts. It had been aching since yesterday during the eight-hour thinking-and-writing battle while it continued to sore in the evening that disturbed the soundness of my sleep. I was scared I could not finish the exam as I had to pause writing every now and then to relax it. All the more my concentration was somehow distracted when others had one-by-one passed their booklets.

"That was quick", I said to my self as I gazed a look of frustration at those who were done. But I really didn't mind them finishing early, what I was really worried about was the possibility that I couldn't finish the exam because of the aching hand.  I was likewise trying to control my emotions as some of my classmates were pressing on me to finish the test.

There were only three of us left taking the MPA questionnaires. By the time one of them finished, I was still trying to figure out my composition for the last question. I wanted to have someone write for me the answers I would so gladly dictate. But my gut-feel is telling me not to as it would change my already beaten-up penmanship. Modesty aside, I probably had one of the good handwriting since grade school. But my penmanship for this exam was way the worst I have seen - shaky, uneven, inconsistent. I don't remember a criteria in the booklet that talks about penmanship, but if it had, I would probably fail in that part. God forbid!

"Thank God!" was all I could exclaim as I punctuated my last statement and quickly checked if I already satisfied the number of questions to be answered. I was the last examinee to submit my paper and the last one to get that sigh of relief.

----xxx----

After the exam. some of my classmates agreed to attend a funeral wake in Argao, Cebu. I decided to go with them since my trip back to Maasin is still the following day. Before heading for the long trip, we first had our lunch at Julie's (surely we will miss this place!). We eagerly lined up in a long queue of hungry masterands who will soon receive their diplomas in a graduation gala in less than a month. 

The trip to Argao took us about two hours. It was never a boring trip. Though I felt tipsy because of the kontra-biyahilo medicine I was taking, I still managed to crack jokes and joined in the unending conversation about the recently concluded comprehensive exam. There were eleven of us jam-packed in Rose's SUV ~ Maristel (whose father's wake we were attending), Desiree, Audy, Senen, and Carla (from Pag-IBIG), Rose (of Matluster, who did all the driving, Thank you!), Ritchy and Lyndon (of NSO-Province, Sorry April wasn't able to come), Rosemariwen and Marichu (of DepEd) and myself.

After paying respect to Maristel's dad, we (except Maristel) headed to Argao's famous torta maker to take home some pasalubong. Rose made a quick stop-over at her aunt's home before kicking off the long drive home.

At OJ's Torta in Argao

At OJ's Torta in Argao.

As promised, we visited Simala to say our "thank you's" to the Lord and the Blessed Virgin. This was my second time in Simala, the first one was some years ago when their monastery wasn't as grandiose as how it is now.

A quick pictorial in front of Simala's grandiose monastery facade.

Audy took this picture at the grand staircase of Monastery in Simala

Ma'am Carla, Ma'am Ichu and Sir Boy lighted candles and said prayers at Simala.

It was getting dark when we departed Simala. We dropped off two of our classmates in San Fernando and another in Minglanilla. The rest of us decided to have dinner at SM, but only five of us could make it to the finale. Rose, Desiree, Carla, Audy and myself had that sumptuous dinner at Cafe Laguna. 

As we bid each other good bye, I suddenly felt a rush of nostalgia realizing that our days as masterands are counted. I brushed off that bit of sentimental moment and looked forward to posting this blog when I get home.