Carpe Diem

Last weekend was freaky. Cold arctic winds met up with chilly westerly winds, sending small snow flakes Friday night, with a chilly wind factor of -11 deg C. I was along Robson street that night. Through their scarf, some were mumbling soft whispers to each other, as if not wanting to disturb the calm before the storm; it was like a “deep breath before the plunge”.

After braving the strong winds along Georgia street and Dunsmuir, I took off my toque, but decided to keep my finger warmers on. I pulled my coat closer, hugging my body as if it missed me dearly. It was around six-thirty-ish, but felt like midnight as it were in Makati. The night was listless, which cannot be avered by bright flickering christmas lights. It was, after all, Vancouver at night.

The muted TV at a local bar was flashing red screens–like a teleprompter–of an upcoming snowstorm. I didn’t matter. I was outside, snow or rain, I am decided to sweep Robson street and check the temptingly nice items tagged at 20 per cent less.

Like the christmas song, people were “dressed in holiday style”. It made me think if this is a way to cheer up the bleak December, or it’s a celebration of a reason to do a spending splurge.

I slowly made my way back to Granville Skytrain station and got of at Metrotown station. Yes, the window shopping wasn’t over.

As if by habit, I went all the way down to Chapters. It’s not the bookstore that I particularly liked, but by browsing through the books, and faking interest in them, allows me to plan my visit in the mall. I found some cheap stuff, and was reminded of grabbing some books for myself. I picked one, paid for it and I was happy.

I left Chapters, feeling the “mission accomplished” attitude. I passed by some outrageously low priced items, but the weight of my book was cunning in making me realize that I already got one present for myself. Those super cheap items didn’t matter anymore, and I guess all that I needed was to something that I can take home with me.