I am the Queen
Be careful of what you wish for. You might get it. Ever since I became aware about love, romance, and marriage I knew that I did not want to be a lady who will only move out of her parent’s house to transfer to her husband’s house. I was not thrilled with the idea of obeying my husband’s rules. I dream of having a place of my own and experience living alone. Like a true Queen, I want to have my own territory where I can confidently declare - my house, my rules!
The dream came true when I was able to conquer a house and lot in Talisay not by war but through a bank loan. I moved into my own territory last September 25, 2015. It was a date when the moon was rising. The timing with the moon was advised by my mom. She also told me to fill 4 containers with salt, rice, water and sugar up to the brim - these 4 should be the first to enter the house. She also instructed me to sprinkle salt all over the yard to “purify” the surroundings. Yes, on the first day in my territory I was not the Queen. Someone was still dictating what I should do… my mom. But hey, superstition as it may have seemed, I still thought there was nothing to lose. I better be safe than sorry. After all, I want my Queendom to be prosperous and free of evil spirits!
My house is the simplest and smallest. It was the cheapest unit the developer offered in that subdivision. The standard unit came with only one CR at the ground floor. Prior to my move-in, I had another toilet and bath constructed at the second floor. This was where I played and paid a lot. The tiles were in maroon and green - yes, UP-inspired colors. I also wanted to separate the toilet from the shower area so I had a tempered glass partition built. What was more, I had a multipoint water heater installed. For me, it was a dream luxury CR that came true – which I don’t use!
Let me tell you why: I realized that water and soap stains left for long on a tempered glass were very hard to remove! And I did not have the time to clean. Another realization also is that the installed water heater uses up high amount of electricity. So, again imagine my electric bill! Therefore, because of my laziness to clean and desire to cut down on electric cost? I do not use the second floor shower anymore. I know, it’s stupid – enduring cold showers at the ground floor CR when another CR with water heater is very accessible from my bedroom and dresser.
That’s the problem for a Queen with no subjects. If the house is dirty, things get messy, laundry piles up or there’s no food to eat - there is no one to blame. Of course, I can’t scold myself and say “Joan, bakit ang kalat-kalat dito. Bakit wala na akong maisusuot? Joan, ang tamad-tamad mo talaga!”
I am a Queen without subjects but someone is a threat to my throne. My dog, assigned to live outside my house and tasked to guard my territory. We have a lovehate relationship. Most of the time, she thinks she’s the Queen. She’s not mindful of where she poops. I have the stinkiest yard in the village. I don’t clean inside the house always, how much more the outside? She demands food and attention that if not given, she wrecks and kills every plant on her way. More negligence on my part means war - she will scratch and bite me. Who do you think really is the master? There’s always a power grab between us!
I have always imagined that being single and having a place of my own would be fabulous and glamorous. But true enough, there’s a conflict in every story. Thus, be careful of what you wish for, you might get it.
Joan is a past president of The Queen City Toastmasters Club. The club meets every 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at Salt Restaurant, St. Patrick’s Square (beside Redemptorist Church, Cebu City.)