Let’s talk about a book that ripped my skin open

and poured salt all over the wound. I am definitely not over it. This novel is Dark Academia and I am weirdly drawn to that story theme. I love Dead Poet’s Society and Kill Your Darlings. I love films about literature and academia. But, these are not the only reasons why I love this novel. I like the relationship between the characters and the drama.

Goodreads: On the day Oliver Marks is released from jail, the man who put him there is waiting at the door. Detective Colborne wants to know the truth, and after ten years, Oliver is finally ready to tell it.

Ten years ago: Oliver is one of seven young Shakespearean actors at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a place of keen ambition and fierce competition. In this secluded world of firelight and leather-bound books, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingénue, extra. But in their fourth and final year, the balance of power begins to shift, good-natured rivalries turn ugly, and on opening night real violence invades the students’ world of make believe. In the morning, the fourth-years find themselves facing their very own tragedy, and their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, each other, and themselves that they are innocent.

This book captivated me and had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t stop reading it and I had to know what would come next. I felt all kinds of emotions. When I finished, I collapsed on the bed and made ugly, pathetic sounds. How can fictional characters affect me so much? I was obsessed! I couldn’t sleep! Days passed and I was still very affected. I love books that bother me. This would make a good movie adaptation, but hopefully with more diversity. Representation is important. ☾

One with Nature

Having desk jobs takes a toll on our health and body posture. I know this for a fact. As an online English teacher, I have to sit on my chair for nine hours, five days a week. When I go home, I sit or lay down too. So, I don’t burn a lot of calories and that helps with my weight gain. I’ve gained so much weight in the last two years. It’s crazy. Ridiculously crazy! The thing is, when you want to eat really delicious meals that makes you gain weight like crazy, don’t sit down all day! I should’ve listened to myself.

My co-worker, friends, and I have been trying to walk around the area surrounding our workplace to stretch our legs. The # 1 thing I like about my job is the location. I work in a forest. Behind the building, you can see Tree Top Adventure. We can easily see people swinging by and sometimes they wave their hands to say hello. Everyday we hear people scream their heads off from there with the exotic birds from Jest Camp joining along. Yes, we have two adventurous tourism destinations sitting right next to our building. Doesn’t it sound fun? Sure. One thing is for sure, it is definitely relaxing.

Sometimes when I’m feeling strained from the work load, I just go out of the room and stare out from the balcony. There are trees everywhere and you can hear the wild animals nearby. I love it. I love the smell, the air, and sounds. When I quit my job, I’m going to visit the area when I can. Even without Jest Camp or Tree Top, you can still have your own adventures. Subic is filled with it. There are hundreds of abandoned buildings in Subic. You can see barracks around the area, from when the US Americans were here. There are also roads that lead to the unknown. It’s all so exciting.

Himeno and I walk around these parts. We used to do it with our other friends. These days, it’s just the two of us. We wish we would have more time to walk around. We still have a lot to see. We’re in our 20’s but little adventures still excites us. I guess these things do not have anything to do with age. You can’t say what an adult should or shouldn’t do, especially if it’s not hurtful. Act your age? That’s ridiculous. I should be able to watch Sailor Moon without judgement. 

I will be quitting my job soon and I won’t be able to see these sites as much. But, that’s okay. I live nearby and I can visit when I want to. There are more beautiful places in Subic Bay. I will surely miss the peace this place gives me. If I could I would live in a place surrounded by trees, a place I wouldn’t hear the sound that vehicles make. That is the dream. Try to take little adventures as much as you can. It’s good for the soul. Don’t forget to discover new things and to live freely even for a little while.