My orientation went pretty well yesterday. Although I was yawning every now and then since I woke up so early that morning. To keep myself awake, I scribbled some things on my notebook, took down notes (o ha!) and amused myself with some of the instructor�s �jokes�.

The room was filled with quite a variety of people. Newbie drivers like me, refreshers (those taking the course again) and some 30, 40-ish women who, were not only loud, but were very bibo�answering the instructors questions and voicing out their unnecessary side comments and jokes (which I didn�t find funny, but laughed anyway). But it was all good. At least now, I know what BLOWFATCH is and other car terms that were previously so alien to me.

After my orientation, I went back home, ate lunch and pick my brother up. Then we headed to the nearest LTO to apply for our student�s permit. Again, I had my taste of bureaucracy�the first was during the elections. But unlike the elections which were efficient more or less, this one�s worse.

First, I wasn�t able to complete my requirements. The clerk asked for my TIN (which I don�t have, unfortunately) since I�m already 19 (which sucks cause my brother�s 17 and he�s not required to get a TIN). My mom told me to get one from the SSS so I went there only to find out that they don�t give out TINs there and we were asked to proceed to the BIR. So we went to the nearest BIR which is in San Juan. The place was packed and every employee was busy so they could not accommodate us. Good thing the security guard was there to help. I was given some forms to fill up and a list of requirements (again).

Baranggay clearance?! What the-? I was asked to get one from, God-knows where. And then Mr. Guard found out that I�m not really a San Juan resident. Thus, I was told that I could not apply for a TIN there. I was so irritated. I decided to just let A1 take care of my permit even if it means paying more because of miscellaneous fees. The additional fees were definitely worth it considering how, applying-for-a-permit-from-scratch, was too much of a hassle.

And second, was the long waiting time. It took us more than two hours to get my brother�s permit. I�ve seen an entire Bong Revilla+Mikee Cojuangco movie due to the long queue.

I was really frustrated yesterday. But then I remember this anecdote of Bo Sanchez where they got lost in Novaliches and his relatives were so agitated. I realized that because I was too busy paying attention to the annoying things, I forgot to see the good things.

Like, I got to hang with my brother which rarely happens. The brother whom I had major fights with when I was younger but now, surprisingly, is becoming one of my favorite companions. He�s not only my body guard but also my alalay. Haha.

I became thankful. Even for the little things.

The fact that I�m only a day away from getting my permit. And that I learned so many things that morning. For the friend who was my constant textmate. For Kuya Rani who drove us to various places. And for my parents who were cool enough to let me learn how to drive.

I realized that indeed, we have the power to change our view regarding certain circumstances. I guess it doesn’t really help either if we’re too reactive and complain all the time. We’ll just frustrate ourselves.

By the way, I finally got my permit this afternoon (Thank You Lord!) and I�ll start driving next week.

( I’m obsessed with this band. Haha! )