…don’t fix it. If it is broke you’re screwed. Or so it seems.

Now, I can’t say that the virus (whose origin cannot be named) is responsible, but it seems that I’ve had a run of things going broke that coincidentally coincided with the unavailability of repairs or replacements. It started with my Fitbit, then my watchband. The other night my blender gave up the ghost and then last night I discovered my mosquito zapper has burned out. Hopefully, I’ve used up all my bad luck by now!

Speaking of luck, more details have emerged regarding the lowering of the quarantine status from “enhanced” to “general”. My province of Zambales had been slated for general but for some unknown reason requested to remain under enhanced requirements. However, the city in which I reside (Olongapo) is an independent entity within Zambales and has elected to transition to general. Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) which is the official name of the old Navy base, has decided to remain closed to non-residents. Confused yet?

Practically speaking, not a lot changes for me. The curfew is now 7 p.m. which provides me an extra hour and nowhere to spend it. The weekend lockdown will now begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday giving me an extra half-day to be out and about quasi-legally. Thank you, Mr. Mayor! Oh, and the sale of alcohol is no longer banned, but consumption is. I’m still trying to figure that one out. The department stores are allowed to reopen but are not permitted to use air conditioning or provide wifi. Still, maybe I can replace my broken shit.

Oh well, no use in complaining. We just all need to reach out and lend a helping hand in these difficult times.

And at least we still have access to take out and food delivery:

But you know what? Walking about this afternoon I did realize just how small my problems truly are. I bitch and moan of course, but that’s an old man’s privilege, right? And really, when life tries to push a big “fuck you” in your face…

Rooftop beer drinking on tap for this afternoon to celebrate the end of enhanced quarantine. How better to celebrate a quarantine than by violating its strictures!

I haven’t had this much fun stickin’ it to the man since my rebellious teenage years! Woot!