Debate: We do it orally; we do it in groups; we do it in public.

In all honesty, I miss debate. I don't miss it much--but when I do, I really do. 

There's just something about it that draws me in, despite [or maybe even because of] its idiosyncrasies. Yes, many people call it useless--sort of what their view on the government is, really: all talk, no action. And if there is any action, it's never anything to benefit the "greater good." [But well, in all honesty, we can't even generalize the government that way--more on that, some other time.] And, yes, many people call it elitist. Even I've noticed that those schools that do well in the Manila debate circles usually have some sort of look, or tuition bracket or the same party venue, or some mundane thing of the sort. 

And despite it all, in all honesty, I do miss debate. 

I miss getting up at seven in the morning on a competition day, wondering whether the day was a dress-and-heels day, or a blouse-pants-and-flats day, and relishing the joy of being able to dress exquisitely because debate is just one big party, anyway.

I miss being an hour and a half late to call time, and still being earlier than half the people in the room/auditorium.

I miss waving hi to people I haven't seen in months, but still have easy, animated conversation with. I miss the jokes about seducing the adj, or being married to your partner, or yummy bananas, or basically any of the random stuff we usually spout out.

I miss being able to speak intelligently for seven minutes straight--or if not, spouting out random stuff, and still sounding semi-intelligent. 

I miss the "Oh, damn" reactions when I'm relegated to a good, intensely competitive room, and the "Oh, yess" reactions when I'm relegated to a room I can just totally screw over.

I miss walking to Starbucks or anywhere else in the middle of training, and bumping into random acquaintances.

I miss being able to bitch without getting commented on.

I do miss it, and I shall bring it back, even for just one time.

Meanwhile, I really should find something else to get by this semi-charmed half-life of mine. ;)

[bucket list--to follow~]