This Excuse Called Rotary
By: Ma. Theresa P. Valdes

"For better or for worse!" It’s a good thing I made that vow because if not, I’d be off with someone else. Maybe I am getting a PMS attack or I’m just edgy but this just has to stop soon.

Can you believe? DOV was gone the whole weekend for work in Davao and Cebu and already he tells me he has to go straight to some Rotary function and will be home afterwards. His one-year stint seems to be dragging on that I can and will do something crazy soon if Paul doesn’t take over soon. Maybe the real reason a presidential term is only a year is that if it lasted any longer, it would surely ruin even the most stable marriage.

Arsenic is lucky because Crispy is such a gem and an angel. She was an excellent First Lady Ann. It’s actually during her term that I got introduced to all this business of "Ann-sponsored" activities. I actually didn’t mind attending because their parties had themes and prizes. Crispy really went out of her way to plan and prepare all these events.

I am not that close to Marides or Grace but I know they were equally involved with their respective husband’s terms. I know for a fact Marides even did the Medical Missions, for which I commend her. (Especially since the Missions are so early in the morning and you don’t really know what stuff you can pick up there!)

And Grace, although obviously less supportive than Marides and Crispy, also hosted several Ann’s Days and attended the Rotary Strat Plan out of town. If she had any complaints, well, Coch kept it very well.

If I had less trust in my husband, I would seriously doubt this excuse called Rotary. When my friends ask where he is and I say "Rotary," they start laughing. Somehow I feel this is just the beginning, like a taste of things to come. Maybe by that time, I have already gotten used to with the exact events happening simultaneously. I just can’t see the civic work whenever there’s a cocktail party.

I know Rotary has many projects to help the less fortunate and I am all for that. I also don’t mind the Sunday Golf games with the "boys." I just can’t stand the unknown "hosting" here and there. That just screws up our social and sex life.

We both are so swamped with work, our house is in its most critical stage, not to mention the kids are constantly getting asthma attacks c/o our very polluted air – and there’s this Rotary presidency.

Maybe if the rest of the previous First Lady Anns had columns too, they also would have aired their grievances. So, on their behalf, I think I have complained enough. All I can say is, hold on to your marriage Carla, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Good Luck!