Thy Will be done...

“You must write every single day of your life... You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads... may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world.”                ― Ray Bradbury

Just My Two Cents

Just My Two Cents

Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life. - Brian Tracy 

     Communication may consequently be the most important activity of the human body next to breathing. It is the exchange of information between people, e.g. by means of speaking, writing, or using a common system of signs or behavior.  Communication is transferring information between one person and another. We can pass on our messages through speaking, writing, and gestures.

A simple smile,

 A frown, 

rolling of your eyes,

 and a mere pat on the back are some of the means of relaying our messages, thoughts and feelings to the people around us. We can also express it through 

a dance, 

an Art,

 Music,

 painting, 

and sculptures. 

Mechanical signs such as the traffic light or display of airplanes in formation are also illustrations of Communication, as it includes 

jewelry,

 cars, 

clothing, and other things to communicate social status, financial means, influence, or religion.    

Communication is a skill as it is interactive. We can become skilled at the four areas of communication that would empower our confidence and personality. Our Listening, Questioning, Clarifying & Responding skills are recognized, and our potentials will then be realized.

Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people. -Jim Rohn

    This semester, I'm teaching World Literature and Speech & Oral communication. One of my students’ requirements is to start up a blog. Imposing this is not a piece of cake for I’d have to consider their limitations and resources so as not to add up to their daily usual expenses. As of date, half of my students’ population signed up for a blog site (that gave them 50 bonus points for doing so). It is heartwarming as it is equally rewarding to see them converge creativity & focus as they manage their blog site by customizing the lay-out, and editing their corrected entries. Encouraging them to write and express their thoughts, feelings, frustrations, anger, happiness, and words in writing is equally gratifying as seeing your own blog soaring with followers and a lofty page views in a day.

 I started up a blog some 5 years ago and I have to say that I’m an occasional visitor of my own blog site. It is said that “You cannot give what you don’t have”. What could be a better way of imposing enthusiasm than indulging my way back to writing? I am neither an excellent writer nor a flawless & creative blogger; my page is boring and I never was an amiable raconteur.  (see blog site for more info) However, finding my way into my students’ newly constructed blog sites made me beam with pride as I see them getting busy in working on their entries (assignments, projects) and consciously raking their wits as they work on their impressive backgrounds and lay-outs. I feel good knowing that as of this time, their hours spent in Facebook-ing are minimal from the day they started up blogging.

“I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user. “ -Bill Gates 

As Communication comes into contact with every aspect of our lives, it is imperative and is necessary to develop quality interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships. Learning how to understand , appreciate, and enhance communication will perk up relationships with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones that will eventually improve physical, spiritual and emotional health and well being.

I’m living in a world far from my family. My elder sister is happily living in San Pablo with her brooding minions, while my Nanay and my 2 younger sisters are in NY. Thanks to SUN and magicJack, they make our lives easier with the limitless call (here & abroad) deal that they offer. I may not have a constant tête-à-tête with them but I know that I can effortlessly communicate with them anytime without difficulty. They may be a world away, but talking to them once in a while and venting out pieces and events of my day gives me the comfort that I always have them whenever I need them. Missing on the equation is my Father; as to where he is and what happened with the world are two different stories. It pains me to go into that place where I would have to tarnish a tear on the yellow dress that I’m wearing now.  The fact that this paper is all about communication, and I’m coursing my thoughts deliberately on the matter is just Ironic; as this element is the only thing that’s stopping me from being “the most happy” like Anne Boleyn. 

Note: This journal entry is in compliance with my English 203 (Advance Speech and Public Speaking) Class (Graduate School). As I end this note, allow me to share my mantra of which I disclose to all my students… and feel free to share your thoughts on this:

“It’s Not What You Say; It’s How You Say It”

Hello, Pablo!

  

  Hello, Pablo!

“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain.” ― Vivian Greene

     As we anticipate the madness of typhoon Pablo, we managed to go through the day with a lot to be thankful for.

For starters we have this:

    

      Personnel were expected to turn up for the day and so we did.  However, The early out gave us the luxury to spend a magnificent moment with enormous people and catch up with long-time friends. It looks like we have Pablo to be thankful for this.

       

     I did not mean to take pleasure on this perilous cloudburst, I just happen to catch sight of an interesting mechanism to deal with behind all these fright.

     The last Examination for 2012 is looming and I see a number of status updates lambasting Pablo for a different reason. Pablo obstructs their luck to take this opportune time to study because the books and the rest of the school stuff are all stocked and stuck in the locker. Now, it looks like the lockers will obtain the highest scores, kids! ( Bad, Pablo!)

     In a few hours, we may or we may NOT be subjected to this worrisome plight, yet I pray for safety… May our God protect us and keep us out of harm's way.

 Disclaimer: This post is not meant to berate, blogger just wishes to push the boat out of this ordeal.

Last Puff:

Be Safe, Beautiful People!

Of Friends and Fiends

Of Friends and Fiends

Every so often, we accidentally bump with an acquaintance--whom we normally exchange pleasantries with-- and would yield (that instant) to be a mind-popping encounter. For one thing, you’d be so engrossed in your usual pleasantries--that have escalated into some hush-hush chatter—that you’ll end up sharing a confidence that defies an iota of your personality because of the underlying fact that you don’t usually blather to a person that you’ve just chanced upon.

I love that bending moment when you’ve come to realize that your impression of a certain person is way different from that vague nitwit that you have indistinctively marked & plastered in your (occasional) judgmental mind. I admit it, I try NOT to speak (or think of) disparaging remarks to someone that I sized up in a blink, but that teeny-weeny mischievous sprite in me beats it.

I’m thankful for moments like these that strike a chord somewhere; for they are constant reminders that I am one person who is never perfect, yet on a regular basis, tries to do the right thing. (or so I thought) :p

There are also moments when you come across people whom you frequently tattle with—and end up getting cold shoulders. For some reasons, it makes you lose your wits. However, whenever you are in this situation, just remember these reasons that would soothe your patience and deem the conniving fiend that’s about to pester your mood—imbecile.

• ·         Remember: There is always a reason for everything! Go over the fact that your cranky fiend may be going through a lot. Fiend may not have enough money to procure some household needs that’s why fiend is so grumpy.
• ·         Fiend may have had a fight with a family, lover or neighbor, that’s why fiend’s day is ruined and fiend cannot give you a smile.
• ·         Fiend may not have been lavished for some time. Lavished may mean Loved, Cherished, Embraced, Cuddled, Hugged and *vulcanized for crying out loud. Yes, fiend may need that, I’m sure!
• ·         Fiend may have had a brawl over someone in the office because fiend believes that everyone is deficient and damaged except for—you know— fiend.

So, never in a day will you allow a fiend to devastate your pleasurable day just because a sweet kind smile cannot form on a fiend’s face---  

Pardon me; it’s that time of the month…so, 

Let Me Be!

A Vector Graphic of Me and the Axiom I Live by

A Vector Graphic of Me and the Axiom I Live by

                  -credit goes to my DMA student, Jay-vee P. Janea

 As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary

.-Ernest Hemingway

- work of art is from a virtual friend (haven't met him yet), who became a friend to me and with my 3 sisters. Thank you, Michael Cardenas

The Great Paradigm Shift

The Great Paradigm Shift

I always tell myself that when my life is slower, I’D TEACH. 

May it be a Providential Arrangement of Circumstances --or NOT: 

 I am now living my vision and yes, 

I AM TOO LEGIT, TOO LEGIT TO TEACH.

     An AB English grad- some years ago (with only 9 units of Education subjects) may not certainly be able to hurdle and attain another 21 units of additional Supplemental subjects --so as just to take the LET in just a matter of 10 months. 

     I have a lot on my plate-- for one thing I’m a Teacher, a Wife, a Mom, and a Student and it was  never easy--- yet, it is always rewarding as it is extremely gratifying once you’re in a place where you’re blissfully beaming with pride as you’re reaping what you have sown.

So here’s to my Family, Bestest friends, Co-teachers, Students, Friends, Classmates, and  Mentors: Cheers!

           To God be the Glory!!!!

God, If I can't have what I want, let me want what I have

God, If I can't have what I want, let me want what I have

I come by this quote a little earlier and I couldn’t help but smile. J 

     We all need this, the power to muster all our guts to master the art of contentment. 

      We can’t always get what we want and we can never suffice our worldly whimpering.  Let us all choose to be happy and not dwell on those weepy distractions that can absolutely destruct us. Live Life fully for we may not be here tomorrow to undo our muddle.  Carpe diem! 

Friday Morning Blessings

Friday Morning Blessings

Random impulses brought about by wonderful people around me filled my Friday morning. Allow me to share these blessings as I pass on these words to you. This is an excerpt from Og Mandino's book, The Greatest Salesman in the World. I am certain that God moved in one of His mysterious ways-- again to send me this message.. now let me share a confidence.

The Scroll Marked X

    Who is of so little faith that in a moment of great disaster or heartbreak has not called to his God? Who has not cried out 
when confronted with danger, death, or mystery beyond is normal experience or comprehension? From where has this deep instinct come, which escapes from the mouth of all living creatures in moments of peril? 

First Light Bounty..

     Move your hand in haste before another’s eyes and his eyelids will blink. Tap another on his knee and his leg will jump. Confront another with dark horror and his mouth will say, “My God” from the same deep impulse. 

     My life need not be filled with religion in order for me to recognize this greatest mystery of nature. All creatures that walk the earth, including man, possess this instinct, this gift? 

     Are not our cries a form of prayer? It is not incomprehensible in a world governed by nature’s laws to give a lamb, or a mule, or a bird, or man the instinct to cry out for help lest some great mind has also provided that the cry should be heard by some superior power having the ability to hear and to answer our cry? Henceforth I will pray, but my cries for help will only be cries for guidance. 

     Never will I pray for the material things of the world. I am not calling to a servant to bring me food. I am not ordering an innkeeper to provide me with room. Never will I seek delivery  of gold, love, good health, petty victories, fame, success, or happiness. Only for guidance will I pray, that I may be shown the way to acquire these things, and my prayer will always be answered. 

     The guidance I seek may come, or the guidance I seek may not come, but are not both of these an answer? If a child seeks bread from his father and it is not forthcoming has not the father answered? If a child seeks bread from his father and it is not forthcoming has not the father answered? 

I will pray for guidance, and I will pray as a salesman, in this manner— 

Oh creators of all things, help me. For this day I go out into the world naked and alone, and without your hand to guide me I will wander far from the path, which leads to success and happiness.

 I ask not for gold or garments or even opportunities equal to my ability; instead, guide me so that I may acquire ability equal to my opportunities. 

You have taught the lion and the eagle how to hunt and prosper with teeth and claw. Teach me how to hunt with words and prosper with love so that I may be a lion among men and an eagle in the market place. 

Help me to remain humble through obstacles and failures; yet hide not from mine eyes the prize that will come with victory. 

Assign me tasks to which others have failed; yet guide me to pluck the seeds of success from their failures. Confront me with fears that will temper my spirit; yet endow me with courage to laugh at my misgivings. 

Spare me sufficient days to reach my goals; yet help me to live this day as though it be my last. 

Guide me in my words that they may bear fruit; yet silence me from gossip that none be maligned. 

Discipline me in the habit of trying and trying again; yet show me the way to make use of the law of averages. Favor me with alertness to recognize opportunity; yet endow me with patience, which will concentrate my strength. 

Bathe me in good habits that the bad ones may drown; yet grant me compassion for weaknesses in others. Suffer me to know that all things shall pass; yet help me to count my blessings of today. 

Expose me to hate so it not be a stranger; yet fill my cup with love to turn strangers into friends. 

But all these things be only if thy will. I am a small and a lonely grape clutching the vine yet thou hast made me different from all others. Verily, there must be a special place for me. Guide me. Help me. Show me the way. 

Let me become all you planned for me when my seed was planted and selected by you to sprout in the vineyard of the world. 

 Help this humble salesman. 
Guide me, God. 

I stumbled upon my blog—that seemed to be dead for more than 3 years—and I felt wistful & thrilled to know that indeed, my thoughts are obscured as the “Eclectic Panorama”.