Wednesday, December 5, 2012

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 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.


    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.


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”






Tuesday, December 4, 2012

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!

Monday, December 3, 2012

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!!!!