My 2020

What a year it has been!

For most, if not all, it was not really a good year.

At the beginning of the year, I remember Taal Volcano erupted.  We are miles away from it but I remember it happening as a number of people are still reeling from the earthquakes in December 2019.  Classes were cut short and Christmas break came early at that time.  I remember the Taal Volcano eruption since Chesca's Kindermuisk classes had some changes to synchronize with their schedule in Manila.

I turned a year older in January.  All I can remember was that on the eve of my birthday, Chesca came to the room bringing a cake with a candle, which we blew together.  I cannot honestly recall how I spent my birthday.

February went on normally, although news about the Coronavirus started coming in.  JJ had to leave for Australia to study.

In the middle of March, classes were canceled. We stayed in our own house for about a week or two.  But when it became clear that the lockdown would be for a month or two, we decided to move to my parents' house as it is bigger and with more company, both for my parents and Chesca.

Our longtime helper was also asked by my Mom to leave due to misunderstandings.  So they were without any helper as well.

My second semester classes for Law School continued online.  I have already finished my classes and exams with my undergrad class for AdDU.  I was not able to give an exam for my UIC classes though.

Chesca did not have any issue staying at home for two months.  I think she enjoyed being with all of us, all day and night.

In April, we celebrated Chesca's 3rd Birthday party with a "Jungle Theme".  She still had fun with her stuff toy as her guests.  She enjoyed blowing her birthday candle several times and of course, opening her gifts.  I was so happy that I was still able to give her a themed birthday party.

During the two-month lockdown, I think I went out twice to buy stuff.  

Restrictions eased a bit by the middle of May .  I started reporting to the office.

I also got appointed as Assistant Dean of the AdDU - College of Law, which I am truly grateful.  I was not totally expecting it as it just came out of the blue.  I do remember that I received the news on Mother's Day.  

As the days went by, things got more busy with Law School as enrollment began.  Of course, a lot of transitioning happened with online delivery.  I had to attend meetings and training everywhere.  Add to the fact that I still had some lawyerly stuff to do.

Conducting online classes was not the easiest stuff to do, not to mention that I was handling 8 units for the first semester (What I was thinking?!?). Thankfully, I was able to manage all of it, though, I still have to finish checking the exams and submitting the final grades as of this writing.

I also had one undergrad with UIC.  It was not easy as well as I had to record all of my lectures.  The students did not have that much luxury being online with unstable internet connection and data consumption usage.  Yes, I talked to them and conducted exams wherein all I see are their profile pictures.  

Prior to the lockdown, Chesca started not wearing diapers during day time.  I wanted to use all her diapers first before to discontinue using it during night time.  But when I noticed that she does not pee on her diaper that much in the evening, I decided that it was about time.  So, it was in August were she started with no diapers at all.  It was such a breeze!  From the time she started not using diapers in the evening, I think she peed on the bed for less than 5 times.  At the onset, I brought her to pee in the middle of the night.  As the days progressed, she would also wake up and tell me she will go wee wee.  A few times, she went down the bed to go to the CR by herself (Of course, I noticed it and went with her).  

Chesca has her online classes as her school.  I think it does good for her.  But this is one thing that I had to juggle as well as I have to go home before her classes start at 4:00 pm, 3x a week.  Although, I am blessed that Johanna can cover for me at times.

Looking at Chesca watching Youtube videos of Disneyland and other places makes me sad as I want her to experience all of this.  We were supposed to go to London this December and I know how much she would have loved traveling.  I am really praying for better times, the sooner the better.

I still get teary eyed whenever I go to the mall and I see the Kidzoona and all those play areas closed and I can still all the toys.  

Watching and hearing the news are truly disheartening with the economic effect as a lot of people lost their income.  I continue to pray for better circumstances fo everyone.

Of course, there is that constant worry about this virus and constantly praying for protection for my family and friends all over the world.

Nonetheless, I am still grateful for our family is still surviving.  

Prior to the pandemic, I was extremely busy.  Things did not actually change after the two-month lockdown as I was still busy from May up to the present, maybe even more busy.

I am juggling things - taking care of my toddler, keeping our "room" clean and orderly, managing my classes and some administrative stuff, and coping up with my private practice.

I admit things have been hard between me and my spouse.  I am praying for things to be better.  

Here I am saying goodbye to 2020.  Yes, it was not that all bad for me.  I still do have a lot to thank for the year that was.  And I am so looking forward for better things this 2021!

My 2014 - Part 2

Here I am attempting to finish my post regarding my 2014.  So here goes my part 2:

MAY

And so my journey continued.  May was another month of trying times for the family, as  my sisters, Jeni and Bajeck, had to leave to Philippines.  I was continuously grateful for the Lord's strength for our whole family.

On the side note, I was able to meet up with my dear friends Lyn and Jinky, together with her one-day-she'll-be-famous daughter, Gaby.  We had dinner at Cafe Tavera and lo and behold, Gabby Concepcion right behind us.  I cannot remember if we were really shy or we just did not feel to have a picture of him.  So, here's our picture, with Gabby Concepcion in the background, with Gaby taking the pic.

Look for Gabby Concepcion!

In my pitiful attempt to stay healthy and lose weight, I tried zumba together with Jinky.  But it only lasted for a couple or weeks or so because a school semester was about to start and my nights are loaded.

Zumba lata with Bajenx!

JUNE

It was on the first day of the month when Atty. Emmanuel Accuna was pronounced death.  A lot were truly devastated and truly shocked and surprised.  To this day, I believe people are still finding answers for what really happened, who did it and why it happened.  To this day, I continue to pray for his justice.

The fondest memory I have of Emman was on the first day he took the bar exam.  I arrived early at the breakfast place to send warm wishes to the bar takers.  Emman gave me the biggest smile and I wish him best.  I shook his hands, and I was surprised that it was so cold.  Yes, the biggest smile with the coldest hand.  On January of 2014, we then had a talk how interested he was in taking the New York State Bar.  And I told him that I would help him out.

I think  June was really a time for me to reminisce my law school days as it was also a time when I got in touch with some of my law school friends.

Dinner with law school friends at Cafe Tavera (again!)

June was also a new adventure for me, teaching-wise.  For the first time, I was given teaching loads for Accountancy students of Ateneo de Davao University.  Exciting indeed!

JULY

 Work-life balance continued.  I had pleadings to finish and classes to hold.  I had dinner with friends and I also got to spend time with my relatives from my father's side.  My Auntie Didith, who is a nun, came from Italy and visited the Philippines.  For those who are familiar with my father, you'll notice that my dad and Auntie Didith look really alike.

 With Auntie/Sister Didith from Italy

Dinner with Jinky and Lyn again (one of the reasons I don't lose weight .. hehe)

Our family continued to overcome trials and I still thank GOD for always being there for us.  

My 2013 - Part I

Yes, this is indeed a late post.  But better late than never.

In fact, this is my first post for 2014.  Where was I for the first two months of the year? Ah, that would deserve another blog.

For now, here's a look back at how blessed I was last 2013.

JANUARY

I could say my 2013 started with a blast since I traveled to Cebu with one of my everdearest and longest friend, Elaine.  As she is very familiar with Cebu, she prepared an itinerary so that we could make the best out of our 2-day stay there.  Food, places and friendship celebrated indeed ...

Just as we arrived back in our hometown, Davao City, I remained busy with the IBP National Convention.  I was more than a participant since I was part of the Programme Committee, which was in-charge for the opening ceremonies and the evening programme.  I was some kind of an FBI agent on-stage/near the stage, since I was in full suit mode, with radio on hand and ear-piece.

I also turned 32 .. ooh, ooh, ooh!

FEBRUARY

Our family, together with Tita Grace got to experience the Venue Party Boat.  I have to remind myself to bring Allan here.

MARCH/APRIL

March and April were awesome as our family was complete for JJ's graduation.  Johanna was home from Australia while Jennifer and her cutest daughter, Ally, were also in town, all the way from US of A.  It has been years since we were complete.  I think, the last time was in 2005.

Words and pictures are not enough to show how happy and grateful I am with our family.

APRIL/MAY

After my sisters left, I was nevertheless busy with the remaining summer as I had my "racket" ... I taught summer classes in Law School.  It was no easy task since I have to prepare for it everyday, in addition the work I do at the office.  It is not really easy to prepare for a 2-hour class everyday, in law school at that.  And it was my first time to teach Business Organization 1 in Law School.  But, hey, I survived!

It was also in April when I decided to take the New York State Bar Exam .. as I have posted in my status before, "This is it!".  As such, I began reading (seriously).  Although, it was hard since I was also preparing for my class during these months.

I also volunteered during the election period.

JUNE

This time, I was in full mode for my review for the New York State Bar Exam.  Yes, I took time off from the office, although I go there once or twice a week just to do some work on urgent cases.  I spent my time studying at home.

I also made arrangements for my undergrad teaching load.  I asked permission to take time off for one semester but I'll be back by November.  The only load I accepted was my law school class, in which I had advance and make-up classes for lost time when I will be away in July and August.

And that is just the first half of my 2013 :)

October 2011

Ooooh .. October!

After a simple September, it was owesome October!

I was pretty much busy with the practices and preparation for the Presentation for the Law School Alumni Homecoming. Juggling the practices and soliciting for funds and buying snacks with work and teaching was quite a task.

But it all paid off since we placed first! Admittedly, I had my errors during the presentation itself. But looking at the video, hindi pala obvious .. buti na lang. We laughed our hearts off looking our presentation and being proud because it was really bongga! Hehe! More than that, I was happy that I get to hang out with law school friends as well as with Ma'am Aster and Ma'am Te ;) (Photos courtesy of Marlyn Europa & Le Photographe)

Another highlight of my October is seeing my Accountancy students pass the Board exams. Although I only taught them one subject, Negotiable Instruments, I was just so happy for them.

Of course, I could not blog October without letting the whole world now about the new borns - Clangski and Boss Ogie's Bamut, Ondi's baby and of course, my imported niece - Ally!

October was truly Owesome!