Happiness ...

Happiness

... is a family gathering

... is a friend who sees to it if I'm doing ok

... is a friend who calls to ask if anything is wrong

... is a friend who sends an advice

... is when things are appreciated

... is when people are grateful

... is when I am able to express my thoughts

... is when I am able to sing a song played on the radio or MYX

... is when I get to watch my favorite TV shows

... is when I able to do so much in so little time

... is when I feel I am blessed

I am happy. I am ok :)

One True Thing

Someone asked me before what is it I dislike in a person.

I had a hard time answering. I can't even remember what my answer was.

With the turn of events, I realized that I don't like those who lie to me.

I can handle those who stab me in the back (I think). That is their opinion. I don't have much power to change that.

But I when it comes to someone deliberately lying to me, that would be a totally different story.

I do not insist that others tell me everything. If they have stuff they are not willing to share, I would not probe. I know when to stop, most of the time.

But people who make up stories when they don't need to disappoint me. Hate maybe too strong a word. But it disappoints me. It frustrates me.

I know I am not much of an emotional person. I do not invest much on my emotions.

I do not trust people that easily. Trusting for me is a complicated thing.

I trust that people act and do the things they do in good faith. I do not assume bad faith in the exercise of their functions and in the performance of their duties .. hehe. But I do not trust others easily when it comes to what I think, what I feel and what I believe in. I keep it between myself and GOD most of the times. But, yes, I do share every now and then.

When someone shares something or tells a story to me and they tell me it's the truth, then, I believe it.

And so, when I know that all of those were untrue, I am disappointed. Maybe hurt. But not angry. I think I am not angry.

I am frustrated because I do not know what to believe anymore. I do not know if all those stories told were true.

I am a complicated person. But this is me.

No apologies needed. That's how I deal with things.

I stll have much to do assessing what all of this is about.

For now, things will be different.

Series of Events

I am currently in a state where there is a lot of stuff to do and a lot of stuff to think about.

There's law school.

Our exams are scheduled up until the last week of November. Good luck na lang jud sa amin. So far, I am very thankful because I have passed, with decent grades, all the exams that were already turned to us. I was happy as to my 82 in our first exam in Tax. I was expecting a 62. I was extremely happy with my 92 in our second exam. I did not expect it. It was too high for my expectation. And to think all my answers were correct in the second part wherein I expected the worst.

And of course, we still have recitations and quizzes and all those cases to digests. Swerte na lang din siguro ako since I have classmates to depend on when it comes to case digests. As in, contribute gyud. Joint effort! When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. We're all in this together .. so high school musical!

Then, there's all those weekends - from the bar exams to Dean's death and my lolo's death. I am quite thankful that I think I am doing well holding up my self in school and in life in general.

I had to make-up for all those study hours that I have missed due to such events. But I am quite thankful because I think I have been able to do well despite my circumstances. Dean and lolo would have been proud of me.

I thank my classmates as well who attended my lolo's wake. I really did not expect anyone from school to come since they do not really know my lolo. But they did. I also thank those who extended their sympathies and always made sure that I am doing well.

I am also thankful for those who appreciate all the stuff that I was able to do. I am not expecting anything in return except maybe some respect. But I pray that there will be no issues and all those stuff because things are pretty ok with me.

Then, there was our exam in our tax this morning. I think my 2nd exam was better, to think that our third exam was more of past exam questions. I was only able to review it only once. I didn't remember that much. I pray we did well.

And then, there's me .. all those things going through over my head, little stuff, big stuff.

I am thankful that I am still sane, or maybe I just think I am.

Lolo

He was 84.

My Lolo Harding, the father of my mom, passed away last October 5. I wasn't expecting that he'd leave us on that day. But yes, there were signs. Even my lolo was prepared for his time.

Here is the speech I made, delivered by my brother, during the funeral mass for my lolo:

Good morning everyone.

I know we are all grieving today for my Lolo Harding has passed away. But I know wherever he is now he’s happy and contented with what he has left us. I’m sure each and every one of you here today has something to share on how my lolo touched your life.

As for me, I grew up having my grandparents lived near our home. Lolo Harding was known to my elder sisters as Lolo Ipil since they still lived in Agdao before. Later on, he was known to us, the younger apos, as Lolo Emerald, named after the street where they live in Ecoland. It was pretty convenient for me to have my grandparents near our home since we could visit them whenever we want to.

I always welcome those events when we gather for special occasions such as Christmas or New Year or even those ordinary Sundays. But I guess those annual birthday celebrations would always be special. I remember most especially his last birthday where we celebrated his turning into 84 years old. That was his last birthday.

I will always remember those times when we visit lolo and lola, they always ask us if we have eaten and always lets us know that we could get Pop Cola from their tindahan.

For us, his apos, lolo throws a funny line to us every now and then. If we are on our way home after visiting them, he tells us that he will first call his helicopter so that his helicopter can bring us home. Until now, we do not where his helicopter is.

During the last month or so, he asked for sumptuous food – crabs, shrimps, lechon, barbeque, humba, among others. I was also happy because that meant that we would have more of those delicious food often than before. My lolo even managed to crack a joke when my sister brought crabs. He said that his doctor told him that he is allergic to crabs. Well, we knew he was joking since he was the one who ordered crabs and he is the one “allergic” to doctors.

With my age, I have not much to tell on how Lolo Harding lived his life before I became I part of his life. But I am pretty sure that I am thankful he became a part of my life.

I know that he lived well. As any other ordinary human being, he has his misdeeds, just like any human being and just like any one of us here today. And I know he has made amends with the One above. We may no longer see him but we’ll always have these special moments we shared with him. He will always have a special place in our hearts. I hope that we will always remember the good times we spend with him: remember his smile, remember him happily and remember him often.

On behalf of my lola and the entire family, I want to thank everyone here to celebrate my Lolo Harding’s life. Many of you came from deep distances and we are very appreciative. Thank you also to all of you who called, wrote, or visited over the past several days. The outpouring of love and affection displayed to my Lolo Harding has been overwhelming and a source of comfort to my family.

As to my lolo, we love you. You will always be missed.

Thank you.

Obstacles

I am on a blog roll!

But I shouldn't be. I have tons of stuff to do. But here I am!

We just had our Bus Org 2nd exam. I had two questions which I don't think I had the right answers. I flip-flopped.

I guess what frustrates me is that the other one was a case of which I have read. Unfortunately, I forgot the ruling again. Oh, well!

Good thing that the 15 acts wherein a special power of attorney is required was asked. That sort of uplifted my spirit since I really wanted it be asked since it's the only provision I truly memorized and it's worth 30 points.

Oh, well .. that's life. I have to move on.

There are more obstacles to overcome :)

A Life Well Lived

Dear Dean,

Thank you.

Thank you for the lives you have inspired.

Thank you for being one of the major reasons why Ateneo De Davao - Law School stands out.

Thank you for waiting for me to be your student.

Thank you for your passion for teaching.

Thank you for our Civ Pro, Prov Rem and Rule 65 - Certiorari discussions.

Thank you for fervently and meticulously checking our exam paper.

Thank you for letting us know the 4Cs - correct, concise, clear and complete.

Thank you for reminding me to use spaces in between paragraphs.

Thank you for letting us take a class picture with you.

Thank you for your prize to us for being the over-all champs in the Conflicts of Law.

Thank you for attending our victory party.

Thank you for attending that conferment on your last day at school.

Thank you for that last class in Prov Rem/SCA, even though you were tired on that day.

Thank you for I topped the last exam you checked and gave in Civ Pro.

Thank you for the lectures.

Thank you for that last exam in Prov Rem, though I would have loved that you check it.

Thank you for making us responsible for our actions and always be ready.

Thank you for encouraging me more to go the distance.

Thank you because you made me excited for an exam.

Thank you for inspiring a number of people.

Thank you for a life well lived :)

Post Ops : Bar Ops

This is definitely a post-ops blog!

September is the month of bar exams. I was sort of living a jet-setter life when I went to Manila in a span of two weeks!

I was there for the second week of exam. I was happy that I was able to help out and experience helping out in the bar exams. I got there Saturday evening and left for Davao Monday morning. I attended classes in the same evening and slept from 10 pm to 9 am the next day. Yes, I lacked sleep when I was in Manila. Aside from the fact that I had to wake up early, I also stayed late catching up with my friend :)

Oh, my Manila experience would not be complete if I would miss out in seeing celebrities.

I love Bonifacio High Street and Serendra! The shops, the fountain, the grass, the open area .. very nice. I like the fact that people were having fun out there babies and pets in tow.

Well, Rachel Alejandro, Christian Bautista, Paolo Abrera, Bobby Garcia and Beth Tamayo got to see me .. hehe

But the biggest surprise I had was when Juday saw me and I saw Ryan.

My gosh! Juday is pretty and really glowing! I could not blame her .. hello! si Ryan Agoncillo ata boyfriend niya .. hehe!

My friend said that Juday must be really caring that's why Ryan fell for her.

I said I can compete with Juday when it comes to being caring. But I can't compete with her being beautiful .. hehe. Honest man ako!

Ryan, on the other hand, did not reach my expectation. Maybe I had high expectations. Maybe I was just so amazed how pretty Juday is that I forgot about Ryan .. hehe

Anyway, I guess you can call that closure :)

And so, I went back to Manila on the last week of the bar exams.

We were around 14 students in the Cebu Pacific flight that I took. Unfortunately, I was not able to win those memo pads .. hehe

Anyhow, this trip was less strenous as I had just enough sleep.

Iwas ecstatic that I had the chance to see up close and hear Elliot Yamin. I was all by myself in Glorietta, but I didn't care. I waited for over an hour. I didn't move from my place since I had a pretty good view and I am pretty sure I would lose it once I leave.

So, what did I do while waiting? I opened my Bus Org book and studied, with matching dermatographs .. hehe

The next day was the final day of exam.

Now, that was fun! It was nice to be there to experience it and be part of all the picture taking .. hehe. I woke up at 3 am, arrived at our headquarters at 4 am, run some errands in between and left the headquarter at around 7 pm. Slept for an hour and then left for the LA party just before 10 pm.

The LA party was ok was well. I am grateful that we have lawyers who are willing to shell out a few bucks so we could all party :)

The next day was my Mall of Asia day, by myself again .. haha! And of course, I studied for an hour at Subway (hai .. for the love of law school!)

Monday night was fun as I get to hang out with Han and company. While waiting, I studied at Mocha Blends (Awardan na jud ko ani ba!) We had dinner at Dencio's and had the time of our life singing and dancing while on a "cruise". We went on a cruise wherein we were the only passengers. We felt we were rich. We had some videoke time and dancing with matching choreography as well. O, ha!

Tuesday was UP day! At last, naka-abot na rin ako sa UP. Siyempre, pa-picture jud ko sa Oblation .. hehe

The night was spent dinner with friends and comedy bar with classmates.

We had a great time at the comedy bar. But I was confused if nalingaw ko or nainsecure. Those gays had great voices and some of them are more pretty than me .. haha!

I am so thankful with the bar ops trip. And I thank God that rain didn't dampen the mood. And I thank God profusely for keeping me safe despite taking those cabs alone late at night .. hehe. Malakas jud ako kay Lord :)

Oh, well! That is my post-ops. I guess I have recovered already :)

Consistently Inconsistent

I told one of my classmates that I try to be consistently inconsistent.

For me, this means that I am unpredictable.

It is pretty hard when I try to create this image that this is me. It is quite hard because that means once I deviate, people will notice and will make a fuss over it.

Take for example - the way I dress.

I am not a fashionista. I am most comfortable with shirt, jeans and pair of rubber shoes. My comfortable boots come in handy, too. But I do comply with dress codes. I do not have difficulty when it comes to conformity.

Nevertheless, no matter how I try to be unpredictable, there will always be that part that I am expected to be just because of precedence.

Today, I was in my formal get-ups. Yup, formal blouse, boots and black pants with belt. I was in my "going to work" outfit. But I just found it funny when people started to notice that I had a belt on, that I was wearing this attire.

Actually, I try to wear my formal outfits every now and then so that I could still use my office clothes. Anyhow, I also decided on that outfit since I was going to report in our Bus Org .. hehe.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that no matter how I try to be consistently inconsistent, other people will always have that certain perception of me. I have been wearing formal get-ups every now and then since I was in first year law school. Some people just didn't notice it. I do wear that kind of outfit every now and then.

This just means that I may be consistently inconsistent in my own eyes, but I radiate a consistent attitude or personality or aura when I deal with others. Yes, this goes beyond the way I dress.

Yes, I am pretty sure that there will be never-ending hirits when they see me all dressed up - make-up, no eyeglasses, dress .. the total make-over. I do have had offers of make-overs from a few people. When the right occasion comes up .. perhaps .. hehe

For now, I still try to be consistently inconsistent ... even if only within my own perception :)

Weird

I find myself really weird.

Here are 5 reasons why I know I am weird:

1. I tuck my shirt when I go to sleep (insert na kung insert). Laugh all you want .. hehe!
2. I read out loud my reply in text messages sometimes. Yup, I do not just read the text messages I receive out loud. As in, if my reaction is "ngek! naunsa?" you will probably here it from me as I am "typing" my message.
3. I do not drink coffee and alcoholic drinks. Yes, I have tasted them .. that's why I don't drink them ... haha! But I do drink those icy cold fruity choco frappes whatever. I think they are coffee. I do sip to taste test a new drink. Yes, I have taken a drink or two out of respect but I have never been drunk, not even close. But that's about it. A number of people I know ask how am I doing in law school without drinking coffee. I don't know. I try to sleep 6 to 8 hours a day. If there's an exam the next day, 5 hours should be good. I know, coffee is an anti-oxidant. Oh well .. I do love regular Coke though! But I don't drink it to keep me wide awake.
4. I eat candies during exams, preferably Snow Bear. If Snow Bear is not available, any menthol candy. I have been doing this since I was in high school. I had candies when I took the CPA board exam. I think I am allowed to eat them during the bar exam .. I hope!
5. I used to be a thumbsucker. When I was in Grade Four, I still found myself sucking my thumb in school ... nge talaga! After when I noticed that, and I think my Grade 4 teacher noticed it, too (bless her soul), I stopped doing it in school. I think I was in first year high school when I totally stopped doing it. Until now, I can't figure why I was such a thumbsucker. They say thumbsuckers are insecure people. I don't think I am insecure. But maybe I am. I do not just know it. I remembered when I was around 8 years old and my aunt rubbed "sili" on my thumb. I put sugar on it just so I could suck it, pero halang gihapon. They said that my thumb would deform. It did not. My left thumb is doing ok, with no traces of being abused over a number of years .. hehe

These are just a few of my quirks. There is a lot of stuff that I can still share, probably weirder than these 5.

I think there is no one in this world who really knows the whole me. Although, I know that what people see in me is the real me.

Hay ...

Hay ...

Kung kailan nag-decide ako na hindi ako mag-unlimited text,
saka ang daming nagtetext na ayaw ko naman na hindi ako magrereply.

Kung kailan ako lumipat ng pila dahil sa tingin ko mas mabilis dun,
saka naman mas mabilis dun sa pila na pinanggalingan ko.

Kung kailan naka-plano na ang gagawin ko sa buong araw,
saka may ibang bagay na kailangan isingit.

Kung kailan ang daming kailangang pag-aralan para sa exam,
saka naman ang dami ring kaso na kailangan basahin.

Kung kailan ko nabasa iyong kaso at lumabas sa exam,
saka ko nakalimutan ang ruling sa kaso.

Kung kailan ayaw ko tumulong,
saka may mga tao na hindi ko mahindi-an.

Kung kailan ayaw ko magpa-distorbo,
saka may gugulo sa akin.

Hay ...

Heroes

After waiting for a number of weeks, I got the chance to watch the Season 1 Finale of Heroes.

Well, I already got a chance to watch the 22 episodes and somehow, my sister and I wasn't able to get a copy of the final episode of Season 1.

Thanks to RPN 9, we got to watch the Season Finale Tonight.

And I was so happy!

Actually, I was in a panic mode when we found out that RPN is showing The Siege. What? It was already 8 pm. The movie, according to the schedule, was supposed to be shown at 9.

After watching a scene, I thought that the movie was about the end. And then, the credits showed. Yehey! Heroes na jud!

I was happy and ecstatic with the finale. Of course, there is the typical cliffhanger thing. But that is okay with me because that is in the tradition of Heroes.

Anyway, I got these quotable quotes from http://www.tv.com/heroes/how-to-stop-an-exploding-man/episode/1008067/trivia.html.

Mohinder: (opening narration) Where does it come from? This quest?
This need to solve life's mysteries when the simplest of questions can never be answered.
Why are we here? What is the soul? Why do we dream?
Perhaps we'd be better off not looking at all. Not delving, not yearning.
But that's not human nature, not the human heart. That is not why we are here.
Yet still we struggle to make a difference, to change the world, to dream of hope.
Never knowing for certain who we will meet along the way.
Who among the world of strangers will hold our hand. Touch our hearts.
And share the pain of trying.

-oOo-

Peter: I’m not saying it’s not tragic for you, I’m just saying…y’know, death is the one thing that connects us all. It reminds us that what’s really important is who we’ve touched, and y’know, how much we’ve given. It makes us realize that we have to be good to one another.
See your father, he’s the real hero. Not me.

-oOo-

Charles: I look in Peter’s eyes, I see compassion, empathy, but most of all I see hope.
This world won’t be saved on strength, what it really needs is heart, and that means Peter.

-oOo-

Charles: Because there has to be one that’s good, there always has.
And your heart has the ability to love unconditionally.
Like I told you, in the end all that really matters is love.

-oOo-

Claire: (about the bomb) This is insane! Nothing is inevitable!
The future is not written in stone!

-oOo-

Mohinder: So much struggle for meaning, for purpose and in the end we find it only in each other. How we share experience of the fantastic and the mundane. The simple human need to find a kindred, to connect and to know in our hearts ... that we are not alone.

-oOo-

Mohinder: We dream of hope, we dream of change, fire, of love, of death ... then it happens, the dream becomes real, and the answer to this quest is need to solve life's
mysteries finally shows itself, like the glowing light of the new dawn ...

I Am Happy

I am happy because ...

... we just had our exam in Evidence

... even though most exam questions were not previously asked,

at least, I have an idea of what I feel I ought to write

... even though my answer could be wrong, I felt that I really studied for our exam

... our class case digests seem to have helped us in our exam

... our group study or discussions seem to have paid off (hopefully!)

... people around me, in school or at home, look out for each other

... I feel I am on the right track. Just imagine, I just had my exam and I was already thinking of what I will be studying when I get home.

Unfortunately, I am already at home and I still haven't started studying anything.

Oh well, just taking a break!

Again

Another day at law school, another day of recitation for our labor relations class.

This is my third time to be called for recitation in our Lab Rel.

Everytime I get called, I pray that I would be able to get 75. Just 75. That would do.

For now, I do not have any idea what my grade in our recitation was.

Oh well, I almost made it quite okay today. Unfortunately, I bungled up with the cases, of which I have painstakingly digested (as in literally and figuratively).

Why do I not get some questions when it's my turn to recite in class?

Why do I get confused and get dazed with ma'am's questions?

Why do I get nervous?

Hahai ....

And for the third time in Lab Rel, I sort of failed myself again. Still not quite!

And again, not that I am complaining, I was "interrogated" with love life questions while waiting for our teacher.

Just the same, I gave the same answers ... hehe ...

Coincidence

Coincindences, great or small, amazes me.

I need not necessarily know the reason why such things happen or what they mean. All I know is that they happen.

It's great to know that you do things just because you want to.

Sounds vague?

There are times in law school where I take time to read bar questions and reviewers. I do not retype them all the time.

When we took up Obligations and Contracts back in first year, I took the liberty of looking for bar exam questions related to our topics for our third exam. I re-typed it, along with some questions from reviewers, and shared it. I think there were at least 3 questions that were asked from that compilation. Most of my classmates were also happy since they remembered the answers to those questions. I was happy for them. I was happy for me.

Unfortunately, there were just 14 of us who passed that subject :(

Whenever there is an opportunity and I have read all the basic stuff which I planned to read, I do enjoy group studies. It makes me remember things easily. In group studies I joined, there were questions that were asked that I was thankful that we were able to discuss it.

Last week, I also compiled bar questions for Provisional Remedies. Two questions came up in our exam. My classmates noticed. Some of them got the answer. I was happy.

The other class had their exam on Evidence last Saturday. Since I am still a "concerned citizen" as to my former classmates, I asked my former classmate "why is the best evidence rule a misnomer?", just to try if he already studied. I did not know the answer at that time but I asked him to look for it.

Anyway, I also told another former classmate if she had a compilation of UP Bar Questions. She said that she has. I checked it. I told her it did not include "the misnomer question". I gave her a copy since I had it photocopied.

I don't know what made me ask that question to them. I just did. It was the kind of question that constantly lingered on my mind. To think that it was not for my exam. And to think that I can't remember the answer to that question right now.

That question came up. I was happy because they knew the answer. I pray that they answered it satisfactorily.

I hope they did well. I hope we did well.

There are things that we notice because they make a big deal.

We notice these coincidences because they strike us.

If I would have asked 30 questions and none of it came out, it would not be as much as a big deal if 2 questions from such compilation were asked in an exam.

It's all about perspective.

It's all about how we view things.

It's all about our choice to take a look.

It's all about what we think matters to us.

That's when we notice these coincidences!

Veronica Mars

I was able to catch an episode of Veronica Mars the other day.

I am not an avid viewer of this show but I do watch it if had some time to kill and there are no better shows on TV.

Anyway, the detective stories - the racist and the drinking under the legal age - were quite okay.

But I am more interested in sharing Veronica's love life ... hehe.

Please pardon if I am not so familiar with the characters.

Anyhow, Veronica and Logan already broke up. Logan is already dating someone. This someone invites Veronica to her birthday celebration, which I believe was held at Logan's pad. And so, to show that she is not bitter and cool with everything, Veronica agrees to attend the party. She also asks her two friends to be her wingmen, para hindi naman siya magmukhang kawawa na siya lang mag-isa. Wallace says ok. The other guy hesitates, then, says ok. Wallace says that he thought he was going somewhere. And the other guy says that it was all right. Wallace mentions something about going in and not taking things in stride - something to that effect. He explains that this guy friend seems to be one of those who watches others play poker and thinks that he is actually playing poker. Wallace tells him to just go in.

Wallace and the other guy actually attended the party but they came ahead of Veronica. Anyhow, Veronica had conversations with Logan and the birthday celebrator. A cake was presented by Logan, with a picture of him and the birthday celebrator. When Veronica was given a slice of the cake, she got that portion with Logan's face on it - irony of all irony.

Veronica is pestered by some other guy. Off she goes to her other guy friend and asked her to pretend that he is her boyfriend. And the other guy, thus, pretends.

Wallace comes to Veronica and asks her not to lead this other guy friend because he will get hurt in the end.

And so Veronica gets to talk to other guy friend. He doesn't say anything and kisses Veronica and leaves.

On the way out, Wallace asks the guy friend if he's okay ... he says "he went in". He was smiling.

Veronica went after him at the elevator and asks him why he left. The other guy says that he should leave since the night could not end better. Veronica kissed her.

The elevator door opens. Logan sees them kissing.

Oh, see! Interesting scenario indeed. I am not sure where it leads and I am not sure if I will be able to see the next episode.

But that was pretty ok.

Don't get me wrong. I am still not a romantic person.

I just felt that the circumstances and scenarios in that episode were quite interesting!

Worst Case Scenario

Actually, it was not just a scenario. The worst thing actually happened.

Our exam for Prov Rem was scheduled initially scheduled today. However, our beloved Dean was rushed to the hospital last Sunday.

Of course, I was one of those who fervently prayed for his recovery. I actually prayed to the Lord "na bahala na mag-exam, ma-ok lang si Dean." I am pretty sure everybody has a high regard for Dean. Our Civ Pro last sem with him made me thankful that I became his student. (Sayang lang because I had a number of classmates who failed .. but that's another story) And I was, nevertheless, still happy because he is our professor in our Provisional Remedies class.

Last Wednesday, some of us in class decided to visit him at the hospital. He was still in ICU. We took our turns seeing him since only one visitor is allowed at one time. When it was my turn, I just told him to get well soon and that we all miss him. And then, he asked, through some sort of sign language and mouthing of words, if ngayon ba exam ko?".

DEAN talaga si dean. He was still in ICU but he was still thinking about our exams. We thought that it would not push through. And when Dean asked me such action, all I could say was "bukas pa Dean". That was our conversation.

And so, we were fervently praying that it would not push through today. But it did.

There was some miscommunication and misunderstanding. I just pity those who could have done better if we were better prepared, especially our president who tried all means to move the exam. Thanks for the effort, I appreciate it.

Anyhow, I just find it weird that I was accepted the verdict that our exam would push through. I wasn't able to study as much as I shoul and as much as I need to.

If there was any silver lining, there were around 3 questions in the Prov Rem Bar Questions which I researched and prepared. I pray it helped the others as well.

I am not sure why I was calm. I am like that when I know I can't do anything about the situation. Maybe because I was estopped ... I already prayed for Dean's recovery and I already told Dean that we would have the exam on Thursday. I also jokingly told my classmate that the reason why we had no teachers last Wednesday is because our exam would push through tonight. It did.

In the end, I did forget a number of things.

Right now, I am not pretty sure how good I feel about that exam.

Right now, I don't feel to great with the two exams I had, the other one is Tax.

I have to make bawi soon before it is too late.

Hai .. law school !

So Real

**This blog was written last Saturday (July 21)

I may not be that burned out anymore. I still have things to do but I am, nevertheless, ok.

As always, so many things have happened since my last blog. I guess this was obvious with no new blog.

Anyhow, I am somehow relieved that I am not one of our class officers.

Kapoy naman gud. Sabi nga ni Dolphy, "Madali lang tumakbo. Papano kung manalo?"

Being a class officer is somehow a big deal in law school (although I don't really know why .. hehe). There are people who are meant to be officers at this stage in school. I already had my share and that was good enough for me. For people who know me for the longest time, (in short, since grade 1) you probably know the reason why.

Gustohin ko mang maging mascot, walang ganung posisyon. Gustohin ko mang maging muse, as if, kelangan ata ng prince charming .. san ako kukuha nun?

Election in law school is quite different. There is basically no nomination. Basta yung top 4 lang, yun na ang president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. And then, the respective organizations would have their line-ups.

Masaya na ako sa kung ano ang involvement ko outside of my personal studies. There's my organization and that whole transcription thing. And then, there's the 3-SR Acad Com so to speak .. haha! Classmate ko nagdesignate ng title, hindi ako ha! 3-SR section namin. Hindi nga ako officer ... sa acad com naman. At least walang pressure ...

As of press time, I am not aware of any comments ka-feeling ko naman na ako pa mismo mag-decline ng position. Heller! Ano ako mag-suicide? hehe. There may be some people who would think that I am "plastic" by saying that I am "not-so-real" by saying that I am not interested. Oh well, that's their opinion.

Last night, I had dinner with 4 of my guy classmates. O di ba, one of the boys! hahaha ... Dinner, akala mo formal, eh P37 lang iyong dinner ko na sisig with rice plus mountain dew. Mukhang natuwa naman sila sa aming Buzz session na parang ako ang artista ... haha! May mga sagot din ako na mala-Ms. Universe. But it does not mean that I am not telling the truth. Eh sa iyon talaga ang sagot ko sa tanong. Salamat naman and naniwala ang mga classmates ko ... hehe!

Sometimes, it is frustrating to hear people comment on others not being real because it makes me think what is being real?

There's this common misconception, in my perspective that is, that being real means that you should blurt out all your sentiments to the world and that being real means that you should get angry.

I don't really think so. If that would be the definition, then, I may be a "not-so-real" person.

You see, I keep things within myself. Yes, I seldom get angry. If I do, I can brush it off after a few minutes. I am a social person. I can eat merienda with anyone I know in law school, as long as I am invited. If there are misunderstandings, I am sometimes caught in the middle. I say my opinion, but I do not blurt what has been told to me with secrecy.

I may not be the most real person to some other people. I admit that I am a people pleaser. But, that does not mean I am a "fake". What you see is what you get. If I am hurt or angry, I keep my feelings and just pray. Yes, I could die of it ... hehe. Basta, I just let things pass and pray that things will be okay the next day.

We'll have our tax exam this Sunday ... and here I am ... hahaha ;)

Tax Exam namin sa Sunday. And eto ako ... haha ...

Burned Out

I am currently burned out.

You can't blame me. I am only human and I am bound to get tired, not only born to make mistakes ... hehehe

Yesterday and today's events somehow ate up my energy.

Yesterday, we had a quiz in Labor Relations for a good 35 minutes. Right after that, we had our lecture cum recitation for an hour. I was not yet able to assess myself how I did in our quiz and then I have to be listen intently to the lecture because I may be called anytime.

For our quizzes in Labor Relations, one has to memorize. I tried. But somehow, come quiz time, some things just slip right off my head. Hai na lang ...

Then, today, we had a 130-item quiz in Taxation. That would be 79 items of true and false. There's that 35 item "do you know your constitution" thing wherein we have to state the section and article in constitution where such principle is provided for. And then there 26 items identification. I was definitely drained.

For our quiz in tax, I tried to memorize that constitution thing. But, then again, all those numbers got mixed in the way ... wrong combinations of sections and articles. I hope I can make it up in the true or false questions.

If that's enough, there's that constant concern in scheduling our exams. We can't help if there are times that our schedules would not jibe. We can't help if we are put in tight situations wherein we could not say no to our professor. To think that we are just beginning to schedule our exams .... oh, well!

And there's that thought in my mind on the situation I am in -

of putting myself out there,

of making them think that I can do a lot of stuff.

Sometimes, I am put in a situation where I can't say no.

Sometimes, others have to understand I am no superwoman.

I just do those stuff because I can and people expect me to do such.

I know I can always say no.

For now, I just need some time off.

For now, I am thankful that despite all these, people still see me smile. That despite the wrinkles on my forehead and the close encounters of my eyebrows, people notice that I still smile. I appreciate it because it means that despite my worry, in my heart I am probably ok because I am still smiling .. without me taking notice of it.

Tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is Harry Potter's Day.

That's the break I need.

I Love My Life

For the first time, I will talk about my being single.

I have been asked, probably a hundred times, as to how is my love life.

I have answered back, probably a hundred times as well, "I love my life!".

I should register that as my trade mark.

It's not easy being asked why am I still single. But I have gotten used to it.

My answers vary.

If I had the answer to that question, I have already written a book and made money out of it.

I am still single because Ryan Agoncillo or Keanu Reeves hasn't seen me yet.

I am still single because I am not looking.

I am still single because there is no one.

Yes, I am still single with a clean slate.

I never had a boyfriend.

I have never been courted.

I have never made any first moves.

And I never felt I am incomplete just for that reason.

Others try to give answers for me.

I am unreachable - huwaat!

My standards are high. What standards!

The guys are just blind. And probably deaf!

I am just insensitive. Duh!

I am prone to all those teasings. People do that for fun.

I am ok with it as long as I know that nobody gets offended in any way.

Friends, classmates, teachers, and even my mom's friends. They ask such questions.

I am not bothered nor irritated. I am quite amused.

If you have met me in person, you'll know why I feel great despite not having that love life.

I am blessed.

I love my life!

I hope you do, too!

Go With The Flow ...

It has almost been a month since school started. Right now, I am just going with the flow ....

-oOo-

I have been busy with the transcriptions.

I am not complaining because I am up to the challenge. I can still keep up with things.

Its just that there are some people I can't please. I can't promise the best of anything.

But I am doing the best I could.

It's nice because I get to meet a whole new set of people - across all year levels.

I could even have enough votes to be included in the PBB's Big 4 .. haha

Si Wendy nga nakapasok .. hehe

Of course, there are those that might be disappointed with the delay, with the quality of the print or even the content. I can't guarantee everything. That's the sad reality.

-oOo-

Transformers. Die Hard 4.o. Harry Potter

So many movies to watch.

Good thing I can find time to watch Transformers tomorrow with a dear friend.

Good thing that I have a single friend who has enough super free time to watch it with me.

Good thing that she hasn't watched the movie yet.

-oOo-

Die Hard Fan ng Die Hard.

Actually, I haven't watched any Die Hard movie in a cinema.

I have watched the first Die Hard through a huge TV in Melbourne, Australia in 1995.

I stayed late that night just to finish the flick.

From then on, I am hooked on Bruce Willis.

Yes, he is my ultimate action hero.

Hindi jud siya mamatay-matay.

I got to watch the second and third Die Hard through cable TV.

The second was OK.

The third was awesome, especially with Samuel L. Jackson.

Such nice chemistry.

I like the riddles - the President thing.

I like the challenge - the gallon thing.

I can't wait to watch Die Hard 4.0

-oOo-

After PBB

TV Life has been actually boring after PBB.

The 30 minutes or so dedicated to PBB before is now my 30-minute nap time.

I somehow got lost with the schedule of the other shows.

I am trying to catch up.

-oOo-

Darna

Hindi ako si Darna. Hindi rin ako si Cinderella.

Some ask how I am able to do the things I do.

I don't have a definite answer. I just do it.

-oOo-

Just Dance

I am so proud of our LA Officers with our Just Dance '07.

I am happy that I was able to help out, even though I am just the Academic Committee Head.

I am happy to hear that they enjoyed the event.

I am happy that it didn't rain that much.

I am happy.

-oOo-

Positive-Stroking

There are times when we can't feel the magnitude of our positive effect on other people's lives.

A simple thanks to some other person may be quite normal.

But for me, a simple thanks goes a long way.

It is what keeps me going.

I do things because I can.

I am not asking for payback.
It is nice to know that I was of help.

That matters a lot to me.

-oOo-

Appreciation

Of course, I can't do everything.

That's why I am grateful for those other people who do things for me.

I am grateful to those who listen to what I have to say.

I am grateful to those who are just there.

I am not the type of person who asks for favors a lot.

If I can do it, I will do it.

If I can't, thank you for doing it for me.

-oOo-

Great Minds

It's nice when friendship remains after all these years.

I am always proud of that fact that I have friends since Kinder .. hehe.

I am ecstatic to find that we still share a lot of things in common.

It's nice that after all these years, we still think alike.

-oOo-

Trust

Trust is a big thing to me.

Modesty aside, I think people trust me easily.

Unfortunately, I only trust a few.

I am happy with my friends right now.

Some I have known since Kinder, Grade School or High School.

Some I have known in College.

Some I have known when I was working.

Some I have known in Law School.

Friendships were built over the years ... over the months.

And I thank you all for that

Ano to? Farewell speech .. hehehe

Just going with the flow!

Everything

Maybe it's the lyrics.

Maybe it's the nice tempo.

Maybe it's the piano.

Maybe it's the feel-good rhythm.

Maybe it's Michael Buble.

Whatever the reason may be, I like EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING.

"Everything"

You're a falling star, you're the get away car.

You're the line in the sand when I go too far.

You're the swimming pool, on an August day.

And you're the perfect thing to say.

And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.

Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do.

Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.

Cause you can see it when I look at you.

[Chorus:]

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well

And you light me up, when you ring my bell.

You're a mystery, you're from outer space

You're every minute of my everyday.

And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man

And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.

Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through

And you know that's what our love can do.

[Chorus:]

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

[Chorus:]

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times

It's you, it's you, you make me sing.

You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're every song, and I sing along.

'Cause you're my everything.

Yeah, yeah

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

All In My Head

As usual, there are a number of things running inside my head.

Well, that is always the case for me.

I may be infront of my laptop but the PBB is on. Si Big Brother talaga ... walang maggawa .. sige lang ug love team - love team ... luoya ni Bodie oi. And of course, I am looking forward to the fact that Wendy gets booted out tonight. I don't think I need to say more, on my behalf that is.

And there's the transcription thing. Honestly, I am ok with the constant questions and text messages about the orders and feedback. I can handle getting orders through text or while I am walking inside the campus. I can handle the feedback about the quality, content and print wise, positive or negative. I can handle the financial stuff. But I had a difficulty with catching up with the orders. My blunder, big blunder that is, is I underestimated the number of transcriptions to be ordered. So, the orders are quite delayed. But I am doing the best I could. And I appreciate all those who understand the predicament I am in, of which I hope I would get over with by the end of this week. I am grateful that I have people around me who understand, especially my co-officers.

And there's the school stuff. This is it .. third year na! Ever since, I do not pray for stuff like sana hindi ko siya ma-teacher o sana ma-teacher ko siya. That is because in the end, it all boils down to me - of what I can do, of what I can deliver. Instead of praying who my teacher will be, I pray that we'll do well. I know that there are so many stuff to read and cases to digest .. but this is law school and I knew from the very beginning ano ang pinasukan ko.

And there's family. Actually, we are doing great. But I can't help but think of my sisters who is not here in the Philippines. Sometimes, it feels weird na 5 na lang kami. I pray that all of us will continue to be fine and that my sisters will do great (and pass all their exams). Ai, apil di ko sa prayer na "will pass all the exams".

And there are friends. I pray that I do not let others feel left out. There are things that are not the same as they were. But I try to keep in touch. I won't let go. I can't describe how I deal with people around me. I can easily be invited to dinners, movies and some other stuff. What matters in the end is the fact that I feel comfortable with the people I choose to be with. And I am happy with the variety of people I am with.

And there's love life. toynk! joke, joke lang .. hahaha

For now, I thank God for whatever blessings that come my way and I continually pray for His guidance because I know that I could handle all these stuff with Him. ;)

By the way, Nel got evicted tonight, not Wendy. Next time perhaps!

Classmates

It may seem childish. But it's the truth :)

As long as I am in school, there will always be a part of me which will be sad whenever a new school year opens up.

This is because it's the time when I would know who will not be my classmates anymore ... for varied reasons that is.

There are those who would not be my classmates anymore because they belong to the other section.

There are those who would not be my classmates anymore because they failed in one or two subjects, or even more.

There are those who would not be my classmates anymore because they have to waive all their subjects altogether.

There are those who would not be my classmates anymore because they choose to transfer schools.

There are those who would not be my classmates anymore because they have decided not to attend school anymore.

Whatever the reason may be, there is that part of me that feels sad but at the same time grateful that our paths crossed.

I am just thankful that we had great classroom moments ... but then, I do hope it doesn't end there. It shouldn't end there.

Just to quote a friend, just when you found comfort and friendship ....

Although there is no assurance that things will be the same, it will sure be great to greet each other whenever we meet.

For those who belong to the other section and those who will be in the same school, not bad at all since I am pretty sure we'd see each other.

For those who I am not sure when I would see again, don't forget all those fun times.

Hai .. emote na kung emote .. haha!

But then, that's when you know who my true friends are .. those who, despite section and distance, there is still that bond that remains ... char lang!

Basta, ayaw lang ninyo ko kalimti ha ... mangimbita gihapon mo ;)

Of course, I wouldn't end this without extending my warmest greetings to my classmates, new and old alike. Cheers to another school year ... good luck na lang sa atin! Things may have changed. But for sure, I'm still happy with you guys around ... woohoo!

Tagged!

I've been tagged by my dear friend Maan .. as promised .. here goes:

Who is the last person you think before you sleep?

Usually, iyong mga taong kakilala ko na may problema, including me, kasi I pray for those persons before I sleep.

If you were drafted into a war, would you survive?

I guess so. Basta hindi lang bombahan ang headquarters kasi feeling ko hanggang dun lang ako i-assign .. talo pag-inassign sa field .. hehe

Do you sleep with the TV on?

Not really. But maka-idlip ako for a few minutes.

Have you ever drank milk straight out of the carton?

Yes, yes show .. fresh milk drinker gud ako :)

Have you ever won a spelling bee?

Yes, but I can't remember if I placed first. All I can remember is I placed third in Grade 1 kay mali spelling ko sa "tomorrow" ... pag-spell ko kay "tommorrow" ... hehe. And 2nd lang ako nung 2nd Year High School - tagal ng tie breaker nun hanggang nagkamali ako sa "mezzanine" .. pag-spell ko kay "mezzannine" .. sobraan ako sa double letters .. hehe

What is your longest fight with your friends?

I can't remember if I had long fights with my friends. But my 14th birthday was quite memorable because nagreconcile kami ni Maan .. hehe

Are you a fast typer?

Yes, I spent Summer '93 doing all those typing exercise sa typewriter :)

Are you afraid of the dark?

Nope

Who can you always turn to?

God

When's the last time you chose a bath over a shower?

Tabo forever!

Do you knock on wood?

Yez!

Are you drinking anything right now?

Nope, but I will drink a glass of milk in a while.

Do you think you're attractive?

Honest answer, nope .. hehehe

What do you want for Christmas?

Wala akong maisip pa .. sige na nga, world peace na rin ;)

Do you know the muffin man?

Hindi

Do you talk in your sleep?

Yes, if I am super tired .. I remember saying rollercoaster one time .. hehe

Have you ever flown a kite?

Yes, when I was just a kid .. pero usually failure .. either masangit or walay hangin

When was the last time that you went swimming and where?

June 6, 2007 - Paradise Beach, Samal Island - some kinda tan pa gud ako ngayon ... hehe

Do you consider yourself successful?

A few years back, medyo .. but not right now .. a few years after siguro :)

How many people are on your contact list of your cell phone?

Kapoy bilang

Have you ever asked for a horse?

Hindi pa naman

Plans for tomorrow?

Print some stuff, go to school, chika with people, deliver some stuff, buy some stuff .. very busy .. hehe

What's your middle name and why?

Sa Philippines, ang middle name kay surname sa mom .. so Matela. Middle name as interpreted in the US of A .. ah wala akong middle name na ganun ;)

Missing someone right now?

Yes, my mom, my sisters, my friends whom I haven't seen for such a long time

When's the last time you told someone you loved them?

Not sure .. but probably this morning, to my cousin Kisay

How are you feeling today?

Generally happy and contented

Have you ever been suspended or expelled from school?

Good girl man ako .. hehe

What are you looking forward to?

Too many to mention

Have you ever crawled through a window?

Yes, pagna-lock iyong kuwarto tapos walang susi .. hehe

Have you ever eaten dog food?

Not yet .. haha .. may balak

Can you handle the truth?

Yes, so help me God ;)

What 3 things you always bring with you to places?

My watch, wallet and cellphone .. actually, minsan walang cellphone and wallet .. hehe

Any cool scars?

The one on my thigh .. natamaan ng stick ng kwitis ata .. New Year injury when I was still a kid.

Do you like or have a crush on anyone?

Of course .. forever Keanu, David and Noah (erase na si Ryan Agoncillo .. hahaha).

Who was the last person you kissed?

My cousin Kisay

How often do you talk on the phone?

Not much actually ...

Do you talk to yourself?

All the time .. nawei-weirdohan na nga mga kapatid ko sa akin .. epekto daw sa sobrang study .. haha

Is there something you want that you can't have?

Yes, but I am quite contented right now and I have accepted that I can't have those stuff forever

Three things about the preferred sex that you first notice?

Height, Complexion and Smile

Who are you thinking right now?

Maan - galing sa kanya tong questions eh

Who did you last hug?

I can't remember who .. basta isa sa mga classmates ko na nakita ko kanina sa enrollment

Where is your phone?

Just right beside this laptop

What was the last thing you ate?

Mashed potato and chicken garlic with rice sa KFC

Favorite Color/s?

Pinakafavorite ko talaga red - it's the color of life, love, passion, courage and it attracts babies. Ok din ang pink, yellow, lavander and sky blue

Last movie you watched in the cinema?

Kanina lang .. Ocean's 13 with Felai and Alia

What song are you currently listening to?

Wala

What do you want? Now?

Lots of stuff .. hehe

What TV show are you watching?

Sira man ang cable namin oi ... hai.. I was planning to watch Lost pa naman

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

HSBC representative .. hehe

Mission Accomplished!