The Blab

It has been weeks since I last posted. I can't say that I was super busy, just "sorta kinda" busy with a trip, parties, meet-ups, classes and what-nots.

And so, just after a few days from the night the bar results came out, we had a family trip to Hong Kong and Macau. Contrary to speculation, this is actually not a "gift" for passing the bar. The trip was booked way back in December so that we will be able to make good use of our miles.

Anyhow, the trip was enjoyable, moreso that I just passed the bar exam (Sorry, I brought it up again .. hehe). We did our own thing around Hong Kong and went to Disneyland and Ocean Park as well. We also got to explore Macau and the hotels therein.

The trip was more fun since we had in tow Enrico, a 4-year old kid who is the grandchild of my mom's officemate whose family went with us as well. "Cocoy" was a joy to be with .. as in lingaw .. though, he had his crying moments .. hehe

When I got back, I then got to catch-up with my law school buddies. Three of them even had their parties on the same day. And so yes, I went party-hopping!

Unexpectedly, I was asked through text if I was willing to teach during the summer. I was so eager that I said yes immediately without knowing the schedule .. haha! Good thing that it's not that bad - an 8:00 to 9:30 class and another at 4:10 to 5:40. It's a bit tiresome considering that I have 45 students in one class but I'm enjoying it nevertheless.

In between classes, I stay at my dad's office and try to do what I can. Otherwise, I just prepare for my classes.

So, yes, my schedule is that of a working girl already. I wake up anytime between 5:30 to 6:30 depending on how I'll get to school and sleep anytime between 11:00 to 12:00.

It's quite different from my law school days (and I so miss law school .. no kidding!). But nevertheless, I kind of like living my life right now just being in between things. It may be a bit tiring but I'm enjoying it as well.

So, there! I just blabbed how my past few weeks were. Until then

Thank you

There are so many stuff to blog but without a doubt, THANK YOUs should be first put through.

Thank you to my everdearest family.

Thank you mom and dad for your love and support. I am so blessed to have you and for being so supportive of all the decisions that I have made. Up to this day, I do not regret going back to Davao and taking up law knowing that you were so supportive of my decision. Thank you because you have given me the freedom to decide and the freedom what to do with my time. I truly appreciate it that you just let me be - reading, transcribing, going out sometimes, watching TV, studying, eating and sleeping (hehe)

Thank you to my siblings Jennifer, Johanna, Jessica and Jeremy. Thank you for respecting my privacy in the sense that you would do everything just so that you would not disturb me while I read or transcribe. And this means, passing through the other door ;)

Thank you to our kasambahay Tata and Maricel ;)

Thank you to my everdearest relatives (aunts, uncles and cousins), both from the Sarona and Matela clan. Thank you for wherever you may be - Davao, other parts of the Philippines, other countries - I can feel your love and support. Thank you to Cadavas, Mercado and Jensen families ;)

Thank you for my neighbors in Ecoland.

Thank you to my PWC friends because through all these years, we still have each other. Special thanks goes out to my ever supportive berks Elaine, Maan, Paula, Farinah, Jinky, Bajo and Lyn. I am so proud of how we have stood the test of times and for your never-ending support and prayers. I am also extending my warmest thanks to your family, especially to the Samson family.

Thank you as well to my AdDU college friends, not just my classmates but orgmates as well. Despite of all our "kabuangs", I am happy that we have stayed in touch.

Thank you to Jan and Aning for not just being college friends, not just being my former housemates, not just being my former officemates but for being friends that I will forever keep.

Thank you to Maia, Leng, Che, Jessa, Ella, Michelle and Tin for being supportive housemates.

Thank you to my former officemates at Accenture. While I was sad that we parted ways, I am happy because all of you were supportive of my decision to study law. Thank you to my "Say A Little Prayer" February 11 2002 start group, PNS team, WS Team, Ross Team, CML Team and the rest of RETEK team. Thank you too to the DB group. I am extending my thanks not just to my Pinoy officemates but the expats and the clients I have met along the way. Thank you so much for the opportunities you have given me. My experience has contributed to my study ethic, as in!

Thank you to Kalaag and the wonderful things we enjoyed together. A special thank you goes out to the Pilot Julie up in heaven as well as to Atty. Shalu. I have so much to thank Shalu because as I was to enter law school, she was about to take the bar. And I have to kept in my heart her most precious advice - "mag-tinabangay mo". And I guess, my law school life has been an epitome of such advice.

Thank you to my 1st Year SR classmates. You don't know how much I treasure each and everyone of you and how grateful I am that you were my first year classmates. Adjusting to my new life was easier with you guys around. Thank you for the send-off and for being my prayer warriors. Thanks to my panyeras from this batch - Felai, Alia and Blithe .. I am so proud of you ;) Some may have taken different paths while others are continuing with their journey at law school. Rest assured that I am still here for you.

Thank you as well to my 2nd Year SR and 3rd Year Manresa classmates. I enjoy the times with you guys, especially during Conflicts! Thank you for being so supportive with the class digests as well as to those who helped out in transcribing. It not only helped me but other s as well.

Thank you so much to my 4th Year Manresa batchmates! Thank you for the camaraderie and for making my last year in law school easier to bear. Thank you for being cooperative with the class digests and the transcriptions as well. Just the same, I know that we are still here for each other whatever the future may bring. My prayers will continue for each and everyone.

Thank you to Lakas Atenista - both the foundation members and resident members. Thank you for the warm wishes and the super support that I was so ever proud during the bar exams. Thank you so much and rest assured that I will continue to be a part of this great organization ;)

Thank you for everyone who were present for the bar ops, special thanks to Mara and Judy and the LA members who were there. Thank you for your effort and expense just to be with us. Your Ondoy experience was not for naught because your presence during that weekend nevertheless sustained us for the last Sunday.

Thank you for the DOTA boys for the notes and even going to the extent to deliver it to Palisades. You guys know how much that helped us. I am so proud of you as well ;)

Thank you to Allan for coming to my life just at the right time. I am so proud of you and I am really happy for both us. We'll continue to pray for us and for our families as well .. love you ;)

Thank you to Team Palisades and all the memories. It was not just "kabuangs" and "pictorials" because the results show how we prepared for this. I am so proud of you Noche, Michael and Julius as well as Teen, Popong and Ogie. Typhoon Ondoy was easier to bear with you guys around. Thank you so much for making sure I was ok despite being so feverish during Saturday before the last day of exams. I will never forget the medicines, gatorade, vicks, skyflakes, flowers, hot water with alcohol! Thank you Noche for the headquarters, to Julius for the temporary hideout and to Dodong Mike for the Cooking Showdown. I will never forget all the fun and serious stuff that we did! Thank you too for our food sponsors, especially the Tan family and Shena and all those who delivered the food. Yahoo!

Thank you to for the Bisita Iglesia Buddies. I am pretty sure that helped us a lot in hurdling the bar exams ;)

Thank you too for Dean Inigo, Lolo and Lola .. alam ko mas malakas ako sa langit dahil sa inyo ;)

Thank you to the people at SBG for allowing me to teach during the second sem. I am ever so grateful with the experience and hopes that I will continue to teach .. hehe.

Thank you too to Ma'am Corpuz ;)

Thank you to my everdearest students who surely kept my worries away for being studious and makulit and the same time. Thank you so much because I know that you have prayed for me as well kahit nagkapuliki na kayo sa Accounting ;)

Thank you to each everyone who sent text messages, e-mails and messages in Facebook. Thank you for being my prayer warriors!

And to you LORD, I dedicate all of these because without you, I am nothing. I am super blessed and I will continue to live my life worthy of everything you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for the gift of wisdom, grace, patience, strength, courage, love and confidence that has truly helped me to be me. Thank you for the gift of persons - those persons I have mentioned above - for bringing them into my life. I pray that you continue to bless each and everyone of them.

Thank you LORD for bearing with us with our constant prayers and I hope for your continued blessing!

To GOD be the glory!!

Amen!

The Reader

Since last October, I already read 6 books (excluding those necessary readings for my teaching .. hehe). After taking the bar, one of the must-do things that I planned was to go back readings novels. Here's a rundown of those books:

THE CONCRETE BLONDE (Michael Connelly)

Justice is a Concrete Blonde because she doesn't speak and she is blind.

I started reading Michael Connelly when I was working. I saw in one of our ex-pats bookshelf Connelly's novels and I got interested because they were all suspense-thrillers.

When I was in Manila, I saw this book in a Book Sale and bought it.

What interests me about suspense novels is the guessing game. It took some time for me to guess who the killer is but the novel was a good read nevertheless.

WHILE MY PRETTY ONE SLEEPS (Mary Higgins Clark)

Another mystery murder. I think I started reading Mary Higgins Clark when I was in college for the same reason that her books are suspense-thrillers. But with her, it has a feminine touch, ergo, there is will always be a blooming love on the horizon.

I can't remember how many novels of her I have read but I still don't get bored with her stories, even if I am able to guess earlier than expected who is the killer. But the suspense is still with me just the same.

LOVES MUSIC, LOVES TO DANCE (Mary Higgins Clark)

And yes, of course, another thriller. Mary Higgins Clark's novels generally involve women of beauty and substance. And that's the same thing with this one. Same thrill, but I still relish the joy of reading it.

JUST BEFORE SUNSET (Stephen King)

The last time I really enjoyed reading Stephen King's works was when I was in college reading "The Shining". And yes, enjoy is definitely the right word.

I am not really a big Stephen King fan nor am I fond of short stories. But this book was given to my brother as a gift and I thought of going over it.

THE DEVIL AND MISS PRYM (Paulo Coelho)

Coelho always writes thought-provoking stories. And sometimes, it is too much for me .. hehe.

This one is quite deep but I somehow got the message. The story deals with good and evil. It made me think that indeed, we all have our good and evil side. But for those people who know evil but does not allow it to consume them, the difference lies in the power of control.

The thing with Coelho is that he all has these quotes that really makes you stop and ponder and I am sharing with you some quotes that struck a chord with me.

"It is always far easier to have faith in your own goodness
than to confront others and fight for your rights..."

"It isn't the desire to abide by the law that makes everyone behave as society requires, but the fear of punishment. It is always easier to hear an insult and not retaliate than have the courage to fight back against someone stronger than yourself; we can always say we're not hurt by the stones others throw at us, and it's only at night
- when we're alone and our wife or our husband or our school friend is asleep -
that we can silently grieve over our own cowardice."

"Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed."

OUTLIERS (Malcolm Gladwell)

I so love this book! A non-fiction but definitely, a favorite! As I was reading this one, I had so many "aha!" moments and it made me appreciate success in a wholly different perspective. Some practice or beliefs I have had before were reinforced. Some new thoughts were introduced. A very great read indeed! I am looking forward to read his other works as well.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

"Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good."

"Those three things - autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward - are, most people will agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between nine and five. It's whether our work fulfills us."

"Once a musician has enough ability to get into a top music school, the thing that distinguishes one performer from another is how hard he or she works. That's it.
And what's more, the people at the very top don't work just harder or even much harder than everyone else. They work much, much harder."

"To build a better world we need to replace the patchwork of lucky breaks and arbitrary advantages today that determine success--the fortunate birth dates and the happy accidents of history--with a society that provides opportunities for all."

"In fact, researchers have settled on what they believe is the magic number for true expertise: ten thousand hours."

"Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning."

Faith

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. 6“Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”

7Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”

8The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

13Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.(Matthew 8:5-13)

-oOo-

21Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”(Matthew 21:21-22)

-oOo0

25And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

30At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

32But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:25-34)

1, 2, 3 ...

1234 Plain White T's

1-2-1-2-3-4
Give me more loving than I’ve ever had
Make me feel better when I’m feeling sad
Tell me I’m special even though I know I’m not

Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Barely getting mad
I’m so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
Its as easy as 1-2-1-2-3-4

There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

There’s only one way to say
Those three words
That’s what I’ll do
(I love you) I love you

Give me more loving from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends
Make me feel good when I hurt so bad

You’re the best that I’ve had
And I’m so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
It’s easy as 1-2-1-2-3-4

There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

There’s only one way to say
Those three words
That’s what I’ll do
(I love you) I love you
(I love you) I love you

You make it easy
It’s easy as 1 2 1 2 3 4
There’s only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you

There’s only one way to say
Those three words
That’s what I’ll do
(I love you) I love you
(I love you) I love you
1-2-3-4
I love you
(I love you) I love you

Unang Hirit!

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, naa miy farewell party. Adto ka ma'am.

Teacher: Aw, ngano man mag-farewell man ka ? Magkita pa man ta pagkasunod take nimo ani na subject di ba?

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, asa ka nakapuyo?

Teacher: Sa among balay.

Student: Ma'am ui ...

-oOo-

Student: Ma'am, magsummer ka? (Obviously referring if I will hold summer classes)

Teacher: Aw, siyempre .. alangan kamo lang mag-summer. Mag-beach pud ko ui!

-oOo-

Teacher notices that one of her students is using his earphones.

Teacher: Mr. D, remove your earphones.

Student D: Ma'am, low batt naman to.

Teacher: Aw, sinong mas mukhang ewan sa atin? Ikaw ang nagagamit ng earphone tapos low batt na pala ang MP3 player.

-oOo-

Teacher was explaining to the class but suddenly hears a loud voice.

Teacher: What was that?

Student who made the noise: Wala man ma'am.

Teacher: Liars go to hell .. (obviously inspired by a former classmate, hehe)

-oOo-

Teacher: Class, you had 2 sets of quiz. Same questions but different order

Student K: Lagi ma'am, nakita man namin.

Teacher: At inamin mo din talaga na nagtingin ka sa papel ng iba.

-oOo-

Mark my words ...

As far as I can remember, I have never made any unnecessary markings on my test papers.

That's why I am bothered why students have to make such markings, considering that it will not help their grades anyway. Maybe they just want to release their anxiety .. I don't know.

Just see for yourself .... (my remarks are in red ink!)

(Law) Iskul Bukol

Ever since I took the bar exam, I have never set foot at D building even thought I am at AdDU every weekday .. that is until today.

My dad asked me to look for the SCRA number of a case I mentioned to him, as lectured to us. But all I have was the date and I figured I could get the GR No. from the net. But not the SCRA. And since I was already at school, I volunteered that I would get the SCRA number from the law library.

And so, I went to the D building through the back door and I saw Ma'am Gina and we exchanged "kumustas". I went to the 5th floor reminiscing (char lang!) my law school days as I passed by the rooms in the 4th floor. For my first year second sem, we were one of the only 2 classes which occupied the 4th floor. Wala na ako nagdaan dun sa hallways na mas mataas ang probability na marami akong makasalubong .. hehe.

And by virtue of being a part-time teacher and wearing my ID at that, I was able to enter the law lib and accomplish my goal. Of course, I saw a few familiar faces and exchanged hellos. Most of the students already had their classes.

I cannot really fully explain why I try to be away from the law school building. I think it has more to do that I am still waiting for the bar results and I feel that I still don't deserve to be back within law school territory .. hehe. But I don't mind seeing law school people. Actually, I get excited seeing them and exchanging stories (and sometimes we do share bad news, tsk .. tsk)

I think all I want to express is the feeling of being "back" in law school.

It was surreal but nice and it made me reminisce of my law school days which I so miss .. as in!

Let's Get Physical

15 minutes

.83 kilometers

52 calories

4 songs (I Kissed A Girl, Bleeding Love, Unwritten and So What)

Let's see what the future holds ;)

The Sweetest Thing

Yesterday was Teacher's Day.

Since this semester was just my first time to teach and considering that I am only a part time teacher, I was hesitant to involve myself with the activities. It was not really a super big event for me.

I still held my classes. And I was truly appreciative of the "Happy Teacher's Day" greetings I received from my students. Actually, it was all new for me. My reply is a simple "Thank you and same to you". That made them smile (or laugh .. hehe)

Anyhow, all is well and done. A new day began today .. or so I thought.

As I dismissed one of my classes, they gave me this green cartolina with messages and a drawing of me (!) plus 3 whiteboard markers.

I did not cry. I was not even teary-eyed. But I was truly keeping my composure, really trying hard to keep my composure. I decided not to read their notes right then and there because I don't know what I would do, hehe.

I don't think they were making sipsip. It would not affect their grades, hehe. Most of them won't need it anyway to pass the subject.

Thank you to my students of 2BM-A 2009-2010, as in!

Truly, the sweetest thing ;)

Don't Stop Believin'

Since Wednesday night, this song has been ringing in my head.

I was even quietly humming it today when my students were having their quiz. And it was the song playing on the radio as me and my sister were on our way home.

So, I can't help if I post the lyrics here. I love GLEE!

Just a small town girl
livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere

A singer in a smoky room
The smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting
Up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the nights
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the nights

Working hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin' anything to roll the dice
Just one more time

Some will win, some will lose
Some are born to sing the blues
And now the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Don't stop believin
Hold on to that feelin'
Streetlight, people
(repeat)

Don't stop!

Valentine's Day

I was really looking forward watching this movie. And why not, it has an all-star cast! Not to mention that Julia Roberts is included.

I was hoping to watch it at the Red Carpet but it was the Percy Jackson film that was being shown. I was thinking that people will be lining up since this is Valentine's Day, a movie with big names that is shown during the Valentine season.

But it wasn't that much actually. Maybe because the reviews were lukewarm. I don't know.

Anyhow, the film was pretty simple and the plot lines were generally expected. Don't expect much, especially if you're a big fan of Love Actually (which I really like!)

But there is one story line that made it all worth it for me. But I won't tell for now so as not to be branded as a spoiler .. hehe ;)

In the end, the movie was indeed worth it considering that I was in good company on that pre-Valentine celebration ;)

Belated Valentine's Day everyone ;)

Girl and TV

I am actually in a bind about what to blog this time.

I have been thinking of writing about students, food, Valentine's Day (the movie .. and sige na nga, the day itself .. ahem .. hehe), bar (bar what?), Survivor, PBB, etc, etc and so forth.

But thinking about my topics, I think I could hit many birds (isn't this animal cruelty? ngayon ko lang narealize after saying this for such a long time!) with one stone by putting into one blog one of my favorite topics .. TV!!!

PBB Season 3 is over and done. Paul Jake was my favorite but I do not harbour any ill feelings against Melai. She did make me laugh for months! But of course, I really have to comment about how Melai votes were encouraged .. by showing that Paul Jake was leading (with a huge margin!) around 5 days before the Big Night. Oh well, I really cannot take much against it since I really don't vote .. hehe ;)

Last night I felt that weeknights on TV are now boring without PBB.

But talk about perfect timing. Amazing Race started just yesterday. CSI: Las Vegas will begin its new season on AXN starting Feb 24. Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains started last week. And American Idol is on every Wednesdays and Thursdays. And of course, there's Glee.

So, I think I'm back to my old habit of knowing what day it is by taking note of what was shown the other night. I had this habit while reviewing for the CPA Board Exam and while I was working as a computer programmer.

Thus, here is my TV sked (week nights that is:)
Monday - Amazing Race
Tuesday - I haven't figured what show to watch on this night though .. hehe
Wednesday - Glee, American Idol and CSI:Las Vegas (soon)
Thursday - American Idol
Friday - Survivor

Saturday & Sunday - let's just wait and see ;)

Love

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Just marking this date .. Advanced Happy Valentine's Day everyone ;)

Walk-Out (my version)

I was on lecture mode - reviewing the class for their midterm exams.

But still, a few students had a world of their own at the back row.

I told them to keep quiet. If they cannot keep quiet, they should leave the class.

They didn't.

I continued with my review but I can still hear voices (not in my head .. I'm pretty sure).

I guess I was pretty fed up. I stopped my lecture and decided that I would walk out of the class.

But I still asked the class to have our closing prayer.

But I still took some time to put things on my bag.

But I still erased the board.

But I still entertained questions from my other students.

In other words, hindi ako marunong mag-walk-out. Pastilan! ;)

Salamat

Words are not enough to express my utmost gratitude for everything that has come my way in my 29 years of existence.

Thank you Lord ;)

Bring It On!

I miss law school and I definitely miss being part of the Conflicts of Law.

I had a great time being with law school people last night and being able to watch the Cheerdance Competition.

To tell you the truth, I was excited.

I was cheering during the banner raising competition when they were making their way back. Iyon pala hanggang tali lang pala ang competition .. tama ba? Na-excite pa ako sinong unang makabalik .. haha

It was nice being part of the audience, with no worries about anything but just to watch. I had no cameras on hand (video or otherwise). It was kind of surreal actually. Of course, the hype is still different if you are part of the competition.

Actually, I really am not sure of what team to cheer for.

I am rooting for the Yellow Team because I have been part of the yellow team for 4 years in law school. So, I'm hoping that they would have the same zest and energy that we had (and still have!).

I am rooting for the Red Team because it is usually the 2nd year which is expected to bag the over-all championship and I have a number of friends in that team. I have faith in this team because of what they showed last time .. they are gutsy and they are united.

I am rooting for the Blue Team because despite their number, I believe in their never-say-die spirit. And to think that they have a number of incentives on the line and of course, I have a number of friends who are so dedicated to their events!

I am rooting for the White Team because I want them to have fun, considering that this should be their last hurrah! And of course, I have friends their too!

All in all, watching the Cheerdance Competition was fun. I already have my own ranking .. although, I do not know the criteria for judging ;)

Admittedly, while the presentations were fun and ok, I was actually expecting more. I was expecting more smiles and more stunts. I was expecting that I can feel that they are truly enjoying what they are doing and not be nervous and just let it be! I think that is the essence of this event for me .. to have fun!

Alas, I think a number of them were nervous. And probably, they did not have too much practice or they were lacking in motivation. I don't know. But I sure do hope that the remaining days of the Conlicts would be more fun.

I say bring it on guys!

Corny

JMS: Okay, what is a solvent partner?
Class: (Silence)
JMS: Dili ka nang ga-rugby-rugby ha
Class: (Corny laugh .. wahahaha!)

-oOo-

The quiz has already started but one student keeps moving around
JMS: Upo na .. mahal na pamasahe ngayon. Huwag sige biyahe!
Class: (Corny laugh again .. nawala ilang concentration!)

-oOo-

I guess I'm just being me .. corny!

"Kapoy"

Lately, I feel that I am tired.

I often find myself catching my breath after walking until the 3rd floor. And I want to sleep more often nowadays.

It's not that I do not like what I'm doing because I do. But that does not mean I love terrorizing my students, ok?

It's just that I noticed that my tv time has been reduced to PBB., tsk tsk. And that I could not understand for the life of me. I do not wait anymore for American Idol to be shown at 11:00 pm because I would rather sleep. And I can't usually catch the 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm showing of American Idol because I am not usually home at that time.

It's not that I am not productive. I still get to prepare for my classes and I still get to check and return the papers immediately. I find ways to motivate my students and really give my best in making quizzes (The best part for me about teaching is preparing the quizzes and checking them .. that does not mean I'm a terror teacher right? hehe) I still read the papers everyday. I even get to read a novel, although it takes me more time to finish one nowadays. I still get to help out at my dad's office every now and then. I still go to church. And yes, I still get to go out, watch a movie, go somewhere and eat.

My sisters said maybe I play too much Bejeweled .. hehe. Ok, I will try minimize my FB time, including time playing Bejeweled (and that's all I play on FB).

Maybe I should get more exercise, like probably take a jog in the morning. But I said I think I would rather sleep, hehe. Engage in sports perhaps .. ok, we'll see .. hehe ;)

I think it has something to do with adjusting to my schedule. I was pretty much adjusted with my law school schedule - sleep at 2:00 am and wake up at around 9:00 am. And when I was trying to adjust to my new schedule, the holidays came in so my sleeping habit was changed once again and not to mention the food that I keep on having during the holidays.

Or maybe it's just that I am getting old ... hehe ;)

Let's just wait and see what happens then ;)

Cheats

While giving out a quiz and watching the students answer it, I received the following text message (my phone is in silent mode, of course):

Text: Ms.sumbody is cheating hir

And of course, I made my rounds. After some time, I received another text message:

Text: Ms.un i saw ur bdle nd d 2 boys at d back of chua, dey r ol cheating ... dis s nt gud ..

And so I made a speech in class.

I do not tolerate cheating - not just now that I am already a teacher but ever since I was a student.

So, what do I do? As a prevention, if I can arrange them one seat apart, I do so. But sometimes, the seats are not enough.

If I catch them peek other's paper or talk to their seatmate, I call their attention and ask them to change seats. Good thing that they obey me.

Other than that, I keep reminding them to just be careful next time. Otherwise, they will realize that I have my limits and that I am no Ms. Sunshine all the time.

Take note - the student sent me the text message while she was taking the quiz. She must be really pissed off. However, I was wondering why I didn't see her texting .. me and my four eyes! Toynk!

Take note (again) - teaching and cheating consists of the same letters .. what a coincidence! Toynk!

Absent

One of the quite mundane things I'm proud of is that I'm not "absenot".

Back in elementary and highschool, I am rarely absent nor late in class. If ever I was absent, I was probably attending some event approved by the school.

In college, I was only absent one time - a Saturday afternoon computer laboratory class. I had high fever and decided not to come to school anymore.

In law school, I was absent thrice - one for a funeral and twice for a wedding.

For this record of mine, I am very grateful for this means that I am pretty much healthy (or that I have a high tolerance (or pride perhaps?) for pain). Sure, I feel feverish sometimes. I even have the occasional headaches. But I don't know why I still have the guts to go to school.

As for work, I can remember that I was absent once when we were still on the "bench". And then there were a couple of times I went to work, only to come home after an hour or so because I just felt so dizzy and I have to throw up (pressured? .. hehe). Aside from that, my other absences from work are vacation leaves, which means I went home to Davao City.

Anyhow, just yesterday, I was absent for my evening classes because I was throwing up , going to the toilet every now and then (hehe) and feeling weak. At first, I thought I could handle it since I have taken medication. But then, I felt really weak and decided against attending classes.

Aside from that, I had a couple more absences from my teaching load - attending a burial, attending a meeting, etc. I guess I have had more absences now from the time I was a student .. but still not that much ;)

Time after Time

1 month ...
30 days ...
720 hours ...
43200 minutes ...
2592000 seconds

... and still counting!

Thank you Lord

Hit: first one to submit grades in the division
Miss: went to school but no class yet (toynk!)

Hit: highest grade given is 99
Miss: 40% of the students being handled failed

Hit: by cupid
Miss: him

December 2009

Last one .. But it's already 2010! At least, I completed it!

I crossed the bridge! And I am really happy!

Indeed, this is the season to be happy!

I am happy to have spent time with my family and friends.

I truly enjoyed the Christmas party with my law school batchmates.

I truly enjoyed get-together with Accountancy batchmates.

I truly enjoyed chika galore with my High School friends.

More happy moments for 2009!

All the best

November 2009

Lost ...

Of course, I began this month with anticipation and an eager one at that. I was going to teach and I was indeed excited for it.

However, towards the end of November, my grandmother died. She was 83 years old. She has been weak for more than a year. How I hoped she was still here for the holidays. But GOD has other plans .. maybe my grandmother was already tired and she knew that things will still be okay without her.

I miss her but it was her time. We love you lola and we miss you ;)

October 2009

In between things ...

The bar exams are over and now, I'm back in Davao City.

Honestly, I really had lots of plans after taking the bar exams.

I was planning to read novels. So far, I have only read 1 novel. Aside from that, there's the daily newspaper, Archie comics and magazines.

I was planning to edit videos. However, my laptop has limited capacity and I have not yet bought extended memory.

I was planning to go back to scrap booking. But I figured I need money to have the pictures printed.

I was planning to teach. And it became true .. yehey!

I was planning to go back to Manila to be a bride's maid and to go malling with my friend. It went through as well. Yehey uli!

October was indeed a month of in between things. It was also the month in which the bridge is already upon me but I have not crossed it yet. I was enjoying the experience and fervently praying I would make the right decision.

Just the same, the waiting continues ...

September 2009

Do you remember? ... September!

Bar month na!

I cannot exactly remember what was going through my mind on the first day of the exams. I can't remember if I was nervous to tell you frankly. All I know was I was praying that we'll make it.

I was happy since my dad was around during the first exam. I was happy since we had Ate Lhems so we did not have any problem with going to DLSU. I was happy that I received a number of text messages wishing me all the best.

Political Law. Labor Law (my favorite if I might say so). Civil Law. Taxation Law. Commercial Law (Insomnia was running through my head while answering). Criminal Law.

The day before the 4th Sunday, Ondoy came. During the morning, I was really concerned of those who were going to Manila from Davao, including my mom and brother. I was really worried where they were since Manila was flooded. Later, I was happy that they were ok.

I was not really well that day since I had a headache. And I just said to myself, I might as well just rest rather than pushing myself to study that day. I was taking a nap when I received text messages that the bar exam was postponed.

I do not know what to say. I said I wanted to cry but I can't. It was not a feeling of I want to end the agony because honestly, I did not find myself in agony while reviewing for the bar exams. It was more of frustration of going over the different kind of emotions because of the typhoon and its effects - sadness, worry, frustration, among others.

By the next Saturday, I had a really high fever in the early morning. I was really crying hard by myself because it could not have come at a better time. I prayed fervently that I would be ok by the time Sunday comes. I am so thankful to my Palisades friends - Teen and her aunt, Julius, Dodong Mike and Noche. Thank you so much for your concern and I have no regrets of being with you during my stay in Manila. (naks! speech jud murag nakadawat ug award!)

My mom was concerned as well and she really checked on me Sunday morning. I was quite well and doing ok. I was worried that I would feel cold during the examinations but I was ok .. praise the Lord!

Remedial Law. Legal Ethics.

It was a different last Sunday than the last time I experienced it. Our family and friends already came to Manila the week before and so there were not much people who welcomed us after the last exam. For me, it was like the 2nd sunday or 3rd sunday of the bar exams.

Nevertheless, we were extremely grateful that at last, it was over.

Now, the waiting begins.

August 2009

Manila Girl ..

The Bar Exams are getting closer at this time. And so, I was back to being a Manila Girl for two months.

I was happy with our place and the people I am with in Manila. We were a fun bunch so to speak. Don't get me wrong. We studied and we studied hard. But it does not mean that we were not allowed to enjoy as well. We had fun with our cooking show as well as our hirits (more hirits on their part) every now and then. I love the fact that our place was so accessible (though admittedly not that cheap!).

It amused me that they value my opinion. During review, they asked if we could go to Tutuban. I said I won't but it's ok if they go. They didn't.

They asked if I would want to watch "Up". I said not now but it's ok with me if they watched. They did not watch.

I really like the feeling that there was not much pressure on us. Probably, just enough pressure to keep us going for the bar exams but not too much that would make us panicky.

Everytime I get to see my batchmates around Manila, whether accidentally or intentionally, I get excited in the sense that there's a feeling of familiarity which I guess one needs during the bar exams.

And as promised to my dad, I took some review classes as well in Manila and I think it helped me nevertheless, considering that as I have mentioned, I am a classroom person. And I was happy that we get to have our sessions, not of the drinking kind.

Of course, there were some events that made me realize that the world does not stop even if the bar exams were coming up. Each of us had our own concerns while others had to deal with friends, family, life and even death.

I continue to get support from family and friends and I was so grateful thinking that there are a lot of persons praying for me.

In the end, I was grateful because I know and felt that God was with us every step of the way.

July 2009

I am more than half-way and it's still 8:45 pm ... I think I can finish this

At the end of this month, review has ended as well. And how did it end? It was quite an experience since our lecturer lost consciousness while discussing in class. Nataranta jud kami! All's well that end's well since he was ok after he was brought to the hospital. He had low blood pressure because of self-medication.

We were kidding around that the case he mentioned when he lost consciousness would be asked in the bar exam and guess what? It was indeed asked.

As the review classes ended, I reminisce our food trips at Cecil's, Majid's Kebab, Bulaloan and Jollibee. Hmm, this makes me hungry .. hehe.

June 2009

Pacing and wayding (wedding di ai .. hehe) ...

I really tried to clock in 8 hours of study time apart from the review classes. There was one time in June when I was able to read for 8 hours (excluding intermission numbers but with breaks). However, I got sick after that with a slight fever. As such, I did not push myself that much anymore since I believed that quality is much more important than quantity. As long as I pace myself well in order to cover the different subjects, I thought that I should be in good hands (not necessarily with Metrobank .. corny, hehe) even if I study less than 8 hours a day.

On the other hand, my sister Jennifer got married. My mom and dad got to attend the wedding. While my brother and I have visas, I decided that it was better if only mom and dad should go and that all of us siblings will be left here at home so that it will be fair to my two other sisters who could not come to the US. Moreover, my brother has classes and I have to review for the bar.

At the end of the month, there were some sad stories and in which I pray will ironed eventually and hopefully soon.

May 2009

Review, review, review ...

My preparation for the Bar Exams has become full blown. As much as possible, I try not to be absent in class since I feel that I am more of a classroom person, in which I find that I can understand topics easily when discussed in class (of course, it also depends with the lecturer).

Nevertheless, I make time for American Idol. I am such a TV person!

I was able to write this down on my gratitude journal and I share this with you, my dear readers (as if .. hehe);

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe it, you will have it. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too" - Mark 11:22-25

April 2009

This was the beginning of drought as I decided not to blog during bar review ...

Graduation! I was truly happy and grateful when I graduated from law school. But at the same time, there was a tinge of sadness knowing that law school life has ended. This means I would seldom see my batchmates/schoolmates. In addition, I would miss reading cases, preparing for an exam and most especially transcribing notes (no kidding!). The sum total of the law school experience is one that I really miss!

I know that graduation is a momentous event. While I was happy and grateful that I have graduated from law school, I was not that too ecstatic considering that I still had the bar exams to hurdle, the exclamation point to my law school life.

April was also a month of clearing up some things. Indeed, I was happy to be able to express my views. At the same time, it was in April when I said "we'll cross the bridge when we get there .. with no expectations!"

March 2009

I'm on the 3rd month .. let's see if I can finish this before the year ends ;)

Exams here, there and everywhere .. Yup, I really got busy studying (naks!) for the last remaining exams of my law school life (with fingers crossed at that time).

But with our exams, our family also got busy with our "lipat-bahay". After around 25 years staying at our home in Ecoland, we now moved to a new home. It was really something new for me, especially with the commuting part. I love our home and its location in Ecoland so I really took time in adjusting with our new place.

Our new home is absolutely fantastic. It has a great view and definitely bigger (modesty aside) than our last home. Honestly, I had my apprehensions living in a big house because there's the probability that people will be more distant and if people will start moving out, it will feel more empty .. I don't know.

For now, I am really ok and I fell truly blessed with our new home. More importantly, knowing that my parents, especially my mom, are happy and proud of our new place makes me really happy!

February 2009

I am doing these entries on a piece-meal basis to ensure that I will be able to finish blog entries and so that my avid readers (yeah right!) will find it easy to read .. hehe ...

Amidst the pressures of a 4th year law student, it was a surprise that I got giddy in this month of hearts.

I looked forward to watching "You Changed My Life" and I truly enjoyed watching the film. The chemistry on-screen between Sarah and John Lloyd was definitely something that made me giddy. I guess there are just persons in this world, celebrity or otherwise, without any romantic connections that have that kind of chemistry.

Roses! Yup, roses made me giddy this month since I got a number of it from different people. And indeed, I am truly grateful for receiving those, making me giddy and causing butterflies in my stomach.

January 2009

I know. I haven't had any blog entry for the longest time. And so, I am making up for it by reminiscing my 2009. Here goes ...

The last day of the first month. That is definitely the highlight of my January 2009. Why? Well, that happens to be my birthday.

And so, on the 31st of January, I was up and about at 3:30 a.m. preparing sandwiches for our Conflicts, without knowing what lies ahead.

Yup, my dear classmates had a birthday surprise for me - the cake, the balloons, the tarp, the works! I will forever remember the day I celebrated my 28th birthday - definitely a highlight of my 2009.

Of course, we also had our Conflicts of Law (which I am pretty sure I will sorely miss in weeks time!) Knowing (and hoping) that this would be our last Conflicts, I made sure that we had lots of fun and made the most of our time. There were controversies (what's Conflicts without it?) but the important thing was we were able to hurdle it and made our last Conflicts of Law definitely an event to remember!

Jowk Time!

My dad told me that Atty. A brought his dog to their basketball game ...

Daddy: Si Atty. A kay gidala niya iyang iro sa basketbolan ...
Jazzie: Unsang klase dad?
Daddy: Kanang gamay .. kanang wowowee? Kana ganing gamay masulod sa bag ..
Jazzie: Dad! Chihuahua! Hehe
Daddy: O, yun!

Analysis: My dad was not really sure of the breed. So, he just mentioned the closest word he could think of that would sound similar to the breed. And therefore, he applied the principle of idem sonams!

-oOo-

My dad was wearing casual clothes - shirt, shorts and rubber shoes

Bajeck: Wow! Sporty ka lagi dad!
Daddy: Hindi ako sporty. Sixty na ako! :)

Analysis: My dad's response was intentional. Therefore, he is sentenced to be corny and such judgment is final and executory.

-oOo-

My dad was telling me that he had a problem with his laptop

Daddy: Nay problema ganina sa akong computer ug printer ba. Gitawagan nako sila Bajeck and Johanna, pero wala man sila kabalo.
Jazzie: Unya na ok dad?
Daddy: Na ok pud kay naa man koy kliyente na naghulat na kabalo ug computer
Jazzie: Unsa iyang gihimo?
Daddy: Naa man to siyay gipangpindot human gi-shut up niya ang laptop

Analysis: The intentions of my dad are clear. I cannot blame him if he is not familiar of some computer terms. Therefore, he is acquitted.

-oOo-

Until next time!

Change

My teaching schedule begins at 7:40 a.m. That is from Monday until Friday.

Thus, the major change in my lifestyle.

For the past 4 years or so, I sleep at around 1:00 or 2:00 a.m and get up around 8:00 a.m., sometimes around 10:00 a.m. I really do not have that much difficulty in waking up. When the alarm goes off at around 5:45 a.m., I am ready to take a shower and start my day.

But the thing is I already sleep at around 11:00 pm (aftr PBB .. hehe). Rather, tI ry to sleep at 11:00 p.m. There were still a few times that I get to sleep at around 1:00 a.m but just the same I have to wake up early.

So, what happens is I get tired in the afternoon. Sometimes, I take a nap. Sometimes, I don't. It really depends on how my day goes by. Sometimes, I am already sleepy but then it goes away with the right activity on hand .. hehe.

I guess that is one of the changes I deal with right now. But it's quite ok because I can handle such sleeping schedules. This is quite "chicken" compared to what I have experienced before .. hehe.

I guess it's quite okay as well to prepare me as I would probably be coming back to the "working world" in time .. hopefully, soon ;)

What is ...

"that rush of feeling of elation,
excitement
and you're brimming with joy
and possibilities"

Teacher, Teacher

It's official.

I'm going to teach Accounting subjects this semester.

I am so happy. I am so excited. I am so looking forward as to my first day tomorrow.

It is true that I really want to do something while waiting for the bar results (which is a whole new topic to discuss). But there is something about teaching that is so fulfilling which excited me. I am taking it not just as something to do just to pass time. It is something that I think I am passionate about.

Another reasons why I look forward to teaching is because of the school environment.

For the past weeks, I do miss school - teachers, classmates, the whole environment. So, to be back at school would lessen my "miss" sentiments .. hehe

Elaine told me that this is worth blogging. That's why I thought of really blogging this, considering that I haven't really blogged for quite some time. And to think that I have had lots of free time for the past weeks.

Anyway, I am looking forward to tomorrow and looking forward to be a good teacher!

How Sweet It Is

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I needed the shelter of someone's arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

I close my eyes at night
Wondering where would I be without you in my life
Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

You were better for me than I was for myself
For me, there's you and there ain't nobody else
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby

How sweet it is to be loved by you
How sweet it is to be loved by you

It's About Time

I have been back to Davao for 10 days already.

I guess it's about time for me to blog again.

I already did my best, in the way I possibly could, with the Bar Exams.

I keep on praying.

I cannot really say that I am bored for the past few days.

I think that makes me weird.

I do miss law school - the people, the environment and yes, even studying.

I am not sure if that makes me normal or weird.

I know I could have done a lot of productive things since I've been back.

I never got to it.

I did a few errands and followed up possible options.

I planned to read books.

I have only read newspapers and Archie comics.

I planned to go back to scrapbooking again.

I have not started it yet.

I only watched one movie in the big screen once during review.

I have not watched another one since Transformers.

I have watched 2 movies in DVDs.

I have only been to SM once, but only to send pictures to a friend.

I have done little things.

I think I am just taking my time with these.

Inspirational Talk

My brother was asked to give an inspirational talk to the kindergarten students during their Recognition Ceremony. I think this is a new idea - having a younger "speaker" for the younger generation.

Here is his talk. This was a edited a bit by his teacher but I do not have a copy of the final speech. But here goes ..

(President), (Dean), (Guest Speaker), Teachers, Parents and Kindergarten Students, good morning.

Six years ago, I was just like one of these kindergarten students – sitting anxiously, listening to an inspirational talk and definitely looking forward to summer. Well, I am also looking forward to summer at this point.

I was truly honored when I was asked to speak to you, my fellow younger “cute” Philwomenians, on this simple yet special event. I guess it would not be that hard to give a talk since we are all still considered kids, although, I am a bit older than you.

As your “kuya” in this school of ours, I can tell you a number of things to look forward after this ceremony – not just about the coming summer of watching TV, playing video games and going to the beach but about what life has to offer in the next few years.

Let me tell you that life gets more interesting.

You will learn more and is expected to study more. You will meet new people and you will build new friendships.

You will overcome more challenges and you will become better kids.

While there may be changes, the basic things that were taught to us in kinder remains the same.

Follow the line. Learn to share. Elbows off the table. Play fair. Ask questions. Put things back where you found them. Say “po” and “opo”. Do not take things that are not yours. Ask permission. Say sorry when you hurt someone. Wash your hands before you eat. Greet your teachers. Take a nap. Clean up. Study first before watching TV or playing. Give your best. Respect your elders. Pray before you sleep. Help out a friend. Obey your parents.

Do not forget to hone your talents – whether it be singing, dancing, drawing or playing sports.

Do not forget to dream big – whether you want to be a lawyer, an astronaut, a teacher or a doctor.

And do not forget to always look back to thank people who are always there to support you – whether it be your friends, your teachers or your family.

I know that I do not have much experience in life to share with you, since I am just a 12-year old kid. But I sure hope that you did get to enjoy what I have just shared with you because I know it would be of great use to the next chapters of your life, like it did to mine.

I hope that I have inspired you with my small talk. And I hope that even at your age, you will also become inspirations to others, even to older people.

Live life to the fullest. Smile and laugh. And remember to always keep the faith.

Congratulations to all of you for all your achievements.

Thank you and good morning.