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.