Ika 28 ng Hunyo 2009: Goodbye, Hello

Brainchild's break..........

This is the last of my daily post for this reality show-like account of everyday living for this blogger. For a year, friends and strangers have seen my often topsy turvy day. I gained new friends too. Through this blog, I have unwittingly revealed some of my innermost feelings and thoughts. Interesting facets of life were shared. I have let off steam at some critical points. Its been a wonderful ride!

The past few days have been a blur as I make the transition to a new format for my life's journal. With this change, I hope for better things to come. With the pressures of a daily post taken off, I should be able to write on topics close to my heart.

A million thanks to my old friends and new-found ones, readers, commenters, and passers by. You all made the ride worthwhile. Please continue to drop by my site. Stay tuned for the new series which will feature my weekly highs and lows.

PS: Tapos na ang bakasyon at ilan oras na lang sasabak na naman ako sa karera ng buhay. Nanamnamin ko ang natitirang sandali bago magulo na naman ang mundo ko.....

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Ika 27 ng Hunyo 2009: Duty Calls

Brainchild's break.........

I had planned on going to the Intellicare Clinic early to have our annual physical exam results evaluated. I woke up late though and when our helper asked me if the bed linens will be changed, I couldn't resist saying yes. I should just prepare and go. But no, I had to be superwoman and do my chores first. I told her to remove all curtains too. I called up the clinic and asked for the schedule of the ob-gyne I was seeing. Good thing that there was an afternoon sked.

I buckled down to the tasks on hand. But there were other disruptions. BIL and his kids brought MIL to our home about lunchtime. They had lunch in our home. Lunch extended a bit. MD and I hurriedly prepared. Hubby was ready. He would drive us o the clinic and he will proceed to the supermarket. We'd meet up after we're done.

I called up the clinic and was told that I couldn't make it on time. We still need to go there for the other tests. We dropped two dogs at the vet for grooming. Then, hubby dropped MD and I at the clinic while he proceeded to the supermarket.

Surprisingly, the ob-gyne I need to see extended her clinic hours and she was able to see me. I got my other test results and had it interpreted. I also accompanied MD to the pediatrician. I was able to see two doctors. I still need to see a cardiologist and requested that mammogram be done on me. Overall, prognosis was satisfactory. Thank God!

We joined hubby in the supermarket after we were done...........

PS: Kapagod na naman tong sabadong ito.......

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Ika 26 ng Hunyo 2009: Mortality

Last night, I went to the wake of my neighbor. He was 45. His wife looked numb. It was so unexpected. I didn't plan on staying long. I don't like attending funerals. The wife would tell me how her husband died. I sat and listened. In this situation, there is nothing good to say. Silence would be the best language. As people come and go, I was trying to find the perfect opportunity to leave. I found it when a relative of her husband engaged her in a conversation.

This morning, I was shocked to learn about Michael Jackson's death when I turned on my pc. I didn't have an inkling he was ill. According to reports he was in full cardiac arrest. The world has one less great talent. I am awed by his great talent and love some of his songs......Rock with You, She's Out of my Life, Human Nature, I Just Can't Stop Loving You, The Girl is Mine to name a few.

Instinctively, I searched for news about Farrah Fawcett. She too had gone to her final destination. The poster girl of my time....... Who would think she'd die so soon. The lady with the radiant smile was always so full of life. I was one of the girls who mimicked Farrah's famous locks, very popular among high school girls way back then.

My friends in college expressed their sadness about the news of the deaths of these two celebrities in our e-group. These were the stars we grew up with. One commented that it serves as a grim reminder of our own mortality. Sooner or later, we would all go.......


Related Posts:
Mystery Surrounds Michael Jackson's Sudden Death
Pop icon Michael Jackson dead
'Charlie's Angel' Farrah Fawcett dies at 62

PS: Natapos ko rin ang paggawa ng grades.....salamat. Pero kailangan na pag-aralan pa at ng siguradong sigurado sa mangyayari.

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Ika 25 ng Hunyo: Firm Resolve

After days of proscrastination, I will have to buckle down to working on the grades
today. I am way past the deadline for submission. I actually got serious last night. I checked some final exams but I was falling asleep doing it. This morning, I checked some requirements and reports. Some students have not submitted all requirements.

I'll continue checking the exams at lunchtime and prepare the grades right after I finish checking. It's not a difficult task but one I don't like to do. I like the teaching part but not the paperwork.

Part of the reason I have to finish the work today is because I have to go to the wake of a neighbor tonight. His wife and I would meet at the shuttle terminal and would ride together occassionally. We would talk about work and life. Last week, they pass me by as I was walking on my way home offering a ride. I thanked them but refused as it was only a short distance to my home. I learned he died in the weekend.

Let me buckle down to work. I need to submit this tomorrow....

PS: Nakakatamad ang panahon..... Sarap maglagi sa bahay...... kumain ng tuyo, sinangag na sinawsaw sa suka at kape...... hindi ba sususpindehin ang trabaho? Sana estudyante na lang ako ulit.....

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Ika 24 ng Hunyo 2009: Judgement Day

Today is the deadline for submission of grades for the last term and I haven't done much. Two of the students took their exams late. Only one exam was submitted to me. I am still waiting for the other. But that is not the only reason I haven't done it. I lack the motivation today. But I must do what I have to do.....

It's that time in a student life when he is judged based on performance. I have done this so many times. Not all my students passed. More importantly, not all students can take failure well. A few did.... But many lose their minds when failure hits them. It's human nature to take failure as an assault to the spirit. I have been begged upon, cried on, threatened, gifted, and even pressured by some school administrators to give in to students' demand for a change of grade. Academic freedom gives the professor exemption from external control or interference in the performance of his duties. In the past, this privilege was enjoyed to the hilt by our professors whom we view in awe and sometimes with fear. Today, administrators have been operating schools like any business ventures. Students are 'valued' clients who makes the business of education sustainable. Some school officials would do anything to keep students in the campus. Teachers have become dispensable commodities for them.

I don't particularly enjoy failing students. It is a right I don't like to exercise as much as possible. I believe it is also failure on my part that a student should fail. However, I also believe that some students deserve to fail for the lessons it will teach them. For this, I should fail students to serve as a reminder of past transgressions and a guide to a better future.

When I prepare grades, I do not finalize until after I have given it careful thought. Usually, I have to let a night pass so that my mind is clear after a good night's sleep. I will give the grade file one final look. Only then will I print the final grades that would leave permanent imprints on my students' life card.

PS: Walang pasok ang mga estudyante sa elementarya at high school dahil itinaas ang babala bilang 2 sa paghagupit ng bagyong feria. Sinabihan ako ng kaibigan kong si V........ na umuwi ng maaga at dadaan daw sa Kamaynilaan ang bagyo. Masarap nga na nasa bahay pag humagupit na ang bagyo. Makailan beses na rin akong inabutan ng bagyo sa labas o sa daan. Nakakatakot at mapanganib na abutan sa labas ng bagyo. Bukod pa dito ang pangamba dahil sa malayo sa pamilya. Gusto ko na tuloy umuwi........

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Ika 23 ng Hunyo 2009: Happy Birthday Blog!

Yes, it's been a year since brainchild was unveiled in June last year. This blog actually started on 12 June 2008 with a post on the blog's theme Life's Lemons. I have long wanted to have my own blog but I needed to learn about how to go about it. I also needed a strong motivation. I was going through a difficult phase in my life and found the motivation I needed under those circumstances. The blog initially provide a medium to bent my angst. Later, I found it to be equaly useful for sharing and apreading joy.

The real challenge came with the daily blog, One Day Isang Araw, which chronicles the daily life of an ordinary woman caught up in various roles as wife, mom, worker, mentor, friend, cause mover, protester, crusader, commuter, and a whole lot more. I recall how hang up I was about forgetting my change one day..... and that was the unexpected impetus to starting this daily blog. I would not say it was a breeze writing all 365 posts. There were days I have no inspiration, no motivation, no time, no energy, no idea. Why would I let my linen hang for everyone else to see anyway. But somehow, I knew that if I have to keep this blog going, I must go past my lazy streak and stick to a regular regimen. The discipline I subscribe to in order to keep up with my target of writing at least one post a day was a challenge I overcame with all the demands from all facets of my life..... but I did it!

Entering its second year, I will be introducing changes to this blog. I still would like to see some sort of a snap shot of my life but I guess I have outgrown my daily blog. Starting next week, the daily blog, One Day Isang Araw will give way to a weekly account of the highs and lows of this blogger's life. I am still undecided on the title of this category. With the pressures of the daily blog off my shoulders, I should be able to write more on topics close to my heart. Starting with this change, more change (for the better, I hope) will be introduced as I see fit.

To old and new friends who kept me company and showed me interest by reading this blog, I thank you for the hits and views you gave this blog. Please continue to visit if you care enough to know me more......

This greeting is long overdue.... Here's wishing me and this blog will stay together for the long haul.......... Happy, happy birthday brainchild!

PS: Mainit kanina pero makulimlim ng lumabas ako ng bahay. Kailangan kong bumalik para kumuha ng jacket. Malakas ang tsansa na umulan. Ayokong mabasa at magkasakit ngayong panahon. Mas mabuti na ang maingat kesa maagap......

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Ika 22 ng Hunyo 2009: Helpless

Today is my appointment with the doctor for the TVU. I am not a fan of medical procedures specially if I am the subject. I don't like being probed, poked, hammered, pinched, attached to some contraption, observed, and revealed. I am curious and nervous.....Curious because this is the first time I am going through such a procedure. I wonder what discomfort I would feel. I have an idea how it will be done and I don't relish the thought. Nervous of what the test result would reveal. I sometimes subscribe to the idea that what we don't know would not hurt you.

Given my family history, it is essential that I am checked for every suspicious bump or irregularity. My kids undergo the same procedures at their young age. They are actually better than me in handling physical examinations.

I had to be at the clinic thirty minutes before the procedure. I just dropped off my stuff at the office and went my way. I made it on time. I had to be processed first at the reception and get approval for the procedure. Another fifteen minutes of waiting and I was called by the nurse and prepared. Then, I was told to wait for the doctor who will be there shortly.... WHAT!!!!???? I wanted to complain about the manner of waiting. In my state of openness, I lay on the bed, helpless. I really can't complain because I need to have the procedure and I just want to get it over with......

The doctor came shortly.... and it's like seeing my savior. I have always been in awe of doctors. I am grateful to them for helping us live healthier and longer life..... Today, I will be revealed........

PS: Hindi nakapasok ang pangalawang anak ko dahil sa lagnat. Minomonitor namin ito at bumaba naman ang lagnat dahil sa paggagamot niya. Pag-uwi naman ng bunso ko, ibinalita niya sa ate niya na suspendido ang klase nila at sa Hulyo na ang pasok nila. Kinumpirma ito ng kanyang guro. Parang naramdaman ko na nalapit na sa bahay ang banta..... Meron na din namatay sa H1N1 sa Pilipinas

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Ika 21 ng Hunyo 2009: Father's Day

Brainchild's break.........

It's the day for our fathers..... MS told me that he needs money to buy a gift for his dad. He said for me to withdraw money from his bank account.... Kids are more aware of special events these days.

In my youth, I don't recall spending father's day. Mother's day..... yes. I would give a card we prepared in school and flowers I picked along the railroad tracks to my mother. I can't even recall if we had father's day back then..... or is the celebration a recent marketing ploy? In our case, my Dad was working in another town and he was out of sight for most days. His absence somehow got in the way of having an ideal family situation. My siblings and I had to deal with an absentee parent by force of circumstance. My mother had more than make up for my father's absence.

It makes us reflect on the importance of the fathers in our lives which might have been taken for granted all these years. Perhaps, time wishes to rectify the injustice to this all important person in the family.

Today, I wish all Dads a lovely day spent with your loved ones.......

It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father......Pope John XXIII

PS: Kailangan kong gumawa ng grades at sa darating na linggo ang pagsumite dito. Pero bakit ba tamad na tamad akong gawin ito.......

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Ika 20 ng Hunyo 2009: No Sleep

Brainchild's break......

I came home from my dinner and coffee date with my friends past midnight. As expected, it was a happy reunion since it's been sometime since we last saw each other. My funny friend regaled us with her tales on life in the land down under as an independent woman living alone. My other friend and I were crying as we were laughing. I could almost pee.... Everyone was looking at us. I have not laughed like that for a long time.

ED opened the door for me telling me that Hershey, another shih tzu, is due that moment. She went inside our sofa and wouldn't come out despite her and MD's attempt to get our dog out. I told ED to keep trying to make Hershey come out. I had to leave for a short time to show my friend who brought me home the way out. She gets confused going to my place. I took my car key and went out until we reached a point my friend was familiar with. I drove fast going home.

When I came back, I told ED to stay with Hershey as I freshen up. I knew I would be up all night as I need to stay with her though the whelping. I was not quite done when ED called that one puppy came out. I hurried downstairs...... Hershey was still cleaning up her puppy. I assisted her in breaking the sac and helping her cut the umbilical cord. I could actually be a dog ob-gyne. It took more than two hours before the second puppy came out. I was falling asleep by this time. It was almost 4:00am. After securing the pups and the-third time mum, I went to my bedroom.

I woke up about 6:30am to tell our helper to take over the care of Hershey and her pups. With only a few winks, I decided to stay in bed for most of the day.........

PS: Hanggang ngayon pundido pa rin ang mga ilaw sa kwarto. Nadagdag na rin yun ilaw sa kwarto ng panganay kong anak. Pero hanggang ngayon di pa napapalitan ng asawa ko. Kanina bumili na siya ng mga bagong ilaw at iba pang gamit. Siguro sa bertday ko, matatapos din niya lahat ng gagawin..........

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Ika 19 ng Hunyo 2009: Empty

Yesterday brought some good things and lots of disappointments. On the plus side, my dog gave birth and a loan was paid to me....... Over breakfast, hubby telling me that their top management is singing a different tune now with the buyout of their company by another which fuels our worst fears. Before, their president said that there would be no change. Now, he is saying that they cannot do anything and it is the buyer who will make the decision. Hubby is talking about being jobless now. I am very afraid.....

While checking my email at the office, I would learn from our school administrator that night classes would be limited for two days a week upon the directive of the school owner. Somebody beat me to this schedule and the administrator was asking me to take a leave from work to teach a class at daytime. I can't do that..... especially now. So I guess, I'd take a break from school too. It's unfortunate that between the two jobs that I hold, I love teaching a whole lot more. It hurts to give up something you love. That would mean substantial income loss too. What's happening to us?

Ever the optimist, I still would like to believe that our worst fear would not happen. Hubby is a good man and there would always be a job for someone like him. I can still look for another part-time teaching job. On the other hand, maybe it also is trying to tell me to slow down and spend more time at home. MS is now a freshman and would need more of my presence and guidance. MD, being a senior, would be very busy with school and she couldn't look after MS's concerns. I was reflecting on this going home last night. The new puppy would provide some respite from all these thoughts. I was excited to get home. As soon as I arrived, I passed by the two mums nursing their babies. I had a quiet dinner by myself. The kids were upstairs sleeping. Hubby was out of town.

After dinner, I relaxed and decided to visit the new born again. I was aghast to see the new pup which appeared to be lifeless sprawled on the floor of the cage. Later, her mum would try to revive it and wouldn't let me get the pup. I called to my helper to help me. She was able to pick up the new pup and it sure was gone. We think that Missy accidentally bit it as we saw what appears to be a toothmark on the belly. I felt so bad..... especially seeing my dog trying to revive her puppy. I could almost cry. When we attempted to take it, the mom was distressed. We returned it one more time until the mom was vigorously shaking the dead pup. I couldn't take it anymore, I told my helper to take it away.

Last night, I cried myself to sleep....... I feel empty today..... This is one of those days when I find myself questioning God's wisdom.........

Tonight, I hope to take my mind off things. I am meeting up with my friend who has gone astray and the rest of the gang as we celebrate her coming back....

PS: Tapos na naman ang linggo. Sana matapos na ang araw na to.... ang trabahong ginagawa ko..... Ano kaya ang nakalaan sa kin bukas?

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Ika 18 ng Hunyo 2009: Constipation and Consternation

(Blogger Warning: This post is not for the faint-hearted, squeamish, OC, and those having their meals.)

I was expecting a rather usual day today.... even hoping I would be able to go to work early because there is work to do. I went down for breakfast. I was slowly eating my oatmeal which I had to force myself to eat.... Initially, oatmeal was a delight. Over time, it became such a drag to take. But since it is good for the heart, I force myself to take it everyday. I take it first before anything else so that I am filled up when I take the rest of our breakfast. Halfway through my oatmeal, our helper went inside to tell me that Missy, our shih tzu, gave birth holding the lone puppy that was delivered probably this dawn. I was not really surprised because I thought she was impregnated as we allowed her to be mated by Toby, one of our male tzus. Compared to her last pregnancy, her tummy was way too small and there would be doubts if the pregnancy took off at some points. Household members would have opposing views on Missy's pregnancy as she manifested some pregnancy symptoms. Some mated dogs, however, would also have those symptoms and it would turn out to be pseudo-pregnancy.

With this good news, I hurriedly ate my breakfast and went out. I directed our boy helper to arrange a more comfortable whelping area. When this was done, mom and pup were more relaxed. The lighted bulb in Quita's whelping area was transferred to Missy's area. I went back to the house to prepare for work.

I thought about my schedule. I have a report to prepare for which I set a noon deadline for the staff to send their inputs. That means, I could afford to be a little late this morning. It also dawned on me that I need to complete my physical examination at Intellicare. It is also the right time for the TVU that the Ob-gyne recommended that I should undergo. I figured that today may be a good day as I think that tomorrow and next week would be busier with the work given to me.

So I decided to pass by the Intellicare clinic in Alabang. One thing I had to complete is the submission of my specimen for fecalysis. I wasn't able to give it the first time we went to their clinic. Moving is problematic for constipation sufferers like me. I can't simply move under a lot of stress particularly during hurried mornings. That time, we had to be in their clinic a certain time because blood will be extracted from the kids and me. The blood tests had to be done only before 10:00am because I had fasted for a complete blood chemistry. I learned that there is such a thing as over-fasting. Collecting my specimen is not a very pleasant experience. This morning, I knew I can do it with a little prodding. It took some ritual before I could do it but I was right.... I did it. I hurriedly prepare to leave as again the sample I collected is good only for two hours.

When I was ready, I fixed my stuff. I was wondering where I could put the specimen. I didn't want it inside my bag mixed with my stuff even if I sealed the container first in a paper enveloped and then in a transparent plastic bag secured with a tape before concealing it in several plastic bags. I held the plastic bag like a bag of sandwich as I walked to get a ride. I was near the gate of the village when I noticed that the bag containing my sample is gone. I panicked and checked my immediate surrounding and it's nowhere in sight. With the difficulty of obtaining this sample, I was bent on getting my sample back at whatever cost. I retraced my steps and turned around the bend.... Still nothing. I continued walking hoping the dogs didn't beat me to it..... I turned one more time and followed the curve of the road...... After some more distance, I saw the plastic bag lying in the middle of the road. I quickly walked and picked up the sample upon reaching it...... Thank goodness, the dogs did not feast on it..... or they are going to have one hell of a s__t. I am just thankful I didn't have to extract a sample another time...... because I couldn't do a double take.......

I went my merry way even sharing a ride with a neighbor unaware that between us is the stinky product of my bodily function. I rode a jeepney more careful this time about losing my precious specimen. I arrived at the Intellicare clinic, promptly deposited my sample at the lab, and completed the other requirements. Unfortunately, the TVU could not be done as I missed the schedule of doctor who will do it. It's a male doctor though and I could not have gone through with it even if I made it on time. I tried seeking another schedule with a female doctor..... no match. I asked if i could have it in their Makati clinic. The nurse receptionist was so helpful and made arrangement immediately. The timing is important because the procedure has to be done during a particular period in a woman's monthly cycle. Finally, my procedure is set next week.

Riding the bus going to my office, I hope and pray that I still get a clean bill.......

Related Post:

Taking A Stool Sample in Japan
Stool Sample Collection

PS: Isang Jayross Lucky Seven bus na naman ang nasakyan ko kanina. Siyempre me pelikula na nman silang pinalalabas. Hindi ako mahilig manood ng mga pelikulang asiano. Pero lagi napupukaw ang atensiyon ko sa pelikulang pinalalabas nila na karaniwang mga pelikulang intsik o asiano. Yun kanina ay parang nanagyari sa Vietnam. Tungkol sa isang babae at isang lalake na nasa magkabilang panig ng naglalabang pwersa na sa tingin ko ay magmamahalan pag tagal ng pelikula. Binihag at pinahirapan ang babae ng mga kasamahan ng lalake. Pero yun lalake rin ang tumulong sa babae na tumakas. Dahil dito, kasama na rin tinugis ang lalake. Kailangan puntahan ng babae ang kanyang ama para magbabala dito sa pagtratraidor ng isang kasama. Napasama sa isang kampo ng mga alipin ang dalawang bida nung pababa na ako ng bus.... Naku, kelan ko kaya matatapos to? Wala pa akong natapos na pelikula sa pagsakay sa bus na ito. Iniisip ko talaga na minsan hindi ako bababa para makatapos ng isang pelikula.

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Faith, the Wonder Dog

I was amazed at this story of a dog who faced great adversities at birth and was given a new leash in life through the kindness, encouragement and persistence of her new family. Read on the story of Faith as narrated by its mom, Jude Stringfellow. Now, I am a Faith fan.

Search for the seed of good in every adversity. Master that principle and you will own a precious shield that will guard you well through all the darkest valleys you must traverse. Stars may be seen from the bottom of a deep well, when they cannot be discerned from the mountaintop. So will you learn things in adversity that you would never have discovered without trouble. There is always a seed of good. Find it and prosper............ Og Mandino

Faith Stringfellow is an amazing little dog, with an even more amazing story. Faith suffered from a birth defect, she became a member of our family when she was just a three-week old puppy. My son Reuben (17) picked Faith out of a litter of puppies that his friend's dog had recently given birth to. Several of the puppies were deformed; a few had already died. The mother dog was actually trying to terminate Faith's life when Reuben lifted her weak body out from under the mother dog; he brought her home to me knowing I had a heart like a marshmellow.

Even though Faith has this defect we taught her to stand, hop, and eventually walk on her two back legs, like a human. She's been a great dog and we forget she's handicapped. You'll turn around and she's chasing the geese at the park, running, jumping, skipping, and acting like any other dog...well, any other dog with a nose reach of 40" from the ground! (Watch your plate, she'll clean it for you before you're ready to share.

I'm going to tell you a little story about Faith that you may find quite interesting. I couldn't get Faith interested in toys when she was a little puppy. She didn't want to play fetch obviously, but she also didn't want to chew on squeaky toys. She looked at them. She would sit there and watch me throw a little toy in the air - often times I would throw the really soft ones at her to see if she would catch it - she didn't. It just hit her in the face! Then she would stare at me as if I was the bad-guy. One day I was doing laundry and some of the warm socks feel off the top of the basket - she grabbed it! After she grabbed the roll of socks she hopped under the bed with it. When I reached under the bed to retrieve the clean rolled up pair of socks I found she had been stealing our socks for quite some time! She had an entire nest of socks under the bed. FINALLY I found something she was interested in. When I encouraged Faith to play with Matrix all it took was to take one of her socks from under the bed and give it to Matrix to play tug-of-war with - - that was all she needed. She began playing hard and she never let up. She could stand up really tall and take the sock back when she wanted to, so Matrix began taking out her legs. Faith realized early that she only had two legs to use - and she began hopping backwards to get away from Matrix. This began a series of training behaviors that absolutely stun the professionals. Faith can (if she wants to) hop backward, forward, straight up, and even over the dog - but I stress - IF she wants to. I can't make her do anything - we call her the "Diva" sometimes.

With Faith every day is a new adventure - she has always been ready for traveling, touring, meeting people, visiting hosptials, going on stage, or just hanging out under the bed all day. She's as normal as any other dog when it comes to being in her "cave" for protection - - the difference between Faith and other dogs is she actually looks forward to flying, driving, traveling around and being in the limelight. She sees a big camera and she thinks it was put there for her...she's actually walked into weddings because she heard the music and the people clapping. You can bet she stuck around for the food at the reception and that's one bride's maid that will never be forgotten in King of Prussia, PA!

I've written a book about our life struggles and how Faith helped us, and another strictly about Faith. You can buy them online through www.amazon.com by their titles "With a Little Faith" (2nd Ed.) and "Faith Alone: Stories of an Amazing Dog" and of course they are also available through the publisher at www.xlibris.com (Just a note: With a Little Faith is for persons over the age of 14.) Thank you so much for loving my little dog and for sharing her miraculous story with all of your friends. She really is a gift, and I am very blessed by Jesus to have her.















Faith the Dog

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Ika 17 ng Hunyo 2009: Errand Day

Halfway through my way to the office I received a text message from my colleague on a late morning meeting. Since I was still on my way, I was even later than that meeting. I was actually thinking about taking the morning off because of various errands. I tried replying but I couldn't get through...... I think my network had some problems. In the absence of any option, I slept the rest of the trip bothered occasionally by some text messages.

Come to think of it........... if that meeting was set, why was I informed about it less than an hour before that meeting. Was that intentional? I decided not to beat myself about something I don't have control over. Besides, I guess my presence is not that important as shown by the means of delivering the notice of the meeting.

I was actually set on doing my errands and would need to take either the morning or afternoon off. This morning, MD through ED asked me to pay the application fee for UPCAT...... the deadline being today...... talk about proper timing. I need to withdraw money to pay for my credit card bill too. What was complicated about these simple chores is that I needed to transact with different banks in different locations to do all of these.

I was mapping out my route as soon as I woke up in the van. In time, I reached my destination...... I was ambivalent about going straight to the bank. I decided to drop off my stuff in the office first before doing my errands.......

PS: Umuulan kagabi nang pauwi na ako galing opisina. Dadaan muna ako sa kaibigan ko sa kabilang gusali para makitago ng sapatos na pinagawa ko sa sapaterong gumagala. Dahil kilala na ang mamang sapatero sa gusali ng kaibigan ko, iniwan niya ang sapatos ko sa gwardiya dun.

Bumuhos ang ulan nung lumabas na ako ng opisina. Habang naglalakad, isa sa suporta ng payong ko ay naputol na. Pwede pa naman gamitin kaya direcho lang akong naglakad. Pag dating ko sa gusali, kinuha ko sa gwardiaya ang sapatos at pinuntahan ko ang kaibigan ko. Nagkwentuhan muna kami. Maya-maya, isa pang kakilala sa opisinang iyon ang nakipagkwentuhan din. Ilan sandali pa, nagpaalam na ako. Dahil pareho kami ng dadaanan ng kakilala ko, sabay na kami umuwi.

Umuulan pa rin paglabas namin, kaya ginamit ko pa rin ang payong kong namimiligro na. Hindi na naglabas ng payong ang kasama ko at tinatamad daw siya. Sumakay kami ng jeep papunta sa terminal. Tuloy pa rin ang kwentuhan. Umuulan pa rin nung bababa na kami kaya syempre nagpayong pa rin kami. Nilabas na ng kasama ko yun payong niya at medyo malakas na. Humahangin pa. Patuloy kami sa paglalakad pauntang terminal na halos tangayin na ng hangin ang mga payong namin. Bumaligtad na ang payong ko sa lakas ng hangin. Isinara na ng kasama ko ang payong niya. Sinasara ko rin ang payong ko pero ayaw na masara. Natatawa ako habang tinatanong ko yun kasama ko kung ano gagawin ko. Humanap daw ako ng basurahan, sabi niya. lalo kaming nagtawanan habang pinipilit kong isara ang payong. Matapos ang ilang minutong paglalaban namin ng payong, bumigay din siya pero luray luray na ito......

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Ika 16 ng Hunyo 2009: Slumdogs in our Midst

I watched the film Slumdog Millionaire and I was grossed out by many of the scenes in the film. It was an engaging film that make you keep rooting for the hero till the end and feel happy about how things turned up for him. It also reawakens your psyche into the harsh realities of life which tend to be forgotten as we go about our daily grind.

I was leading a fairly normal routine this morning going to the office. The light showers must have aggravated the traffic that there was no van at the terminal. I decided to go out and take a jeepney. I was lost in my thought........ a bit sleepy because scrabble kept me up soooooo late...... Traffic was bad even in our place. Stuck in traffic, my attention was caught by a young boy, maybe between 7 to 9. With these kids, we couldn't tell. I once met a young vendor who told me he is fifteen but looks like a seven-year old boy to me. The young boy was peddling a sidecar with loads of stuff under rainy skies. As a mother, my heart sank seeing the hard life in the streets faced by that boy........ There is no childhood to speak off.

Still lost in that thought, my peace would be disturbed by two boisterous young lads, maybe 10 or 11, who leapt onto jeepney's railings and were dangerously hanging to the rails careful not to be seen by the driver. Some drivers speed off to intentional drop these kids. The boys were talking about some metal and jumped off the jeepney as it was coasting along and ask for alms from some passengers in another vehicle. The two boys do not seem to care about the dangers of their street acrobatics. Bruised, filthy, browned, calloused, they looked like they have been hardened by the lessons of the street life.

I often wonder where their parents are. Whenever I get a chance to ask a street child where his or her parents are, I am deluged with more sad tales that I would momentarily feel hopelessness creeping in me. How could they ever escape the never ending cycle of poverty they are in...... with jobless and irresponsible parents, numerous siblings who share in their already meager resource, a family that do not and cannot protect them, a community that perpetuates the cycle of poverty, apathy of the affluent, a government beset with its own problem.

Many times, I feel guilty thinking about the hard life these kids face. My dogs are far more cloistered than them..... my dogs never get to feel hunger...... or the dangers of the elements....... and they are even loved by us........

What about these kids? That is a lot to think about today..........

PS: Parami ng parami ang kaso ng H1N1. Komunidad na and apektado dito sa Pilipinas na me pinakamadaming kaso sa Southeast Asia. Nagbabala ang mga opisyales ng pangkalusugan na di na mapipigilan ang pagkalat nito. Nakakaparaning tuloy lalo. Lagi pa naman akong me nakakasakay na mga nag-uubo o sinisipon. Nagkataon naman tag-ulan na rin at panahon na ng ganitong mga sakit. Yun flu vaccination sa lugar namin dalawang linggo pa bago yun itinakdang araw ng bakuna. Paano ba yan? Mga dalawang linggo pa akong magpipigil ng hininga tuwing me umuubo sa loob ng sasakyan.

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Ika 15 ng Hunyo 2009: Pink Exam

The long weekend passed with me taking my sweet time. I needed to do one more exam. Yes, I am guilty of laziness...... I should allow myself some transgressions sometime. All work and no play makes one dull and grey...... Did I get my rhyme right?

This is the reason why I had work planned out coming to the office. I guess it was alright. Last week was full. This week should be lighter since we just finished a major job. As soon as I arrived in the office, I did my usual routine...... Then, I would learn that internet connection is down. Uh...oh..... I needed to visit a site for some of my test questions...... So, I can't........ I have to formulate my own problems....... argh! Left without any option, I opened all my references and past lectures and worked on the exam. It would have been easy if I was able to access that site. Lucky that we're on a lull and I can steal time.........

It's my quantitative analysis subject and it's not easy making up problems to solve. I had to ensure that a solution is possible. That's how I formulate my exams. I work on the answer key first. Once that is done, I just delete the answers and presto, that is my exams. Deleting the answers always makes me feel good. The students would always tell me they are challenged by my exams.... the literal translation is where the hell do I get my questions!

By mid-afternoon, I have framed my questions and was working on the solution. I would get a phone call from my colleague friend from our budget office asking if i could go there to sign some of the forms we prepared last week. I asked if I could just drop by her office around 5:00pm before I go to school. She said that the documents had to be signed asap as she also had to secure the signatures of higher officials. I relented thinking that I can leave as soon as I sign the docs. I went with my colleague who will also be signing some documents.

The documents were ready when we arrived and I signed them. My colleague had to work on some more paperwork. While waiting, my friend and I chatted the time away feasting on some foodstuff on her desk. When we were done, we went to the parking area looking for our driver who was nowhere in sight. My colleague called him and was told he was in the same office we were and would go down. He went down after around twenty minutes.

It was past four when we got back to the office and my class starts at five. I can no longer complete the answer key. I prepared the questionnaire from the half-done answer key. I was rushing and printed the desired number of copies on our network printer careful about not being seen by anyone. I had to be by the printer. When I checked the copies, the printer ink was almost gone and there were blank portions on the test papers...... argh. My own printer also has an almost empty black ink. I tried using another color hoping that it is still available in the colored printer ink. The fuschia color gave a good enough copy. So I printed my exams in that color. Probably, a good thing because my students are all girls.

I got off at 5:00pm and went straight to school. My students would always complain to me about how stressed out they are with their studies. Sometimes, I would answer them with a question asking them how they think I did for the day..... Other times, I would smile and keep quiet.... And then on some days, i would just shrug the whole thing off.......

PS: Pauwi, nadaanan ko ang isang gwardiya na nakaupo tanggal ang sapatos malapit sa hagdan ng binabantayan niyang daanan ng tao. Gabi na kaya wala na halos tao. Kaya siguro namamahinga na siya. Pero paano kung biglang me gulo o mangailangan ng tulong? Tatakbo siya ng walang sapatos?

Malayo pa pero tanaw ko ang sapatos niyang makintab na parang bagong bago sa itsura nito. Sa ibaba ng daanan ng tao, me isang gwardiya din na nagpapatrolya na nakasuot din ng makintab na sapatos. Mukang matigas nga siya. At sa trabaho nila, isa siguro itong sagabal sa mabilis at milksing pagkilos nila. Bakit nga ba kailangan matigas at makintab na sapatos ang suot nila. Bahagi ba yon ng pagiging gwatdiya. Maganda nga tignan pero pinahihirapan naman yun tao kung nananakit ang paa niya sa pagsuot nito. Lahat tayo nararanasan natin ito sa pagsusuot ng bagong sapatos.

Kung bakit kasi kailangan na me pormang kailangan ipatupad para sa isang trabaho kahit wala naman itong kinalaman sa trabaho?

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Ika 14 ng Hunyo 2009: Savoring my Weekend

Brainchild's break......

With most major tasks done since yesterday, I should be able to take it easy today. Just a few errands and I'll go back to relax mode.

I just found out from my daughters that facebook has a scrabble site. That is another reason to look forward to the weekend. I have not played the game for so long when a site I played in closed after another company took over the site. I was at the point of addiction when it closed. probably, a good thing. I was trading sleep for the thrill of competition..... I should be more circumspect this time. I am playing a game as I write this post...... If anyone out there wants to engage me in a game, just click on the link and join my game.

The workweek should be fine. Besides a make-up class tomorrow, we will be on a term break.......y'ay

My friend is coming home and a meet-up is in order. Our other friends and I were supposed to meet this weekend. We decided to delay it bit to wait for this friend.

Another friend wants to drive to Subic just to get out of the city. That should be exciting.......

These are reasons why I'd like to skip this week and teleport to next weekend..........

PS: Mabuti na lang at me mga ibon na humuhuni at kumakanta. Nakakapagpasaya sa isang tahimik na tahanan........

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Ika 13 ng Hunyo 2009: Real Life Drama

Brainchild's break.......

I woke up with an aching back. I was so beat up that I slept as soon as my back hit the bed after my student who took her final exams in my home left. I lingered awhile and fell back into sleep. This is how a weekend is supposed to be..... Still, I must get up at some point to do what I should do today.... the usual stuff......

Yesterday, I got a text message from my professor friend to tune in to the news because someone we know, a namesake of our boxing champ, is on TV. I thought it was the boxing champ so I didn't make much out of it. A few minutes later, I texted back asking who she was referring to. She said it was our former student in the old school we worked for. There was a murder implicating the family of our former student. The victim is a young woman who is the sister of a beauty queen actress. She also happened to be the estranged wife of our former student.


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Among my professor friends and I, I would probably be the closest to this student. Professors should have no biases but I couldn't help liking this student. He was brilliant, responsible, exuded leadership, respectful, and inspite of their wealth never flaunted their possessions. He was a student in many of the subjects I taught in that school where I taught for more than five years. I think he liked me as a professor as well. Well enough that even when I was no longer teaching in that old school, he and his classmate-friend got me as their thesis adviser. Our partnership concluded on a good note allowing them to join the graduating class of 2006.

I didn't hear from him after that. In December 2006 when we moved back to our home after its reconstruction, I was surprised to get a visit from him while I was tidying up our home still in disarray. The house was still wide open dowstairs and we were occupying two rooms in the second floor. I would hear footsteps coming up. When I came out of the room, it was my student with a box of apples. He didn't stay long and I didn't ask him to because the house was in no condition to receive guests. After a few minutes of catching up, he left. I didn't hear from him again after that.

This sensational news about his estranged wife and his family being implicated in the crime is the next that I would hear about him. In the news clip, the camera would show both father and son being interviewed. I am saddened. He is not included among those charged but his father is.

I met his father as well during our exposure trip to companies to expose students to industries. Running out of options, my student offered their commercial farm engaging in modern poultry technology and rearing exotic animals as one of the companies we would visit. It was actually a perfect match to the other company I chose, a Japanese firm hubby is working for which is engaged in semi-conductor. During the the visit to their farm, his father gamely accompanied us during the tour explaining to us the technology behind his fatter and faster-growing chickens. Their farm promotes a sustainable food chain. Dead animals or waste products are fed to other species in the farm enabling a continuing circle of life. Indeed, it was a learning experience for my students and some professors who tagged along. The sumptuous lunch of fresh catch from their tilapia farm and fresh vegetables was just the perfect way to cap what is originally an out-of-campus activity but became like a getaway.

His father is a lawyer who became a farmer. He said that he was leading a fairly busy corporate life handling high-profile cases when he grew tired of it and decided to be a farmer. Not a bad choice after seeing what we saw. Talking to him, he seemed like a likeable person who prided about treating his workers well. He's one of those people that makes you feel good after an encounter with him. He was a gracious and generous hosts who made us all feel welcome in their farm. Everyone was tired but enjoyed that last leg of the exposure trip that we had. I didn't get to meet my student's father again after that field trip.

I like keeping abreast about the lives of my students. I specially love knowing that they are doing well in their chosen fields. I would meet some of them in Makati and they would enthusiastically relate to me their work or business. I would hear about some of them from my professor-friends.

This is not the first time I would hear about a student from the media. A number of my students are models, actors/actresses, or simply made news. A former student and thesis advisee, daughter of a couple who run a popular pre-school, was one of the divers who retrieved trapped bodies from the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars carrying more than 700 people sank in typhoon-tossed waters off Sibuyan island in Romblon province on une 21, 2008. I hardly hear news about students whose lives went awry after graduation. Perhaps, it's too early in the game to give up on their young lives and are still hoping and pursuing their dreams quietly.

I do not know what to make of this latest news about my student. I don't understand why this should happen. I can only hope that light will be shed soon and justice served swiftly.............

PS: Sabi ng estudyante ko na nakakarelax daw ang bahay namin dahil mga tunog ng kalikasan ang maririnig dito gaya ng daloy ng tubig, huni ng ibon, tunog ng chime...... Paminsan minsan nagtatahulan ang mga aso. Yang ang isa sa dahilan kaya gusto ko lagi weekend....... para makapagrelax sa tunog gubat kong bahay.......

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Ika 12 ng Hunyo 2009: Independence Day

It's independence day today...... a holiday. Y'ay. It feels good to just stay home and veg out like what I am doing right now. Independence day celebrations are slated in various parts of the country such as Kawit, Cavite, in the now christened Aguinaldo Shrine which is the house where Philippine independence from Spain was proclaimed from its porch in 12 June 1898. Rizal Park, where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was executed by the Spaniards for his writings and social commentaries, is another traditional place where our freedom is proclaimed to throngs who gather for the annual celebration.

Revisiting our past.......

The Philippine Declaration of Independence occurred on June 12, 1898 in the Philippines, where Filipino revolutionary forces under General Emilio Aguinaldo (later to become the Philippines' first Republican President) proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

The declaration, however, was not recognized by the United States or Spain, as the Spanish government ceded the Philippines to the United States in the 1898 Treaty of Paris, in consideration for an indemnity for Spanish expenses and assets lost.

The United States recognized Philippine independence on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila.[1] Independence Day was observed in the Philippines on the July 4 anniversary of this event until, upon the advice of historians and at the urging of nationalist politicians, President Diosdado Macapagal signed Republic Act No. 4166 into law on August 4, 1964, designating June 12, which had previously been observed as Flag Day, as the country's Independence Day.

I didn't get much sleep because of the coffee I drank while proctoring my final exams. I knew it would happen so I thought about spending time checking out my sites. It kept me up until about 3:00am. There was a point I was falling asleep. Then, I came into an update on my brother's site and my sleepiness completely disappeared. I just had to think I still should wake up early to check on the dogs...... that made me shut down the laptop.

I woke up later than usual. Hubby was not around and I learned he needed to report to his office. I didn't have appetite for breakfast because of the lack of sleep. I checked on the dog and they have been fed and cleaned up. The birds are happily chirping away.

Two of my students are coming to my home later. One would take her final exams as she will be leaving for her home town tomorrow morning. The other one will tag along to have a tour of our animal haven.

Meantime, I am taking things in stride. Because it's independence day, I'd like to be stress-free today. I'll sneak in for a nap later and spend the rest of the day as uneventfully as I could......

PS: Kagabi gising pa ang dalawang anak kong babae pag dating ko ng bahay. Tuwing huling araw ng pasok sa opisina, naghahanap ng pasalubong ang mga yan. Paborito nila yun ensaymada na me caramel na nabibili ko sa SM Makati tuwing Biyernes. Kahapon bumili ako ng ensaymada na gawa sa wheat. Natuklasan ko to sa pamamagitan ng isang kaopisina. Sa halagang sampung piso para sa isang malaking ensaymada at P5.50 sa malaking pandesal na pwedeng palamanan ay meron ka ng murang meryenda o pananghalian. Hindi ito pangkaraniwang tinapay na gawa sa wheat na mukang matigas. Karaniwang bagong luto kaya siguro malambot. Pero kahit isang araw na ang nakalipas, malambot pa rin talaga. Napakaraming tao na bumibili sa panaderyang ito. Maliit lang ang lugar at tatlong klaseng tinapay lang ang binebenta. Halos hindi mapapnsin ito dahil pati karatula nito ay kulay itim pero yun pila ng taong bumibili ang pruweba ng masarap at katakam takam na tinapay. Kahapon ay sumama ako sa kaopisina ko na bumili ng tinapy bago ako pumasok sa paaralan. Malamang na maging suki ako ng panaderyang ito.

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Ika 11 ng Hunyo 2009: A Day of Contrast

This day should provide a breather as far as my office work is concerned. We have been waiting for submission of various forms to be submitted to the agency in charge of government budgets since last week. We're still waiting and it's submission time. Part of the work of my office is to help our budget office prepare the department budget. I have used gentle persuasion, been firm, threatening, and lately menacing...... But some simply don't know what the word 'deadline' which was last week incidentally, means. Today, I'll make good my threat to leave these offices' request as I am submitting whatever is with me by the close of office hours today. They are going to be budgetless next year........huh...... serves them right!

It is still hellish as far as school work is concerned. I have not exactly been negligent. It was just that my office work took much of my time. In the scheme of things, my office work takes priority, notwithstanding that I hate it. I managed the class hours but the paperwork is another thing. I have tons of papers and reports to check. I should be able to do this during their exams later. I want to free up my extended weekend.

Thank God for the holiday tomorrow. Our top officials were discussing during our yesterday's meeting the various functions they have to attend on the occasion of our independence day. They had to be in some historical places to commemorate our independence from colonial rule. One has to be in Calamba while another has to be in Luneta. Last year, our topmost official related that he was in the enemy's land. Being a known administration stalwart, he wasn't sure how people in the city where the top opposition leader reigns supreme, would react to his presence. In the past, employees were sent to represent the office in such functions. Because no one wants to attend such functions, the employees are chosen by drawing lots. I would always dread this given my lucky streak in raffles of this kind.

I am just looking forward to this long weekend..........

PS: Ang hirap magkandakumahog sa paggawa ng pagsusulit ng mga estudyante ko. Mamaya na ang pagsusulit nila at kakatapos tapos ko pa lang magawa ang pagsusulit. Ang dami kasi sumisingit...... trabaho........ nandyan pa yun mga personal na bagay na dapat gawin. Para tuloy naalala ko nung estudyante ako na nagkakandakumahog ako sa pag-aaral isang araw bago ang pagsusulit. Ganon ganon din...... ako na nga lang ang nagbibigay ng pagsusulit......

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