since i came here in the US, i have never seen a Tv commercial that makes me laugh or impressed me. Commercials here are bleh. I miss Pinoy commercials. I just knew that this Obama commercial just came out in the Philippines and boy, it is goood...Click and watch!=)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
first quarter of Mrs. Glaze
So, last friday, when I got home, Alex told me we're going to Denny's and I hesitated. I did not see any reason why we had to go, anyway, we're saving up for something big next year. I was in my usual 'kulit' self on our way there. "Are you promoted? Is it Papi's or Mami's bday? Is Ariel (his brother) there? What's with December 12?"
He said, "I will just tell you when we get there. So if I were you, I will stop guessing."
When we arrived and after ordering cranberry juice for him and orange juice for me, he held my hands and said, "It's our first quarter together as husband and wife. I want to celebrate." I almost cried. "Thank God, we still do not hate each other." I smiled. I hugged him tight and we enjoyed our husband-and-wife conversation over tilapia with rice and beans for him and nachos with jalapeno and beef and sour cream for me.and oh, the all-time favorite of mine, garlic bread. it was almost 10pm and it was not wise for both of us to get stuffed. when we were on our way home, i asked him, "did any box arrive today?" he said, "yes, but I did not open it because I did not know to whom it was for." I just said, "Good. We will open it together."
I was glad it arrived that Friday. I knew it was the box I longed to arrive. It's my Christmas gift to Alex from NHL. It's a San Jose Sharks jacket he always looked at online and told me, "Isn't it nice, Langga?" But I usually brushed him off to give him the impression that I am not so interested about it, but little did he know at the back of my mind I was already planning to buy it and had it delivered in our doorstep.
When we arrived home, I told Alex calmly, "Why didnt you open it? It said it's for you." He was surprised because every time a box arrived from the post office or UPS, it was always for me. It would either be a gift from friends or relatives. So he did not bother to open the box the first he saw it. I said, "Open it. It must be something special."
He slowly opened the box and his eyes widely opened when he saw the turquoise/teal jacket from San Jose Sharks, his favorite ice hockey team! I said, "Merry Christmas, cielito! It's my Christmas gift!" He closed the box, sat beside me, and gave me the warmest hug in the world. He was teary-eyed when he said, "Thank you." I said, "You deserve it. Try it on. I am sure it looks good on you." Like a little boy receiving a toy he likes, he excitedly wore it and made a model-like pose in front of me. Hahaha. He was soo funny. "My wife gave this to me!!!" he shouted. He wore the jacket even when he went to sleep and he was hyper the whole weekend. =)
I am so happy to have made Alex happy. He has been so dead tired and stressed out everyday because of work and he really deserves to be happy. He will wear the jacket on March15, when we'll watch the San JOse Sharks Games in Anaheim. Cooool. I will surely post a picture here of him wearing it. For now, I can only show you the jacket.=)
It surely looks good with his color huh? =) Happy 1st quarter cielito..
He said, "I will just tell you when we get there. So if I were you, I will stop guessing."
When we arrived and after ordering cranberry juice for him and orange juice for me, he held my hands and said, "It's our first quarter together as husband and wife. I want to celebrate." I almost cried. "Thank God, we still do not hate each other." I smiled. I hugged him tight and we enjoyed our husband-and-wife conversation over tilapia with rice and beans for him and nachos with jalapeno and beef and sour cream for me.and oh, the all-time favorite of mine, garlic bread. it was almost 10pm and it was not wise for both of us to get stuffed. when we were on our way home, i asked him, "did any box arrive today?" he said, "yes, but I did not open it because I did not know to whom it was for." I just said, "Good. We will open it together."
I was glad it arrived that Friday. I knew it was the box I longed to arrive. It's my Christmas gift to Alex from NHL. It's a San Jose Sharks jacket he always looked at online and told me, "Isn't it nice, Langga?" But I usually brushed him off to give him the impression that I am not so interested about it, but little did he know at the back of my mind I was already planning to buy it and had it delivered in our doorstep.
When we arrived home, I told Alex calmly, "Why didnt you open it? It said it's for you." He was surprised because every time a box arrived from the post office or UPS, it was always for me. It would either be a gift from friends or relatives. So he did not bother to open the box the first he saw it. I said, "Open it. It must be something special."
He slowly opened the box and his eyes widely opened when he saw the turquoise/teal jacket from San Jose Sharks, his favorite ice hockey team! I said, "Merry Christmas, cielito! It's my Christmas gift!" He closed the box, sat beside me, and gave me the warmest hug in the world. He was teary-eyed when he said, "Thank you." I said, "You deserve it. Try it on. I am sure it looks good on you." Like a little boy receiving a toy he likes, he excitedly wore it and made a model-like pose in front of me. Hahaha. He was soo funny. "My wife gave this to me!!!" he shouted. He wore the jacket even when he went to sleep and he was hyper the whole weekend. =)
I am so happy to have made Alex happy. He has been so dead tired and stressed out everyday because of work and he really deserves to be happy. He will wear the jacket on March15, when we'll watch the San JOse Sharks Games in Anaheim. Cooool. I will surely post a picture here of him wearing it. For now, I can only show you the jacket.=)
It surely looks good with his color huh? =) Happy 1st quarter cielito..
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
manicure.pedicure.facial.massage.
wow, that felt sooo good yesterday!I had my first spa treatment yesterday since i arrived here in californi. it was amazing. it felt so relaxing. finally i managed to go to a spa all by myself and no worries how much i'd pay. (it was not as expensive as i expected it to be.)hope i can do it again with alex next time..
im in riverside, california and i love the weather of the desert! it's warm during the day, it's cold at night! it's soothing because it's not cool all day long unlike in LA and camarillo. i love desert life now, plus the cost of living is low.
i cant make a christmas wish list, money just doesnt allow. alex and i are prioritizing some things that need to be done soon - my papers, his studies, paying off debts and bills.thats it.
life is challenging here in US. it's not heaven, but it's not hell either. it's just different.well, im still on the adjustment phase. i have only been here for 5 months. im still hopeful things will get better as time goes by...indeed, my life is in His hands.=)
im in riverside, california and i love the weather of the desert! it's warm during the day, it's cold at night! it's soothing because it's not cool all day long unlike in LA and camarillo. i love desert life now, plus the cost of living is low.
i cant make a christmas wish list, money just doesnt allow. alex and i are prioritizing some things that need to be done soon - my papers, his studies, paying off debts and bills.thats it.
life is challenging here in US. it's not heaven, but it's not hell either. it's just different.well, im still on the adjustment phase. i have only been here for 5 months. im still hopeful things will get better as time goes by...indeed, my life is in His hands.=)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
same sex marriage
This is a controversial issue here in california. on the election day, the YES votes - banning of same sex marriage - prevailed with a slim edge. Slim or not, deep inside my heart, I am happy with the outcome.
Alex voted no. His dad voted no too, though they both are personally against it. They said, they cannot impose their moral/religious standards on anybody and any person can do whatever he/she wants. The government should not stop them. God even gives us the freedom of choice. He does not stop/compel anyone to do something, but everybody should keep in mind that every choice has consequences. I respect my husband and father-in-law for their inner sentiments.
But I have my own stand too. When Alex and I applied for a marriage license in Norwalk, LA's big registry center, we saw many gay and lesbian couples lining up with us. Same sex marriages were still accepted that time for 4 months. It was soo new to me. When we got married in Lancaster, the officiating officer said we were the best-looking couple of the day because we were the only heterosexual pair who got married in Lancaster that day. I agree with her. I still believe in traditional marriage and the beautiful marriage God officiated in the Garden of Eden was for Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. It's as simple as that.I am not ready yet to see homosexual marriages legalized here in california.
Forgive me for being different but I am at peace with my choice to say Yes to banning of same sex marriage. Democracy has spoken. The people's message was clear. Be at peace with it too.
Alex voted no. His dad voted no too, though they both are personally against it. They said, they cannot impose their moral/religious standards on anybody and any person can do whatever he/she wants. The government should not stop them. God even gives us the freedom of choice. He does not stop/compel anyone to do something, but everybody should keep in mind that every choice has consequences. I respect my husband and father-in-law for their inner sentiments.
But I have my own stand too. When Alex and I applied for a marriage license in Norwalk, LA's big registry center, we saw many gay and lesbian couples lining up with us. Same sex marriages were still accepted that time for 4 months. It was soo new to me. When we got married in Lancaster, the officiating officer said we were the best-looking couple of the day because we were the only heterosexual pair who got married in Lancaster that day. I agree with her. I still believe in traditional marriage and the beautiful marriage God officiated in the Garden of Eden was for Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. It's as simple as that.I am not ready yet to see homosexual marriages legalized here in california.
Forgive me for being different but I am at peace with my choice to say Yes to banning of same sex marriage. Democracy has spoken. The people's message was clear. Be at peace with it too.
Friday, October 31, 2008
it rained!!!
i woke up at 7:10 am today and (lazily) did my devotionals. when I went out to open the door and get the morning paper, i heard the rain. finally, i saw the rain showers i always wished for 4 months now. yay!!! it's a dream come true. coming from two tropical countries in the past year, i miss rain! ive never seen rain since i left palau and philippines.the feel of the wet grass you step on is the one i miss most. well, california does not experience rain showers all the time. in fact, when it rains, it doesn't pour. so this morning, the rain stopped a few minutes after.;( that's it. that's the california rain. the good thing is, it was enough to wet the ground!ill go for a walk in a little while. the smell of the wet leaves falling from the trees and the sight of squirrels jumping around the village are enough to make my day. Thank God!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
surprises!
Last Friday on my way back to Burbank, I met a Turkish lawyer who was so uncomfortable speaking in English. I befriended her and we talked so many things about our travelling experiences and a few info about our personal lives. She was with her parents who do not speak English at all and her 18yr old brother.We talked about US and how it's a so-so country and I learned that she speaks Spanish and French fluently. She said she likes France so much and wants to live there again. What interests me most is that she has travelled to almost all countries in the world. I showed her my Palau pictures in my laptop and she said with conviction, "I will definitely visit that island." (Sorry Pinas, it's not you, whom I showed)
While we were busy knowing more about each other, my phone rang. It's my husband. He asked me what station I already was and why didnt I give him a ring when I got on the train. I laughed and promised to tell him the reason later when I see him at my destination station. (I was busy talking with my new friend!) We fianlly said our 143s and hung up. Three minutes later, he called again, asking me what part of the train I was sitting because he said, he needs to tell the ticketing officer of the station where he's at for our train tickets for the next day's travel to Northern calfiornia, and I said, "You know I like being on the 2nd floor. What are you talking about?" He said he's just making sure. We hung up and I got busy talking again. I explained to my new friend who the caller was and that he's picking me up at the next station. A few minutes later, I noticed three guys walking past by me in the aisle. They were on their backs. The first two guys are the train conductors, they were wearing their cool white uniforms. The last and tallest guy behind them was carrying flowers and I could see the red roses in front of him even if he was on his back. Then I realized that the jacket the guy was wearing was soo familiar. Then suddenly, the guy turned around...and..and..it's ALEX!!! He said, "There you are!" and the two conductors in front of him asked, "So did you find her?" I was blushing when Alex gave me the red roses. I was soo happy to see him. My new friend was even more surprised at first. She asked for confirmation if he's my husband. RIght when I said yes, she readily spoke to him in Spanish. One minute later, we had finally arrived at Burbank station and while we were on our way down, the passengers were looking at us, smiling. I was already carrying the twelve sweet-smelling red roses. I was sooo happy! It was a very pleasant surprise!
What is interesting is, I made it official after our wedding 3 weeks ago that Alex is bad at surprises because he hasnt been successful yet in surprising me. It turns out, he's not bad at it after all.=)
Thank you so much, Cielito! You make me soo happy! I love you!
While we were busy knowing more about each other, my phone rang. It's my husband. He asked me what station I already was and why didnt I give him a ring when I got on the train. I laughed and promised to tell him the reason later when I see him at my destination station. (I was busy talking with my new friend!) We fianlly said our 143s and hung up. Three minutes later, he called again, asking me what part of the train I was sitting because he said, he needs to tell the ticketing officer of the station where he's at for our train tickets for the next day's travel to Northern calfiornia, and I said, "You know I like being on the 2nd floor. What are you talking about?" He said he's just making sure. We hung up and I got busy talking again. I explained to my new friend who the caller was and that he's picking me up at the next station. A few minutes later, I noticed three guys walking past by me in the aisle. They were on their backs. The first two guys are the train conductors, they were wearing their cool white uniforms. The last and tallest guy behind them was carrying flowers and I could see the red roses in front of him even if he was on his back. Then I realized that the jacket the guy was wearing was soo familiar. Then suddenly, the guy turned around...and..and..it's ALEX!!! He said, "There you are!" and the two conductors in front of him asked, "So did you find her?" I was blushing when Alex gave me the red roses. I was soo happy to see him. My new friend was even more surprised at first. She asked for confirmation if he's my husband. RIght when I said yes, she readily spoke to him in Spanish. One minute later, we had finally arrived at Burbank station and while we were on our way down, the passengers were looking at us, smiling. I was already carrying the twelve sweet-smelling red roses. I was sooo happy! It was a very pleasant surprise!
What is interesting is, I made it official after our wedding 3 weeks ago that Alex is bad at surprises because he hasnt been successful yet in surprising me. It turns out, he's not bad at it after all.=)
Thank you so much, Cielito! You make me soo happy! I love you!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
three months and marriage..
Three months have passed since I arrived at the peaceful domestic airport of LAX (yes, it's domestic because I flew in from hawaii). Too many things have changed and I do understand, Lord, that everything's part of a bigger picture.=)
I am a married woman now. When Alex's brother and dad introduced us in different occasions as "this is my brother/son and his wife," all emotions sank in my heart. I could not believe what I just heard. I am Alex's wife now - his bestfriend, lover, roommate, help mate, cook, house keeper, nanny of our children. Though he doesnt like me hearing from me those last three roles, I still consider myself as so. It's being part of loving him and the family we're building.
So I cried 80% of the time during the ceremony. I can't help it. I am just glad I didnt wear too much makeup on that day. Simple is beautiful, as they say. Oh well..that's just my excuse because honestly, I do not know how to put on makeup on my own. But Alex likes simple. My wedding dress we both bought on the wedding day itself was simple. My makeup was simple. The ceremony was simple. The reception at Panda Inn organized by the Harrises was simple. The cake was simple. Everything was simple as we wanted it to be. And, oh, our dwelling place is simple. I am just glad it has a swimming pool for me to unwind and maintain my exercises.
This is it. This is the real world. Marriage is not always a bed of roses. I knew that even before I jumped into the bed. That's why I mustered enough courage and faith before signing the papers. I read what Michelle Eimeren, Ogie Alcasid's wife, said in Philippine Star online today and I think it will be a good motto if you've just started marriage. It said, "Life is short, so why dwell on the negative?" I smiled and nodded like July 4th.=)
I also read from CNN an article about keeping the marriage alive. The secret? Be quiet. That makes me laugh. But it is not kidding. That is indeed the secret of making a marriage work. It's connection that matters. Read the article at http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/26/o.improve.your.marriage/index.html and tell me what you think.
Before our first anniversarry on Sept12 next year, I will be a better woman and wife hopefully. I want to see a stronger and more loving Rica Glaze than she is today. Also, I hope and pray that the little hopes and dreams I share with Alex will come true.
Life is short, so why dwell on the negative? =)
I am a married woman now. When Alex's brother and dad introduced us in different occasions as "this is my brother/son and his wife," all emotions sank in my heart. I could not believe what I just heard. I am Alex's wife now - his bestfriend, lover, roommate, help mate, cook, house keeper, nanny of our children. Though he doesnt like me hearing from me those last three roles, I still consider myself as so. It's being part of loving him and the family we're building.
So I cried 80% of the time during the ceremony. I can't help it. I am just glad I didnt wear too much makeup on that day. Simple is beautiful, as they say. Oh well..that's just my excuse because honestly, I do not know how to put on makeup on my own. But Alex likes simple. My wedding dress we both bought on the wedding day itself was simple. My makeup was simple. The ceremony was simple. The reception at Panda Inn organized by the Harrises was simple. The cake was simple. Everything was simple as we wanted it to be. And, oh, our dwelling place is simple. I am just glad it has a swimming pool for me to unwind and maintain my exercises.
This is it. This is the real world. Marriage is not always a bed of roses. I knew that even before I jumped into the bed. That's why I mustered enough courage and faith before signing the papers. I read what Michelle Eimeren, Ogie Alcasid's wife, said in Philippine Star online today and I think it will be a good motto if you've just started marriage. It said, "Life is short, so why dwell on the negative?" I smiled and nodded like July 4th.=)
I also read from CNN an article about keeping the marriage alive. The secret? Be quiet. That makes me laugh. But it is not kidding. That is indeed the secret of making a marriage work. It's connection that matters. Read the article at http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/09/26/o.improve.your.marriage/index.html and tell me what you think.
Before our first anniversarry on Sept12 next year, I will be a better woman and wife hopefully. I want to see a stronger and more loving Rica Glaze than she is today. Also, I hope and pray that the little hopes and dreams I share with Alex will come true.
Life is short, so why dwell on the negative? =)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
the small BIG day
A big big blessing was poured on me and my ex-boyfriend (now my husband) last Friday.
Here's the story..
I got a job and I believe this job's for me. With this job, I have to live with my employer and I have my weekends off. Every Friday, I go to the place I share with my husband and return every Sunday night. I always take the train. It is faster and cheaper than my husband driving me to and fro. Last Friday, two trains collided in one of the stations i pass by every train trip i take. 25 died and 138 were seriously injured. The latter are still in hospitals as of the moment.
Our wedding was originally scheduled on Sept 5 but no matter what my husband and I do, we could not make it happen. There were obstacles and all doors were closed on that day so we decided to do it on sept12 which is last friday. Last week, I traveled back home on Thursday night, instead of Friday, because of our wedding the next day. Friday came and while we were on our way to Panda Inn for the wedding reception in the afternoon, my brother-in-law called informing us about the said train collision in Chatsworth. And my heart started to beat so fast. I was supposed to be in that train if it were not for the wedding. Whew. God is amazing! He led Alex and me to set the final date of our wedding. If we didn't listen to Him, I could be dead by now. I could not believe what had happened. My life is, indeed, in His hands.
Praise God for everything, guys! Pray without ceasing! Tonight before you sleep, I woud really appreciate it if you include me in your thanksgiving prayers. Thank you so much!
By the way, the wedding was great! Everything was so simple as what Alex and I wanted. His family was there and supportive. The wedding day was more spiritual than social, which we like so much. We can't stop praising Him!!
So, friends, please welcome MR. AND MRS. ALEX GLAZE!!!!
Here's the story..
I got a job and I believe this job's for me. With this job, I have to live with my employer and I have my weekends off. Every Friday, I go to the place I share with my husband and return every Sunday night. I always take the train. It is faster and cheaper than my husband driving me to and fro. Last Friday, two trains collided in one of the stations i pass by every train trip i take. 25 died and 138 were seriously injured. The latter are still in hospitals as of the moment.
Our wedding was originally scheduled on Sept 5 but no matter what my husband and I do, we could not make it happen. There were obstacles and all doors were closed on that day so we decided to do it on sept12 which is last friday. Last week, I traveled back home on Thursday night, instead of Friday, because of our wedding the next day. Friday came and while we were on our way to Panda Inn for the wedding reception in the afternoon, my brother-in-law called informing us about the said train collision in Chatsworth. And my heart started to beat so fast. I was supposed to be in that train if it were not for the wedding. Whew. God is amazing! He led Alex and me to set the final date of our wedding. If we didn't listen to Him, I could be dead by now. I could not believe what had happened. My life is, indeed, in His hands.
Praise God for everything, guys! Pray without ceasing! Tonight before you sleep, I woud really appreciate it if you include me in your thanksgiving prayers. Thank you so much!
By the way, the wedding was great! Everything was so simple as what Alex and I wanted. His family was there and supportive. The wedding day was more spiritual than social, which we like so much. We can't stop praising Him!!
So, friends, please welcome MR. AND MRS. ALEX GLAZE!!!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
two months..
Ok, so two months have passed since I arrived and many things had happened. I couldn't believe it because they are good things! Too many things to look forward to and God has been perfect in making things and schedules in order! Thank God for that! There were times that I doubted His will and emotions came ahead of my mind. I lost pails of tears I saved for the future. But God made things brighter and clearer. Some things are meant to happen and they will happen, in His own time.
So, plans 1 and 2 will be soon, in 2 weeks even. Also, God provided plan 3 even before plans 1 and 2 occurred. Isn't that great? Plan 3 will happen today. Alex and his brother will drive me to Camarillo. They said it's a beautiful part of California and most people living there are rich. Hmm..interesting. But I am just glad doors are opening for me and alex, with God's leading.
More blessings are coming!! Thank you God!!
So, plans 1 and 2 will be soon, in 2 weeks even. Also, God provided plan 3 even before plans 1 and 2 occurred. Isn't that great? Plan 3 will happen today. Alex and his brother will drive me to Camarillo. They said it's a beautiful part of California and most people living there are rich. Hmm..interesting. But I am just glad doors are opening for me and alex, with God's leading.
More blessings are coming!! Thank you God!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
one month..
today marks my first month in US and so far it has been good. nothing bad happened so far and for that I am thankful. i am just looking forward to some events that are yet to come.:)
well, as my fiance reminds me, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Emphasis on the LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING because we humans tend to believe we can do everything without Him when in fact without Him, everything would be impossible. Well, God knows He has to do something big soon so I am patiently waiting for that. As the song says, "In His time, He makes all things beautiful..in His time.."
Blessings for the past month:
1. I arrived in this foreign country safely. Guam and Hawaii were my stopovers. Two beautiful islands!!
2. I met the love of my life once again and we were together for 2 weeks.
3. A job offer came.:)
4. I was able to ride a train for 7hours - broke and alone.
5. I am the first relative to see Kian, my new cousin.
6. New friends from my UPOU classes!
7. I gained my uncle and auntie's trust.:)
8. There is a tree full of ripe peaches at the backyard of their house. Amazing!
9. There's an apple tree too!!!
10. Initially, I am going back to Burbank on August 10.
It is sad to note that this is my first year since I graduated in 2005 that I wont be teaching. I miss teaching. Well, california requires 2 exams and 12 units in order to be a credentialed teacher here. So, Rica, soon and very soon...
I am hoping and praying that from today and until next month, more changes will happen.more good things will be in my hands. I am hopeful, very hopeful.
well, as my fiance reminds me, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT ON YOUR UNDERSTANDING. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Emphasis on the LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING because we humans tend to believe we can do everything without Him when in fact without Him, everything would be impossible. Well, God knows He has to do something big soon so I am patiently waiting for that. As the song says, "In His time, He makes all things beautiful..in His time.."
Blessings for the past month:
1. I arrived in this foreign country safely. Guam and Hawaii were my stopovers. Two beautiful islands!!
2. I met the love of my life once again and we were together for 2 weeks.
3. A job offer came.:)
4. I was able to ride a train for 7hours - broke and alone.
5. I am the first relative to see Kian, my new cousin.
6. New friends from my UPOU classes!
7. I gained my uncle and auntie's trust.:)
8. There is a tree full of ripe peaches at the backyard of their house. Amazing!
9. There's an apple tree too!!!
10. Initially, I am going back to Burbank on August 10.
It is sad to note that this is my first year since I graduated in 2005 that I wont be teaching. I miss teaching. Well, california requires 2 exams and 12 units in order to be a credentialed teacher here. So, Rica, soon and very soon...
I am hoping and praying that from today and until next month, more changes will happen.more good things will be in my hands. I am hopeful, very hopeful.
Monday, July 21, 2008
EQ daw
Your EQ is 127 |
 You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt. On an average day, you're quite happy, together, and content. You live your life well. Your emotions aren't always stable, but you can go along with the ups and downs pretty well. You tend to be motivated, energetic, focused, and level headed. You see the world pretty rationally, and you don't tend to over dramatize things. When things are bad, you know they eventually have to get better. |
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
updates :)
1. I am really enjoying my online studies! my course PSYCHOLOGY OF READING is a blast!! i am sure dennis will agree with me about this.
2. i am in US now - bum, unemployed, idle. oh well, ive only been here for a week so what do i expect?
3. i am not yet married.:)
4. i went through guam and hawaii on my way to LA. hawaii is amazing!!! (i dont have pics to show. sorry.)
5. i am always alone at home. everybody is working.it's good there's a pool in the lawn.
6. it is sooooo hot here. mas mainit pa sa manila right at this very moment. whew. buti nalang may pool.
7. alex's landlady is soo nice to me.
8. next week, i will be in modesto to visit my uncle elbert. his wife is giving birth. i will be staying there for 2months. i will take the train next week - alone!!
9. The People's Court is the show I always watch. :)
10. I still feel I am in the Philippines.
Thank you for the prayers! More prayers this time..:)
2. i am in US now - bum, unemployed, idle. oh well, ive only been here for a week so what do i expect?
3. i am not yet married.:)
4. i went through guam and hawaii on my way to LA. hawaii is amazing!!! (i dont have pics to show. sorry.)
5. i am always alone at home. everybody is working.it's good there's a pool in the lawn.
6. it is sooooo hot here. mas mainit pa sa manila right at this very moment. whew. buti nalang may pool.
7. alex's landlady is soo nice to me.
8. next week, i will be in modesto to visit my uncle elbert. his wife is giving birth. i will be staying there for 2months. i will take the train next week - alone!!
9. The People's Court is the show I always watch. :)
10. I still feel I am in the Philippines.
Thank you for the prayers! More prayers this time..:)
Monday, May 05, 2008
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
talking about challenges...
Yes, i am not a perfect teacher but i have been trying my best to be one great teacher for my 25 sixth graders here in palau. So far, everything has been good. even if my kids think im no fun teacher but i know they are learning and what's good is, they are aware of it.
I have the biggest class in the school. yes, 25 isnt that big compared to what i had back in UP but in Palau, that number is big deal. These are not college kids whom you'll just say, "Study this and we'll discuss this tomorrow" or "Read pages blah to blah and make a reaction paper out of it." These are 25 hyperactive kids who need love, care, and understanding. If spoonfeeding is needed, I have to do it. Since the schoolyear started, the principal mr. nelson kept on apologizing to me since they couldn't find another teacher who could teach half of my class. you see, palau sda school is a mission school and 3/4 of its teachers are student missionaries from all over the world. each grade level too has 2 sections. only the 6th grade level has no section B this year.
as for me, i could handle the kids. but i get stricter everyday. i get firmer too. which the kids hate so much. i think it's because of their number. 25 hyper kids isnt easy to handle. like a hen, i should gather my chicks and not allow anyone to wander. because i got stricter and firmer as days went by, i got more tired too at the end of each day. it takes so much effort to be strict and firm, you know. so when someone from england wrote mr.nelson last december to volunteer for the school, he readily accepted him. i was so happy too. finally, i could have someone to help me out with my students. he could teach some of the subjects. he could check some of the papers.i am excited for my kids too. a new teacher would be so much fun in class.
liam arrived from england right after the 3rd quarter, during the spring break. he was in egypt last year teaching in a sudanese refugee school. he's 19years old. his interesting accent entice the kids right away. my girls started flirting with him. he teaches okay though sometimes the kids couldnt understand him easily. while i was busy directing the school play in the afternoon, he is teaching my afternoon classes. days passed, parent after parent called the school office. most of them emailed me too. they all expressed negative remarks about the new teacher. he speaks bad words calling my kids B**** and mentions F*** while teaching, he brings his iPOD in school and makes the kids listen to not-so-good music, he brings his laptop and makes them watch american pie, he is disorganized with the lessons, he just let the kids do their own and not monitor them, etc. i was stressed out. the principal didn't know what to do. so these complaints are the reasons when i noticed my kids were getting uncontrollable and wilder these past few days. it was so hard for me to calm them down. before, if i'd only count 1,2,3 they'd go back to their seats and keep quiet. but lately, they have changed. things have changed in the classroom since liam arrived.
so i told the principal,"sir, i want my kids back. if i had known things would get worse as this, i shouldnt have allowed him to teach. i want to teach my kids again the whole day. i dont want them to go to 7th grade with this new attitude they have. they dont follow our class rules anymore. i feel sorry for them."
so principal talked to the guy and liam was so upset about it.
today is his last day of teaching. i was out in the afternoon practicing for the play then one of my students came to tell me liam threw scissors to JJ's head. whew. so i went running. after a few mins, i learned that there are two girls missing in my class. i asked someone to look for them around the campus but he came back disappointed, and this is 15mins before 3pm, the school dismissal. at 3:15, the 2 girls arrived. they said they went to penthouse, a refreshment area owned by one of them. this girl is a supreme court judge's daughter.i sent them to the principal's office. how couldn't liam notice two of my kids went out of the room while he's there teaching?whew.boy, obviously, he cant handle my class.
more parents came today after school to complain about their kids' grades in language and social studies. these are the subjects liam teaches in my class! they told the principal,'everthing was smooth sailing before. how could you hire someone when school is almost over?he's not helpful to the kids!"
boy, the principal was so disappointed. i dont know what to do either. i'm just glad i'll be back to teaching them next week and i need to help them make up to pull their grades up. parents are worried. principal is disappointed. i am pressured. *sigh*
i have only one month left to bring my kids back to normalcy. we cannot mess up this time.
boy,what a day. what an experience.
I have the biggest class in the school. yes, 25 isnt that big compared to what i had back in UP but in Palau, that number is big deal. These are not college kids whom you'll just say, "Study this and we'll discuss this tomorrow" or "Read pages blah to blah and make a reaction paper out of it." These are 25 hyperactive kids who need love, care, and understanding. If spoonfeeding is needed, I have to do it. Since the schoolyear started, the principal mr. nelson kept on apologizing to me since they couldn't find another teacher who could teach half of my class. you see, palau sda school is a mission school and 3/4 of its teachers are student missionaries from all over the world. each grade level too has 2 sections. only the 6th grade level has no section B this year.
as for me, i could handle the kids. but i get stricter everyday. i get firmer too. which the kids hate so much. i think it's because of their number. 25 hyper kids isnt easy to handle. like a hen, i should gather my chicks and not allow anyone to wander. because i got stricter and firmer as days went by, i got more tired too at the end of each day. it takes so much effort to be strict and firm, you know. so when someone from england wrote mr.nelson last december to volunteer for the school, he readily accepted him. i was so happy too. finally, i could have someone to help me out with my students. he could teach some of the subjects. he could check some of the papers.i am excited for my kids too. a new teacher would be so much fun in class.
liam arrived from england right after the 3rd quarter, during the spring break. he was in egypt last year teaching in a sudanese refugee school. he's 19years old. his interesting accent entice the kids right away. my girls started flirting with him. he teaches okay though sometimes the kids couldnt understand him easily. while i was busy directing the school play in the afternoon, he is teaching my afternoon classes. days passed, parent after parent called the school office. most of them emailed me too. they all expressed negative remarks about the new teacher. he speaks bad words calling my kids B**** and mentions F*** while teaching, he brings his iPOD in school and makes the kids listen to not-so-good music, he brings his laptop and makes them watch american pie, he is disorganized with the lessons, he just let the kids do their own and not monitor them, etc. i was stressed out. the principal didn't know what to do. so these complaints are the reasons when i noticed my kids were getting uncontrollable and wilder these past few days. it was so hard for me to calm them down. before, if i'd only count 1,2,3 they'd go back to their seats and keep quiet. but lately, they have changed. things have changed in the classroom since liam arrived.
so i told the principal,"sir, i want my kids back. if i had known things would get worse as this, i shouldnt have allowed him to teach. i want to teach my kids again the whole day. i dont want them to go to 7th grade with this new attitude they have. they dont follow our class rules anymore. i feel sorry for them."
so principal talked to the guy and liam was so upset about it.
today is his last day of teaching. i was out in the afternoon practicing for the play then one of my students came to tell me liam threw scissors to JJ's head. whew. so i went running. after a few mins, i learned that there are two girls missing in my class. i asked someone to look for them around the campus but he came back disappointed, and this is 15mins before 3pm, the school dismissal. at 3:15, the 2 girls arrived. they said they went to penthouse, a refreshment area owned by one of them. this girl is a supreme court judge's daughter.i sent them to the principal's office. how couldn't liam notice two of my kids went out of the room while he's there teaching?whew.boy, obviously, he cant handle my class.
more parents came today after school to complain about their kids' grades in language and social studies. these are the subjects liam teaches in my class! they told the principal,'everthing was smooth sailing before. how could you hire someone when school is almost over?he's not helpful to the kids!"
boy, the principal was so disappointed. i dont know what to do either. i'm just glad i'll be back to teaching them next week and i need to help them make up to pull their grades up. parents are worried. principal is disappointed. i am pressured. *sigh*
i have only one month left to bring my kids back to normalcy. we cannot mess up this time.
boy,what a day. what an experience.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
i knew it.
a new challenge indeeed. i sprained my ankle real hard on the first day of this new week.whew.
we went to the rock islands that sunday and arrived home at 5pm. i took a shower real fast so i could go to the faculty lounge to do some research before the sun sets. while i was going down the stairs from our 3rd floor apartment, i tripped. waaaaaaaaah. right foot twisted...laptop on my butt... it was my first time to experience that. my co-workers who were living on the 2nd floor brought me upstairs and i applied hot and cold compress on the swollen area. that night i couldnt walk. the next morning, it was still very painful to walk.i was absent in class.
im glad pastor mar was there with his wife next door. he massaged the swollen area and it felt better after. i was able to go to school in the afternoon but i needed a rod that time. it was still painful.
today, it's way better than yesterday! my walking is normal again and the pain is almost gone.yay!!!!
there's always a first time..that was challenging enough. parents aren't here, boyfriend isn't here. but i managed! im still thankful it's not dislocation. :) God is here.
we went to the rock islands that sunday and arrived home at 5pm. i took a shower real fast so i could go to the faculty lounge to do some research before the sun sets. while i was going down the stairs from our 3rd floor apartment, i tripped. waaaaaaaaah. right foot twisted...laptop on my butt... it was my first time to experience that. my co-workers who were living on the 2nd floor brought me upstairs and i applied hot and cold compress on the swollen area. that night i couldnt walk. the next morning, it was still very painful to walk.i was absent in class.
im glad pastor mar was there with his wife next door. he massaged the swollen area and it felt better after. i was able to go to school in the afternoon but i needed a rod that time. it was still painful.
today, it's way better than yesterday! my walking is normal again and the pain is almost gone.yay!!!!
there's always a first time..that was challenging enough. parents aren't here, boyfriend isn't here. but i managed! im still thankful it's not dislocation. :) God is here.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
random thoughts
Since I arrived from US last january, many things have changed - emotionally, spiritually, and socially. Things here get boring, everything has been routinary. Thank God, 3 months are left before the schoolyear ends.
Plans have changed too. I'll keep them between me and God for now.
I am glad I am back to my daily devotions. Spending time with Him every morning is really great. Talking with my Creator before I face each day gives me more confidence and more drive to do the tasks He has given me.
Well, another week is here. I know there will be new trials, new experiences with the kids, new challenges, new opportunities to show love, new discoveries within me and others.
=)
Plans have changed too. I'll keep them between me and God for now.
I am glad I am back to my daily devotions. Spending time with Him every morning is really great. Talking with my Creator before I face each day gives me more confidence and more drive to do the tasks He has given me.
Well, another week is here. I know there will be new trials, new experiences with the kids, new challenges, new opportunities to show love, new discoveries within me and others.
=)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
wish i am a creative writer..
wonderful.beautiful.amazing.happy.
these are the only words i could describe my whole trip in US. i could not find the right words. everything has been so wonderful, beautiful, and amazing. this is one of the times that i wish i am a creative writer so i could vividly describe every moment of the trip.
the smiles tell it all :)
with my aunts in las vegas
im back in palau now. im back to the real world. the principal was shocked when he saw me arriving in school. he said he wouldn't be surprised if i opted to stay there and that he'd be surprised if i'd come back. knowing the number of filipinos who went to US and didnt come back, i couldnt blame him. but i was true to my word, i did come come back - still whole and willing to teach. i told him, "why don't you believe me that palau is where God wants me to be this year?" he laughed. i laughed too.
the trip was wonderful, amazing, and beautiful. i like it there but God told me it wasnt the right time for me to stay for good. THERE IS A RIGHT TIME, and that time is perfect and fool-proof.:)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)