Sunny Sunday!

  Hello again!  It’s a lazy Sunday and early this morning Clyde and I went out for a much needed jog. We saw a group of people dancing near the bleachers  so I decided to tag Clyde along with me to dance. It was really cool because I was sweating off relatively fast than the usual jog-brisk-walk kind of routine I do when we have the chance to go there. 

    Right after that, Clyde dropped me off in RER since he still has to meet up with his XUHS batch mates for their Bball practice. For breakfast, I decided not to eat rice so I just drank cold milk and bread. I decided to really be serious in losing extra super unwanted fats because I feel heavy and my pants will no longer fit and I don’t want to buy new jeans just because the old ones will not fit me anymore. I should trim down or else I will be suffering from wearing tight pants. Hahahaha! So here it is, my goal is to go back to 100 pounds. It will really require discipline, hardwork, patience and yes, healthy diet to boot.

My sister recommends me to do Zumba but I am not really familiar with it. Instead I will do the belly dancing since my co-teacher will lend me her dvd copy. Sounds fun and exciting!

I am quite excited for summer. I am not sure if I will be taking summer classes in XU. And yes, I am looking forward for that extra income I will be getting if I’ll join. Money doesn’t come that easy so I need to work hard to meet my daily needs.

After lunch, I will be going to the mall to buy a dress for my friend’s wedding next weekend. Dress or whatever I’ll find there. Then meet up with Clyde again to visit and light candles in Carmelites. At 7pm, we will go to XU gym since Clyde will be playing.  I hope we can get a full body massage right after. I just love getting massages! 

Have a blessed and sunny Sunday to all!

nostalgic flickers

           

            It’s raining now and it reminds me so much of my younger days back in Bukidnon where life revolves around our small community. Happiness comes in the most simple day to day surprises wrap in simple packages. I miss hearing the rhythm of the falling rain; miss how my toes get wet from my soaking socks due to the small hole on my school shoes and how I complain to mama that I should buy a new pair of shoes.

     

               I miss the smell of my old crayons and the kind of familiarity every time I get to flip the old pages of my books. On some days when there’s not much to do, my friend and I would bring a mat and sat under the tree and read books and munch on potato chips. I miss the sounds of the croaking frogs, the crickets and I miss gazing at the moon and stars up above the skies, of the countless peaceful twilights and night falls spent dreaming of the outside world, wishing to be part of the busy city life.

        I look back and picture my old self… I love my simple, laid-back life before and whenever I feel the daily stressors in life sucking out the life in me, I just have to close my eyes and dream about…

           the falling rain, moon and stars, 

                               scent of old  treasured memories, of night falls and twilights.. 

                                                                                                         and of how life used to be. 

relaxing saturday :)

It’s almost the end of the school year. Days went by so fast that sometimes I think I have to sprint so that I could catch up with the daily demands of life and the beating of deadlines. As I woke up this morning, I did not feel to rush out my day. A typical Saturday for me is usually spent at school attending classes and doing researches at the library. This second half though only requires us to have in-depth interviews so mostly I am out on the field doing that.

 Today, I don't feel like doing anything. I was being sluggish and I just want to take my time doing the things I love. I woke up quite late, ate my breakfast then crawled back to bed thinking and dreaming of happy thoughts. Then, I decided to clean up to make my room spic and span. I turned on my lappy and read the news, checked my mails & social networking accounts and browsed through some informative articles. I was lazy to cook for lunch so I had the oatmeal pre-heated then spent the rest of the time going through some articles and some cool blogs to read.

 After lunch, I had my siesta and woke up to text Bee if the afternoon game @ Xavier Estates will push through. When he said yes, I jumped out of bed and had a quick shower. I sported on my brown Plains and Prints jumpsuit and matched it with my red suede Melissa flats then I’m off to meet Bee in Divi since we were running late for the game.

 Anyhoo, Bee’s team won the game. Yey ! After the game, Bee and I went to Kuya Chito’s birthday dinner. Bee’s family was there except for his Mom. Ate Robie and I got the chance to talk regarding her pregnancy, love life and everything else in between. To cap off the day, Bee and I went to La Cabana for a relaxing foot massage. Indeed, it was a cool, great and relaxing day.

Thank you, 2011… Welcome 2012

Thank you, 2011… Welcome 2012 Lovelife – 2011 was a challenging year for me and Clyde. Our relationship was really tested and we were almost on the verge of giving it up. But I reckon true love has its own way of making things possible for us. Every challenge makes us even stronger and braver and now I can really say that we brave the “storms” in our relationship fairly well. Our great love for each other coupled with our deep faith in God really helped us to where we are now. I thank Clyde for showing me everything I have hoped for in a relationship. :)


 Career- It’s been really awesome being a preschool teacher. I’ve been a preschool teacher for 5 years already and a year and a half of it was in Bangkok. I had the most wonderful time teaching in an international school. The various experiences I had there has taught me a lot in dealing with different people especially that the faculty line up comprised of different nationalities. Dealing with different nationalities in the faculty taught me a lot to respect each other’s culture and individuality. Being a Nursery teacher there was truly a very wonderful experience. I was able to unleash my artistic side since every day we had arts and crafts so I need to prepare something different and relevant to whatever is the topic. Being with my American partner, Gera B. was truly enriching since we both learn from each other. She’s been a great partner and I truly miss her.

 2011 was also my third year teaching pre-schoolers in Saint Mary’s School. I taught Nursery kids on my first year and last year and this year, I am handling kinder 2. The fondness and great love I have for young children are two of the many elements that make me a happy and effective preschool teacher. I am done with my Masters Degree last March and proud to say that I finished my thesis with 1.25 as my grade. I am thankful to all my professors for I truly had a wonderful journey with them. I would also like to thank my mentor, Dr. Florecilla Cinches for sharing her expertise with me. Her constant oasis of ideas exceptionally inspires and enriches my growth as a student and a researcher. I am truly grateful for my parents for the undying love and support they have shown me all throughout the years and of course for believing in me and in all my dreams.


 Last semester, I enrolled in one of the doctoral programs offered in Xavier University. I look forward in attending my Saturday classes because I find it very enriching to exchange and share ideas with my collegues. It also boosts up my self-confidence in speaking in front of the crowd and I know it would open up to new and exciting opportunities later on. I look forward in finishing what I have started. I set to finish my doctoral studies before I turn 30.



With all the prodding and encouragement I got from my brother and with the love and support from my family, friends and my love then I know I will be able to fulfil my dreams. This 2011, Papa turned 60! – In as much as I would want all of us to be together on that very special day, I know it would be impossible for my other two siblings to go home considering the airfare and other obligations. But my sister and her hubby were very kind to send dinero for lechon and my brother went his way to write a very inspiring birthday letter for my father. My other brother and I were the only ones left in the country so we were there to celebrate it with him and mama. We had a simple family dinner and we had our parish priest as our guest. I have so many things to be thankful for in year 2011

. I especially thank God for keeping my family safe, for good health and for the love that is…. unconditional and unlimited. Thank You dear God for everything! Bye 2011, hello 2012!

:)

love.. love...

thank you so much bee for the surprise bouquet of red roses and the amazing mug which shows our photos when the water is hot. :)

my sibs :)

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. -C.O-

my dearest sister

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James

It’s the 29th birthday of my one and only sister. I practically grow up with her and through the years she has seen me on my worst and on my best. Tears would welled up in her eyes whenever she sees me hurting and she would always tell me that there will always be better times for me for we both know that I am prone to heartaches and that I tend to draw back whenever things are not going well.

Just recently, I carried a heavy burden in my heart and right then and there, she helped me get through with it and she truly understood the situation well without being judgemental. I would have been lost without her. I owe my sister so much and I’d say this now that I would do anything for my sister. No matter what the cost.
Happy 29th birthday my sister dear! Wishing you all the wonderful things in life and yes, a baby this year or next year will really make all of us happy. :)

3 years of blogging... :)

Happy 3 years of blogging to me! I know that I haven’t posted lately but I will try my best to write at least one or twice a month.

Life is great! Although I must admit that the road I'm traversing right now is not at all smooth but Iam just so happy and blessed to be surrounded by loving and supportive family, friends and Bee. :)

SPLASH! old post

SPLASH!!!


It was so much fun today playing water gun with kids and friends. Since it's a tradition in Thailand to celebrate the Thai New Year/ water festival by splashing water or getting wet, the Pre-school department decided to have this fun activity. We also painted our faces as well. Yesterday, I went to Big C and got myself floral shirt, water gun and yellow slippers.

The Pk-1 kids painted the Easter hunt eggs yesterday and T. Tina and I made little baskets for them to put the eggs. Twas so cute…. :) There were lots of activities in school and i had so much fun.

Now, I will have the time of my life. Got a 1 week break for the Sungkran Festival so I decided to travel around- probably get into a train and choo choo away to Chang Mai or continue our other plans for the holiday.

The thing is that it's friggin' hot and the idea of going to the beach is like…the last thing on my mind—for now. I like to travel a lot. It's like one fun crazy adventure one should not miss.

April 05, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

journal 2007

The journal I wrote 4 years ago and i happen to browse it today in archives.

April 10, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1)
:)

Jumper came in early for our trip to Ayutthaya. It's a place where the ancient temples, shrine and Buddhas are located. It's so funny because I have this notion before that Buddhas are those fat, smiling figurines. (just like those figurines we have back at home and I used to drop coins inside it)

So, Jumper, Jim, Maya and I took a cab to Hua Lampong (whatever is the spelling) and I insisted on riding a steam train-- the old kind of train. I just have this fascination of old, dusty train just like in old movies. But of course I had to take what's available.

After an hour or 2, we finally arrived in Ayutthaya and then we rode in a Tuk-tuk, paid the driver 200Bhat per hour and toured around the city. Our 1st stop was in Wat Yai Chaimongkhun (The great Temple of Auspicious Victory) and I got to see the reclining Buddha covered with gold linen/cloth. It was gigantic-- I reckon it's one of the biggest Buddhas in that area. And from the inside of Wat Yai are more shrines, temples, Buddhas and monks. (monks-- they reminded me of my Benedictine monk uncle who died years ago)

Then, we went to Pang Chang Ayothaya. In there, you can ride on an elephant and have the chance to walk along the river, see and touch the ancient place, relics and antique items that are in that area for approximately 600 years.
But I wasn't able to do that because we were pressed of time and had to catch the 1:05 train for Bangkok. Back in the city, Maya, Jumper and I made our way to the nearest Major Cinema and watched Primeval. That movie-- it totally bored me death. The story line is so predictable. But still I want to go in Africa and do some nature trekking and experience Wild LIFE, nah?

J wasn't able to join with us since he has to do some groceries. His g.f will stay with him here and probably live together in the same roof. I don't have any qualms re: that and who cares, anyway? I don't want to think too "jurrasic" on this issue. That I call a "trial and error" partnership. If it works out, well and good but if it will not then go grab another partner. haha! But yeah, I still believe in marraige, fidelity, trust and life-long commitments. Sometimes, when you are exposed in different situations, you get a lil bit screwed up with morality issues, nah? so much for that...

Since am the youngest in the brood, Im more of a risk-taker. i want adventure and risky chances. Its in me to break loose from being earthbound. spread my wings and fly..fly..fly.. I have this sudden burst of excitement whenever I came across something new- like ancient cities, wild-life, crocs and the like. But its also in me to simply enjoy simple pleasures in life. Always capture the moment. Seize the day. Carpe Diem!

I read somwhere in a book that North American Indians are not just dancing about the rain but they themselves are raining. "THEY ARE RAINING." Just like we are not just observing spring, but we are spring. While Anthropologist call this "participatory mana", the Indians.....and I call this the WAY OF LIFE. :)

I went to Rumrudee church this afternoon and after that the priest gave each one of us an easter egg. (for blessing)
Happy Easter and Happy Easter egg hunting... :) Its Spring break so no class for a week. Ciao!
**end**

The journal I wrote 4 years ago and i happen to browse it today in archives.
nb: mya, those were the days with you, Jumper & Dara. :) happy easter.. from Philippines to Panama..

fitflops

thanks to your mom Bee for the nice fitflops she gave me. :) can't find the exact color in google. :)

happy easter sunday, everyone! :)

Easter Sunday thoughts

For my Easter Sunday special, I prayed the rosary inside my room and I kind of said to myself that I will try my very best to do it every day. Bee gave me a rosary and I had it blessed in our church during the holy week. I really felt good after praying and it’s something I would want to do every waking day of my life.

Last Palm Sunday which was also my birthday, Bee and I went to church together and had a simple lunch together with my family. He gave me a silver bottled nose dolphin necklace and I super love it because I am fond of dolphins.

Today, Tita L and I had a very good talk. She’s one person whom I can really rely on and I can easily open up to her without being judged. I am so happy to hear her stories about reconciling and accepting the past of the person you choose to love. I know that some issues are still left hanging in the air but I know that Bee is trying his best to put an end to that “issue” and I do hope we can both attain peace of mind.

I also checked my mail archive and smiled to myself as I read the post/ journal I wrote 4 years ago. I will try to post it here too.

I guess that’s all for now. Happy Easter to all!

Holy Week

This Holy Week, I want to center on forgiveness and acceptance. I want to reflect on it since two months ago, I encountered one of the most trying times of my life. I was in the throes of finally giving up everything and picking up the lost pieces to start a new. It is not easy when reality and truth hits you right in front of your face. It is not easy when you feel like your life is hanging on a thin thread. And it’s not easy when you find out some untoward things on the person you love most.

But who I am to judge?

“No matter what a man’s past may have been, his future is spotless.”

my 27th! :)

On my 27th birthday, Bee got me a bottled nose dolphin necklace. Bottled nose dolphin is my favorite sea animal. It is gentle, calm, warm and friendly. Thank you Bee! You never fail to surprise me. I love you!

summer fun activity :)

summer fun

:)

The day Bee bought sunglasses for the both of us. The other photo was on the way to Davao.

M.A. grad :)

I finally made it! I thank my family for their love and support. I also thank Clyde for helping me with my data and of course for encouragement, inspiration and unflagging love.