in_my_class

What's Growin' In Our Yard

2008-06-03T18:10:00.006-04:00

We have been on limited water use for more than a year due to the drought conditon here in Georgia. I gave up on the idea that we will once again spend money and time planting. I even told David that we'll just put fresh mulch to dress up the front yard. Luckily, we were blessed this year with unexpected growth from the plants we planted last year. David and I were so surprised when the front yard slowly took shape. It seemed as though it all happened overnight. David was right in choosing the perennials that were at the same time drought resistant.

Endings and Beginnings

2008-05-23T18:34:00.002-04:00

Today marks the end of another schoolyear. It came too soon for me. It suddenly dawned on me when I was doing the hallway duty and kids were wishing me a great summer. Oh my gosh, this is it...it's really the end. I am not too excited as I was two years ago. I used to have a countdown in the calendar, marking each day by crossing it out. It's a little bit different this year. I think too much is going on in my brain that the idea of an end doesn't seem to make sense just yet. This semester was almost too good to be true that I subconsciously didn't want it to end. I have a million and one reasons why this semester turned out to be special. My co-teachers were just the most awesome guys in their own right. Teaching with them was challenging and fun. I will miss our lunches together and all the gossips that went with it. Unfortunately, Mr. O will be transferring to a different school and I might be able to teach only one co-taught economics class with Mr. K. It was a surprise too that I didn't really have so much of a hard time teaching this semester. The students were great and a pleasure to teach. This will definitely go down in my teaching history as one of the greatest.

Snowy Day in Georgia

2008-01-19T17:37:00.000-05:00

Mark and Matthew are really lucky. They got to experience snow on their first winter here in the US. It was fun watching them play with snow and throw snowballs at each other. They wiped the ice off the yard. Watching the snow fall is a majestic sight. Being from a country with no snow, I am certainly filled with so much childlike joy as I watch our subdivision turned into a winter wonderland. It took only a few minutes for the snow to cover the ground. This is not common in Atlanta and I wish it can stay this way for another day or two. Days like these would be a perfect backdrop for just sitting back with a warm blanket, a new book and some hot cocoa. I actually borrowed a book by David Baldacci. Can't believe myself to be working today on my IEPs and modifications instead. I was probably in a motivated mood so I just took advantage of the momentum and fired away. At least, I got some done. The snow has stopped a bit now but temperatures are dropping. I hope to see more snow.

Proud of My Kids

2008-01-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

Mark and Matthew made me feel proud when they showed me the sticker bumpers they got from school. It said "Proud Parent of an Honor Student". Yep, the two boys got all As in all their classes. They really deserve it. I see them working on their homework everyday when I arrive home from school and they take their projects and assignments very seriously. I just hope that they continue to be focused and not lose sight of their goals. These are blessings that are priceless and more than make up for all life's shortcomings. I am thankful to God for letting me be the mother of these two wonderful, hardworking and respectable gentlemen.

Just Being Myself

2007-12-20T18:54:00.000-05:00

I found myself enjoying "the" moment. It was an ecstatic moment. All the elements are perfectly aligned and giving me so much joy. I was just clapping my hands and having a great time while I watch people receive their prizes during the school's annual Christmas party. I just laughed at the Principal's funny remarks and I was having a great time. I won a prize by the way, and that too, did not surprise me because I know it was going to happen. It was what I expected as soon as I wrote my name on the paper. I have been trying to understand that philosophy for awhile. How to practice expecting and letting go. Today, when I was not even thinking about about it, that is when it manifests itself. The Universe just taught me or reminded me what I already know but cannot comprehend. To get the most out of a certain moment or situation is to just live it and not stress on any aspect of it. We just need to let it be. It was really an "AHA" moment. I can't still fully describe it, I wish I can but my words are probably limited to do just that. I hope to catch myself enjoying life more and more to just be able to cherish events as they happen.

Front Yard

2007-06-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

This is part of our front yard. It was our project this Spring. We really worked hard on this. I helped David design it. Ang laki ng initim ko sa pagagawa nitong mini garden. I chose the plants and helped plant it. One secret that I learned from my husband is using bone meal while transplanting. Medyo may kabantutan nga lang pero effective. Another thing is I used Miracle Gro for the flowers para alalayan ang kanilang pamumulaklak. The grass is not vibrant green yet kasi tagtuyot dito sa Georgia. We have watering restrictions. We can only water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday. Buti na lang at matiyaga si David sa pag-aalaga ng mga halaman. He also puts fertilizer for the grass. He told me that the one with iron will make the grass greener. Minsan nga, gumigising sya ng alas-singko, habang tulog pa ang lahat at sige ang pagdidilig. It pays off naman kasi maraming bumabati ng hardin namin. Minsan nga, sabi nung kapitbahay, "You should win the gardener of the year award" Kaya hayun lalo namang sumipag si David. I've learned a lot from David. Di pa naman ako expert but at least, mas na-appreciate ko yung kung ano-anong binebentang pang garden sa Walmart or sa Home Depot. I discovered too na may pagka green-thumb din ako.

Paul Potts and Connie Talbot

2007-06-20T15:22:00.000-04:00

I have been to You Tube and crying a lot lately. Here's why. I have been watching "Britain's Got Talent". It is like the American Idol. These two talents sing very well. It was hair raising and would definitely give you the goose bumps. Oh well, here's the link. www.youtube.com. Simon Cowell can't help but give praises to these two contestants. I'm not really a music afficionado but I was so touched by their singing. I don't understand Paul's song since it is Italian but I was just feeling it inside me. It stirred me, if I can put it that way. He's a very humble guy and definitely deserved to be the winner. As for Connie, oh wow, that little girl has so much talent. I read somewhere that she also signed a contract with Simon Cowell's company. I particularly liked her rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow song. That song makes me cry all the time.

Chicken Parmesan

2007-06-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

I'm excited that it is summer once again. I get to play around and try my hand in cooking. I prepared this dish yesterday. David liked it so much. I will definitely write the recipe down for future use. I have been trying to collect an array of recipes that are not complicated, healthy and will not cost a mint. This recipe fits the requirement.Another cool thing is that I took this picture using my LG camera phone. I swear, this is the best phone ever.

Have Faith in a Higher Power

2007-04-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

Voltaire once said, "Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe." Having Faith in God helps me face all the trials in my life. It gives me peace of mind and a strong resolve that everything will be alright. It makes me courageous to stand up to the challenges that come my way.

I have read quite a number of inspirational books and I found it helpful to remember some of the positive quotes. When the going gets tough, I recite a line or two over and over and then eventually the sluggishness just goes away.

Getting back on my feet

2007-04-05T20:01:00.000-04:00

For a long time, I haven't been blogging. I have so much to say and so much to write about but that's probably what contributed to my silence. You see, I'm probably like some people who clams up when overwhelmed with too many facts or too much emotion. I have been through a lot lately and that is what I am so eager to share. It is interesting to note that the last time I was in the mood for writing and visiting my blogs was at this time last year. I can't believe it has been almost a year. Time flies and things happen. Even my hardbound journal which I got 3 years ago also remained untouched and is collecting dust on the shelf. Not good. It is about time to stretch and loosen my fingers and let the juice flow once again. I hope to write about my adventures and the realizations I get from them. I intend to write about my life and the people that influence and motivate me on a daily basis.

Great vacation

2006-08-12T22:13:00.000-04:00

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The last weekend of summer break

2006-08-08T18:51:00.000-04:00

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Memories of Summer

2006-08-07T20:21:00.000-04:00

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2006-07-14T12:26:00.000-04:00

PTN 1st Anniversary

Stonehenge in the US

2006-07-11T17:29:00.000-04:00

That's right! We found this replica of the famous Stonehenge on our way home from DC. It is called the Foamhenge. To get there from I-81, take Route 11 ( Natural Bridge exit). On the left you will pass the Natural Bridge Zoo, watch on the right, before you miss it. The megalithic structure is on top of a hill. Usually, the gate is open, just park, and walk up the hill. There is no fee for admission to enjoy this lovely site. My husband and I were really surprised to have a taste of England in that part of town. It might take years before I get the chance to see Europe and visit the real site or maybe not get the chance at all. Oh well, the foam version is still interesting. This replica is made up of styrofoam and painted to look like big boulders of stone. Those who created it did a pretty good job. Too bad, some people can't keep their hands to themselves and actually ruined some part of it by engraving their names. By the way, you can compare the pics with the real relic from this site.

A Day in D.C.

2006-07-04T20:06:00.000-04:00

David and I went to D.C. to have my passport ammended and renewed. Since it was Monday, I got to attend the flag ceremony. Wow! It was an emotional moment for me to be able to do it again after four years. By the way, passport processing in D.C. was just one day since we were from out of state. Normally, passports are released the following day. It was a great experience. I was telling my husband that it has been my dream to have a picture at the foot of Abe Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial. It might sound corny but I was still in the Philippines when I saw the movie Planet of the Apes, and in that movie, Mr. Lincoln became a monkey. I thought I want to have a picture there before anything happens. I need to go back and explore the place some more. Here are some of the pictures and the link to the Philippine Embassy: http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/

Great to be driving again

2006-04-29T22:24:00.000-04:00

I have not been driving for a long time. My husband drops me off and picks me up everyday. For a while there, I was enjoying the set-up, specially that I don't have to worry about Atlanta traffic. Just recently though, I saw that somebody is using my parking space in the school. It just dawned on me that I should be driving again. I was a bit uneasy when I started the car. I will say, it's a good six months since I was last behind the wheels. I drove for two hours today. It felt so great that I just didn't want to stop. Driving is a skill and I know I have to do it everyday to be good at it.

First Day After Spring Break

2006-04-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

I felt like I was in a trance from the time I woke up until about first block. I felt that my system got used to the long uninterrupted sleep and stress free existence. Whew! Back to reality. I was wanting to go back and have some fifteen minutes more of snooze time but I finally got over it and just proceeded to take my shower. I got to work not so early but there was nobody in the school's parking lot. I had to check my time just to make sure that I wasn't too early. Geez, nobody seems to want to go to school today. I immediately set up my projector and computer for my lecture today. I looked into my lesson plan and found out that some of the copies I prepared were left at home. If this happened a week ago, I would have panicked. Not today, I vowed to myself that I will not let anything bother me. I just knew I prepared and will do my best to deliver my lessons my way. Got a bit of sore-throat for talking too much though but it was worth it. I knew that those who were paying attention got something from today's lesson. My students were grossed out with the digestive system and digestive disorders but I have to do a bit of a review for their quiz tomorrow. Some paid attention, others probably not but I was not at all affected. Gosh, this is what breaks can do. My tolerance level was really good. I was just laughing most of the time. I was a different teacher today, less stressed and less frazzled. I hope I can maintain this mood the rest of the week and through the rest of the semester. I still have 30 more teaching days to go.

Spring Break

2006-04-05T11:30:00.000-04:00

I love Spring Break. This is the time of year where I can really be silent and alone. This is the time to get back on track, be grounded and try to put some order in my chaotic existence. Reading Jim Paredes's blog "Haring Liwanag" made me think of going back and searching about Zen. I have started studying it back in College but I lost track when I got here in the US. Little did I know that this is where the practice of Zen is really needed. It was hard in the beginning since I don't know the language of Zen and never practiced meditation. The idea of bringing balance and order to my life seemed to be another goal that's out of reach yet there is that yearning to live the best life I can potentially have, to live joyously and improve my outlook on everything. I'm up for this daunting challenge to myself although I don't know if I will ever learn and master this way of life. Right now, I'm still in a mess, got up this morning with little ambition. My desk reeks of unfinished business, skipped on my daily walking and feasted on potato chips. Clearing my mind and spirit is inevitable. Along with the traditional spring cleaning should be self-cleaning, mind and spirit. In a few days, I will be back in the frenzy of everyday busy-ness. For now, I will just enjoy what little is left of my spring break and bask in this chaotic existence. Hopefully, I will be able to emerge from this hiatus fully energized and restored.

Sylvia and her fiancee

2006-04-02T20:19:00.000-04:00

I am so happy to have found Sylvia. It's been close to five years since we last communicated. It's amazing too how we were both wanting to contact each other. Talagang napapanahon na na magkausap kami ulit. Aba, at ikakasal na ang kaibigan ko next year around this time. Here's a picture of her and Louie. They are really meant for each other. I'm just so happy and thrilled. I wish you love and happiness my friend. You deserve it!

Life's Small Pleasures

2006-04-02T20:14:00.000-04:00

Most of us miss out on life's big prizes. The Pulitzer. The Nobel.
Oscars. Tonys. Emmys. But we're all eligible for life's small
pleasures. A pat on the back. A kiss behind the ear. A four-pound
bass. A full moon. An empty parking space. A crackling fire. A great
meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup. Cold beer.

-- Anonymous

I would like to add...some good movies too! I've seen two this weekend. The Unleashed starring Jet Li, Morgan Freeman and Bob Haskins and Mr. and Mrs. Smith with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

ELL Strategies

2006-03-25T16:33:00.000-05:00

I recently attended a training on ELL Strategies and here are a few tips:

Incorporate hands-on activities to demonstrate concepts - When students can experience and observe the process, their learning is more meaningful and concrete.

Visual Aids - Visual aids give the ELL students visual cues which help clarify meaning and solidify learning

Allow sufficient wait time - Ell students need additional time to formulate their answers in English. After a question, give them some time to think about the question before they respond.

Prepare outlines for lectures - I have been using this a lot with my ELL students and it has helped them a lot to follow along in class. It also helps them for their review

Reading strategies - Concept Mapping and Outlining helps the ELL students understand the material better.

Do not let them be embarassed in class - Most ELL students go through a silent phase. Forcing students to speak may make them embarrassed and overly self-conscious

Why do we procrastinate?

2006-03-24T21:37:00.000-05:00

One of my biggest problem is procrastination. I don't know but I really have a tendency to put things off at the last minute. Somehow, I have trained myself to work only under pressure. This may work but it is certainly very stressful and unhealthy. I really wonder why this is one habit that is so hard to break. These are some of the reasons why we procrastinate according to Peter Murphy ( 7 Ways You Avoid Success)

1. Perfectionism.

If it's not going to be perfect then it is better not to do it at all. I am sometimes guilty of this. I usually analyze things too much that most of my time and energy is used in analyzing which will be perfect. Whether it is on lesson planning or any project. Bottom line, nothing is done.

2. Fantasizing.

I have met people who can talk about things that they plan on doing which can really knock your socks off for its gradiosity. However, it's just that. Dreams and Fantasies.

3. Fear.
Fear is something that causes me to procrastinate. Fear of failure, fear that the lesson may not be fun and interesting and other kinds of fear that just numbs my brain from being creative.

4. Crisis Maker.

This is me. I used to think that I am better in doing things under pressure but apparently it is not true. I usually wait until around 8-9pm to start doing schoolwork and before I know it, I am already so stressed out that I don't want to do anything anymore or I just do something so I won't feel guilty. Both of these behaviors certainly didn't bring out good results.

5. Angry.

Some procrastinates because they feel bad about doing a task. They are mad that they are being required or asked to do something that they don't like to do.

6. Overdoing things.

There are people who tends to do more than they should and in so doing loses time to do the more important things.

7. Pleasure Seeking.

This person just doesn't want to do anything that entails effort on his part. Everything is all about fun.

Friday or Caffeine?

2006-03-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

It's Friday! What more can be better than that? I haven't really understood the value of weekends and the effect it has on people's moods until I came to America. I used to wonder when I watch foreign movies why weekends are a big deal. Now I am one of those who really look forward to these precious two days. My students have been commenting that I am the "coolest" teacher on Fridays. Maybe it's the aura or the smile that doesn't fade away or just the positivity that exudes from within. I'm amazed how nothing fazed me. Not even the student who kept on whining because he got only one piece of the muffin we made today nor the fact that some of them are talking while we watch a movie after cooking. I just felt and act great. Looking back, it might be the caffeine too. I had coffee this morning which is not normal for me and I bought one of those powerade drinks. It sure made me a little bit perky. Friday or coffee, it won't matter now. The day was a great one. A great Friday indeed.

Sleep deprived teens

2006-02-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

In one of the breakout sessions at the conference I recently attended, I learned some interesting facts that helped explain why some teenagers are the way they are. According to Dr.Laurence Martel,President of the National Academy of Integrative Learning, Inc. most teenagers are sleep deprived. They actually need 9 hrs. and 15 mins of sleep everyday for the brain to fully function at its highest potential. Most students only have 4-5 hrs. of sleep. In my three classes I only have a handful of students who actually has 8 or more hours of sleep. Now, that can be a challenge to us teachers. We really have to make our classes really interesting and fun less we see them getting their needed sleep from our classes.

What's going on?

2006-02-23T22:47:00.000-05:00

Allow me to veer away from posts about teaching and my life here in the US. It is disturbing to know that schools in Metro Manila are closed because of a coup attempt. I received an email from a friend which prompted me to check on inq7.net. True enough, something's going on. This is the way people are celebrating Edsa. I can only sigh and be sad on the plight of the Philippines. It is just one thing after another. Tsk..Tsk

At the end of the day

2006-02-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

This is one of those days when I am physically exhausted but still energized from within. I can say that I worked for every penny I earned today. As usual, I was having a difficult time feeling inspired in the morning. Blame it on the weather, boring breakfast of peanut butter and jelly or probably just the lack of inspiration and the fact that I have first period off. I had to pray real hard for some motivation. God answered my prayer. My classes turned out fine. As soon as I started teaching, my lethargic moods straightened up. I had etiquette lab today. Students got to practice their table manners and etiquette. Everyone was excited. The smell of the pizza kept drawing unknown students to my room. Students practiced on setting the table and eating bread, soup, salad as well as practicing the european style and american style of eating on the good 'ol pizza. Overall, this day still turned out okay despite the bleak beginnings. God just has a way of turning anything into something wonderful. We just need to ask.

Productivity books

2006-01-22T16:27:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of books on productivity and time management. I got this from a newsletter from TQ

365 Ways to Save Time
Lucy H. Hedrick

Awaken The Giant Within
Anthony Robbins

Blink : The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
Malcom Gladwell

Clean Up Your Act!
Dianna Booher

Daily Reflections For Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey

Discovering Your Soul's Purpose
Mark Thurston

Do It! Let's Get Off Our Buts
John-Roger & Peter McWilliams

Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway
Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.

First Things First
Stephen R. Covey/A. Roger Merrill/Rebecc

Get Organized
Donald H. Weiss

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
David Allen

Giant Steps
Anthony Robbins

How To Get Control Of Your Time And Your Life
Alan Lakein

How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie

If you haven't got the time to do it right, when will you find time to do it?
Jeffrey J. Mayer

In Search of Excellence
Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman,

Life's Little Instruction Book
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices
Peter F. Drucker

Managing For Results
Peter F. Drucker

Meditations From The Road
M. Scott Peck, M.D.

Never Confuse a Memo with Reality
Richard A. Moran

Positive Thinking Every Day
Norman Vincent Peale

Practical Time Management
Marion E. Haynes

Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable
Set Godin

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question
John Miller

Strategy Of The Dolphin
Dudley Lynch and Paul L. Kordis

Success-Cybernetics
U.S. Andersen

The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management
Hyrum W. Smith CEO, Franklin Quest Co.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen R. Covey

The 90 Minute Hour
Jay Conrad Levinson

The Be Happy Attitudes
Robert H. Schuller

The Bell Curve
Richard J. Herrnstein & Charles Murray

The Magic Of Thinking Big
David J. Schwartz, PH.D.

The Mind of the Strategist
Kenichi Ohmae

The One Minute Manager
Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D. & Specer Johnson

The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey
Kenneth Blanchard/William Oncken, Jr. Hal

The One Minute Sales Person
Spencer Johnson, M.D.

The Opportunity in Every Problem
Scott L. Taylor

The Organized Executive
Stephanie Winston

The Personal Efficiency Program
Kerry Gleeson

The Peter Principle Why Things Always Go Wrong
Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull

The Portable Do It!
John-Roger & Peter McWilliams

The Portable MBA
Eliza G.C. Collins Mary Anne Devanna

The Power Of Positive Thinking
Norman Vincent Peale

The Psychology of Winning
Dr. Denis Waitley

The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?
Rick Warren

The Strategy Game
Craig R. Hickman

The Time Trap
Alec Mackenzie

The Tipping Point
Malcolm Gladwell

The Two Income Trap
Elizabeth Warren, Amelia Warren Tyagi

The Winner Within
Pat Riley

Think And Grow Rich
Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill

Thinking Better
David Lewis, Ph. D. and James Greene, M.

Time Management for Dummies
Jeffrey J. Mayer

Time Management For Unmanageable People
Ann McGee-Cooper & Duane Trammell

Time Management Made Easy
Peter Turla and Kathleeen L. Hawkins

Time Management: Conquering The Clock
Barrie Hopson & Mike Scally

Time Tactics Of Very Successful People
B. Eugene Griessman

Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!
Robert H. Schuller

Unlimited Power
Anthony Robbins

Using Time Management To Get More Done
Lauren R. Januz & Kim M. Magon

Winning With People : Discover the People Principles that Work for You Every Time
John C. Maxwell

Work A 4-Hour Day
Arthur K. Robertson & William Proctor

Working Smart
Michael LeBoeuf, Ph. D

You Don't Have To Go Home From Work Exhausted!
Ann McGee-Cooper & Duane Trammell and

Cheesecake day

2006-01-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

My students left my classroom happy. Frank McCourt ( author of Teacher Man) is right. There are two things to get through teenagers. First is food, and Second, topics on sex. Today, I saw a sudden change in my kids as soon as they placed their fork in their mouths and tasted the blueberry and strawberry cheesecake I made for them. I did a demo on making cheesecakes in all my three classes. It left me really tired at the end of the day.However, it was worth it. I was able to teach them something they can readily prepare and at the same time it saved me some headaches and stress. Students were all quiet as they savor their snacks. They did all their assignments with no complain. Their homework is to prepare it during the weekend and bring to class comment from parent whether on paper or a post on our class blogsite ( which is still in the infancy stage). Today is really a piece of heaven for me. Makes me feel grateful to God for making me a teacher.

Welcoming 2006

2006-01-04T23:32:00.000-05:00

This picture of the sunrise inspires me to do better this year. I am not big on making resolutions but this year, I just resolved to make smarter choices and make my life more meaningful. Happy New Year! Happy New Beginning!

New Year at Vero Beach, Florida

2006-01-04T23:21:00.000-05:00

My husband and I celebrated New Year differently this year. We went to the beach and watched the sunrise on Jan.1, 2006.

Corned Beef

2005-12-28T16:13:00.000-05:00

Last Christmas, My mother-in-law prepared English Boiled Dinner for our Main Dish. She used Corned beef brisket. It was pretty much like our "nilagang baka" (A Philippine Dish). It was served in big chunks after being boiled in a crock pot for close to 3 hours. She added potatoes, the seasoning that came with the packet, carrots and cabbage. We were able to take home some of the leftovers and I made it into sauteed corned beef. I recycled it and it yielded good results. I flaked the big chunk using a fork and sauteed with garlic and onions. This is so much better than the canned ones. I ate it for breakfast with egg and sinangag. It reminded me of "cornsilog".

Last Day of School

2005-12-22T19:41:00.000-05:00

These are my first block students. We were having our last day party. This group is very challenging. Teaching them is like learning to dance to a different tune. It was a little rough at first but everything straightened out as we got to know each other more and more each day. I got my evaluation from them too today. It made me laugh, cry and reflect on my teaching. There were so many realizations I got from their comments. I would say I felt good as a teacher. Majority of them said that the one thing they will remember in class is how I treated them with respect and the others commented on how I made learning fun. One activity that they really liked though is when I recorded their roleplays and made it into a movie. It was a different experience for them because they saw themselves act onscreen. They also got to watch other classes' presentations. The more successful they felt with each activity I let them do, our relationship as teacher and student also improved. Honestly, I have counted the days...and I really looked forward to this day but after the last student hugged me and wished me a Merry Christmas, I started to miss them.

My Nutrition Class

2005-12-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

My class just finished preparing their chicken recipe. This was one of their favorite labs. Everybody was happy with the result.

Keeping In Touch with DCANS '87

2005-12-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

I've never been so excited checking my emails until recently. I have been trying to keep in touch with my dear friends from high school and it always brings happiness to hear from them. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that the people I grew up with are all successful in their respective fields. I hope we can all re-connect if it's possible. We're nearing our silver anniversary already as a batch. It's really exciting...can't explain the feeling.

How to keep stress at bay

2005-10-13T20:38:00.000-04:00

Teaching is not an easy job. It may be ranked as one of the most stressful jobs nowadays. As a teacher, I have always been on the lookout on how I can de-stress myself. The problem starts on my being very critical of myself and on the way I do things. You would think that I am a control freak. I worry too and feel very anxious about a lot of things. However, all these traits are not helping me any on my goal to have a happy and fulfilled life. Oftentimes, I feel like I don't enjoy life at all. There are mornings that I still dread going to work because going to school is like going to my prison cell. This past week, I did some changes on how I think and it really helped me a lot. I am less stressed and I feel happier. What I do is that I usually pause everytime I feel the stress pains in my abdomen and just breathe. I try to force myself to think that everything is going to be okay because I am doing my best. All I need to ask myself is whether I am doing what I think I am supposed to do and if my answer is "yes" then I just leave it at that. Knowing too that all this is temporary is also a lot of help for me. I am still trying to practice what they call as just living in the now. Everytime I catch myself dreading the future, I just go back and focus on the NOW. All these little steps had helped me a lot lately.

My greatest problem

2005-10-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

Lately, I have been analyzing the way I am doing things. I have observed that I am always busy but I don't accomplish much. I usually choose the easy and urgent tasks and not have enough time to the tasks that will have more impact on my life overall. It is common to find myself feeling guilty doing things that are not necessarily important. My productivity is low these days in terms of grading and putting grades in the computer. However, I am less stressed and makes me feel I am enjoying my life. I hope to find the right balance so I can finish everything that I need to do and still find time to smell the roses.

Blue Ridge Parkway

2005-07-13T18:13:00.000-04:00

This was taken at Blue Ridge Parkway. The place is awesome and very relaxing. I felt recharged. I needed this break to have some inspiration for the coming weeks and months. I don't know why teaching has been this stressful. I've got to find the balance soon. I might frequent this place if situations don't change.

Prayer Plant

2005-06-27T15:08:00.000-04:00

These are low-growing marantas used as house plants. Grannie (David's grandma) gave it to me as an early birthday gift. These plants are populary called prayer plants because they tend to fold their leaves together at night.

2005-06-26T22:29:00.000-04:00

Some more pictures from the indian village.

2005-06-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

These are some of the examples of what is inside the Indian village. They are showing how they used to make masks and finger weaving

Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina

2005-06-26T22:14:00.000-04:00

This was an authentic replica of a cherokee Indian town of 1750. You will see life as it was carried on 200 years ago. Ancient arts of the red man such as basket weaving, wood carving, finger weaving, pottery, weapon making and cooking

Bernina Sewing Machine

2005-06-18T21:55:00.000-04:00

This is my new Bernina Activa 220. I got this after attending some beginning sewing class. I might include sewing next semester and I really want to be able to teach it with justice. I am enjoying the class and I am enjoying Bernina a lot. It is so easy to sew. I think everyone just have to find something to keep one's sanity these days. Some say that sewing is therapeutic. I cannot say much about the machine yet but so far I am very satisfied.

Learning Mac

2005-06-15T08:07:00.000-04:00

I am now using the new apple laptop computer that the school district issued to us. It is like learning to drive with a stick shift. It is basically similar to PC but I have to learn the different menus, icons and commands. This project of the Cobb County School District is a very remarkable one. I believe that this will make a difference in the way I present my lessons. The Ilife software is so awesome. I really feel so techy. Whew, with all the training that I am going into, i might shift my directions into Instructional Technology. Technology used to frighten me and give me a feeling of insecurity. I thought that it is only reserved for certain people who are really good at it. Well, as I was able to accomplish one task after another using my computer, I develop more confidence. This laptop is also one of the reasons why I am blogging. During the laptop training, Mr. Alan November, the guest speaker, introduced the idea of using blogs in the classroom. As a teacher, I will be able to post assignments, sites and announcements on my blog where students can access it. The possibilities are endless. It just blows my mind.

Gilas project

2005-06-08T08:19:00.000-04:00

Great news for students in the Philippines. The Gilas project which aims to provide free internet access to high schools with computers should really be supported. It will definitely help the Philippines to prepare its students to be competitive globally.

Getting Started

2005-06-06T20:33:00.000-04:00

Today is the birthday of this blog. I am literally a newbie to blogging. I am excited to start working on this and make it worth my time and the time of everyone who's going to drop by. I particularly intended to have this site as a source of information for my Family and Consumer Classes. This will include a lot of topics and links to resources about Child Development, Nutrition and Wellness, Family, Clothing and Textiles, Interior Decoration and Consumer Science. Feel free to send comments and suggestions. By the way, I am thanking Manang for all the help. Her work inspired me to create this.