Monday, February 28, 2005

I wish --

I wish I could find the words to talk about how much I love my sister and how she is my source of comfort and wisdom.

One of my happy thoughts --

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Stress Test! --

From my boss:
The pics attached are used to test the level of stress a person can handle. The slower the pictures move, the better your ability of handling stress is.

Alleged criminals see them spinning around madly while seniors and kids see them still.


for a bigger image, click here.


for a bigger image, click here.


for a bigger image, click here.

Friday, February 25, 2005

The number of the day is 11 and the word for the day is Chabon --

My J and I are celebrating our monthsary today and, for some strange reason, we decided to get each other Michael Chabon's books -- I got him a copy of Kavalier and Clay and he got me a copy of McSweeney's Thrilling Tales.

It happened last Wednesday after another session of place-in-Katipunan hunting. We found ourselves in Aeon Books (which is still on sale, btw). Of all the books there, it was the Chabon books that were calling out to us and so we got them -- impulse buy talaga. ^_^

But we are pleased with our purchases. ^_^

* * *

Wise words from a 50-something --

Wednesday evening, my J and I stayed up past our usual time to finish watching the movie "In Good Company," which stars Topher Grace and Dennis Quaid. It's a movie everyone in their 20s should watch.

"You're going to be okay."

That's what Dennis Quaid's character tells Topher Grace.

I found this somewhat reassuring. Hearing someone older (albeit a fictitious character) say that we will be okay.

I think our generation has been pressured to, not just perform, but to excel and we drive ourselves towards these goals. Failure is not an option and that is our greatest fear.

We need to pass Ateneo. We need to pass DLSU. We need to pass UP.
We need to get into a good course. We need to get good grades.
We have to work for good companies. We want promotions and good jobs and great salaries.

Notice the proliferation of tutorial centers -- these days, it doesn't seem to be enough that students do their best. They need someone to help them do better than their best.

And even then, it isn't enough.

During one tarot reading session with A, one of the things the cards told me is that I shouldn't be afraid of failure.

I was pushing myself to achieve, no -- to overachieve and I was forgetting to breathe.

I try to do that now. Once in a while, I let myself hang back a little because, really -- if I relax for a day, what's the worst thing that could happen?

I was recently observed in my Lit class and (my J could attest to this) I've been very tense and worried about the observation for some time now. I was trying to figure out how to teach the novel properly and efficiently -- I had outlines and transparencies and notecards. I read the novel twice in the span of 3 days.

When I went to my class for the test run (I had a day to test out the method I was going to use), it came out really bad. I did everything that we're told is good teaching but that was, perhaps, my worst session for Lit13.

On the day of the observation, while walking through my path, I thought -- screw it. I'll teach it the way I teach it. I'll teach it and make sure my kids enjoy the novel and appreciate literature more. Screw observation. Screw efficiency and proper methods.

I went in class that day and had the best lecture ever. The insights were amazing! After a semester of discussing insights and ideas about literature -- everything that they've read and thought about has culminated into a really great discussion of the novel.

True enough, when it was time to discuss the evaluation, the observer said that more could have been done -- that I needed to motivate my students more. Bottom line, it wasn't very good feedback.

Normally, news like that would crush me. But, for that day, I chose to focus on the fact that I did my best and I knew that my students were enjoying their class and that they were enjoying literature.

I thanked the observer for the feedback and made a note of it to myself for future reflection.

But, for that day, I breathed deeply and patted myself on the back for a good job and went out to lunch with friends.

* * *

More thoughts --

On the ride home last Wednesday, there was this high school student (couldn't identify the uniform) and her two friends. They had occupied an entire bench on the lrt. The girl was lounging while texting and her two friends had their bags on the seats.

When people came in, they didn't bother to ask for the seats. Instead, they endured the trip standing up.

Bleh.

I was reading about this one person who has a really bad rep in the business. When asked to explain her behavior, she said she was going through a difficult time, which was why she couldn't make the deadline for certain projects.

She caused a lot of people a lot of grief and yet they're giving her another chance.

I'm glad we give people an opportunity to start fresh -- but, paminsan, we take it too far.

Even in government, di ba -- we are aware that some of our officials have a speckled past -- pero we still vote for them and trust them with running our country.

We are too forgiving as a people. We excuse bad behavior at our own expense.

Saturday, February 19, 2005

Fun Fun Fun! Day with the D's --

Met up with G and her cousin M for lunch. M dreamt about KFC so we decided to eat there -- this is before we realized that it was blistering hot and we were in the other side of the world (National Bookstore in Katipunan). Along the way we passed by many other chicken establishments -- World Chicken, Chicken Inasal, Kenny Rogers, etc. And we were bickering like crazy, telling M that she should have just dreamt something generic so we could escape the heat na.

And we were laughing like crazy.

Lunch at KFC was yum. I really, really love their chicken and their gravy and I was glad to be with people who shared the some love for their gravy (so they didn't mind the frequent trips to the gravy thermos).

M treated us to Belgian Bites after she went down to find the water dispenser (only to discover that KFC didn't have that). She ended up purchasing Iced Tea, which tasted odd. According to M and G, it tasted like grass. I took a sip of it and told them I thought it tasted like Lemon Iced Tea but they used Kalamansi instead of Lemon. G wondered why I didn't just say it was Kalamansi Iced Tea. I told her that it was because it tasted like it was Lemon Iced Tea but that they used Kalamansi but they're still marketing it as Lemon.

Yes, we are this silly.

We then went to Ice Monster. Another fun fun experience. We discovered that you can order extra toppings for PhP35. ^_^

And then off to Aeon Books. So many really good books! I wanted to buy so many of them but I didn't have the cash! >_<

There's this books called "The Eloquent Short Story: Variations in Narrative" and discussed the Short Story as Memoir, Short Story as Epistolary, etc. etc. Cool book.

There's this other book on poetry that I wanted to read.

~sigh~

Fun Fun Saturday. Thanks M and G! ^_^
What happens when you view the world from a different perspective? --

So my J and I watched Sideways last Thursday.

There were a lot of inconveniences that led up to watching the movie -- suffered the infernal afternoon heat, had to walk to Theater Mall because traffic was unbearable, my J had to rush from work to get home to QC and then rush to Greenhills for the movie (after coming from a 9-hour shift). We sat in the theater and, as the music started, I was thinking, "This movie better be worth all that trouble."

And it is.

Charmed. That's the word. I was charmed by the story and by the characters. You won't feel that 2 hours plus has gone by and, when the light goes back on at the end of the movie, you kinda wish it didn't yet because you want to see more.

Memorable Quote: When Miles (Paul Giamatti) talks to Maya (Virginia Madsen) about why he likes Pinot so much.

"Um, it's a hard grape to grow, as you know. Right? It's uh, it's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's, you know, it's not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and uh, thrive even when it's neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And, and only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh its flavors, they're just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and... ancient on the planet."

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Leftovers --

Comics Garage

We'll be posting more in the next few days. ^_^

* * *

This is exciting news for the siblings --

PCK the Musical!!!

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Valentine's come and gone --

My J and I decided to spread our Valentine's celebration throughout the week -- yesterday was dinner at Chateau Verde. Then we're watching Constantine some time this week.

Dinner was amazing -- it was my first time there and my J had been promising to take me there for quite some time now and we finally got a chance to do so yesterday.

They had a special Valentine menu and we had their oysters (OMG, yum!) and seafood chowder (OMG, yum!) for starters. I had a salad and my J ordered the beef tenderloin. Everything was absolutely delicious. I didn't realize I was doing a commentary of the entire meal (which my sibs and I are inclined to do when we're in a new restaurant) until my J pointed it out.

I want to go back there on a regular day to try out their paella.

* * *

On a discussion of Murakami's "On Meeting..." --

My students had a blast! I never realized just how many questions this story would raise until we did a close reading of it in class. And the answers and insights -- galing!

We discussed the "problem" of the narrator's confession -- it begins "Once upon a time..." and we had to figure out whether that was real or not.

I got the best answer of the day from a student in my afternoon class (my more cerebral class, di ba E?) --

"The author is trying to capture the experience of falling in love and what we do when we are in love -- the reason for the "once upon a time" is to include the magic that happens when we fall in love. It is that moment of being real and, at the same time, unreal that those words try to contain. And it is up to the readers to believe in the magic or not."

Galing lang -- was so pleased with the discussions that day. ^_^

Am so proud of my Lit classes. *sniff*

Monday, February 14, 2005

So it's February 14 --

This time last year, I was getting ready to take the second (and last) part of the comprehensive exam for Lit.

It feels like time has contracted and bent itself so that February 14, 2004 and February 14, 2005 were just a day away from each other --

It doesn't feel like that much time has passed --

At 1:30 on February 14, 2004, my friend F and I were at Natural Spa in Katipunan treating ourselves to a post-compre steam and massage.

At 1:30 today, February 14, 2005, I'll be meeting students for their En11 consultation and preparing for my Lit13 class in between consultations.

In truth, I really don't know what to make of Valentine's Day. I was telling E last Friday that I feel this "pressure to perform" today -- as though I need to do something different, especially because I'm with someone.

I have a Starbucks coupon that gets me and my J two drinks for the price of one -- guess that's a start. ^_^

* * *

More on my J --

Friday, I was so tired after watching TA's 3PO -- I fell asleep and he tucked me in, leaned over to kiss me and turned off the lights.

Sunday, he surprised me by visiting early and accompanied me and my sister while we did our errands in the morning.

^_^

* * *

This person's thoughts on "Love and Heartbreak" --

E challenged me to think of this topic and come up with 101 insights about it.

I told my J about this and he said it's a bit hard to list 101 -- he suggested I do Top 10 lists on everything related to love and heartbreak.

I think I will try to come up with the lists later.

* * *

This is for my J --

"I Love You"
by Sarah Mclachlan

I have a smile
stretched from ear to ear
to see you walking down the road

we meet at the lights
I stare for a while
the world around us disappears

just you and me
on my island of hope
a breath between us could be miles

let me surround you
my sea to your shore
let me be the calm you seek

oh and every time I'm close to you
there's too much I can't say
and you just walk away

and I forgot
to tell you
I love you
and the night's
too long
and cold here
without you
I grieve in my condition
for I cannot find the words to say I need you so

oh and every time I'm close to you
there's too much I can't say
and you just walk away

and I forgot
to tell you
I love you
and the night's
too long
and cold here
without you

<-- I like the line about the world around us disappearing. It does that you know -- when I'm with you. I love you, hun. ^_^

Tuesday, February 08, 2005

For my hun --

If I had words to make a day for you
I'd sing you a morning, golden and new
I would make this day last for all time
Give you a night dipped in moon shine
- "If I Had Words" from Babe OST

* * *

Wanted: Interior Decorator --

If anyone knows anyone who's:
a. really good
b. affordable

I'd really appreciate getting his/her name and contact number.

Monday, February 07, 2005

Interesting Weekend --

Saturday:
Accompanied more members of the entourage to have their measurements taken. Fun people -- P and A, C and my cousin, S.

Went home and then went out with sister, my J and our friend C -- had dinner at AA, which serves really yummy inihaw and crispy hot squid.

Then I brought them to Kohikan where I urged my sister to try the super yummy Banana Shake. My J and C were a bit hesitant and they ordered other drinks -- my J got the Honey and C got Milk Oreo.

For people who find themselves in Greenhills Shopping Center, go to Kohikan and spend the PhP95 for the Banana Shake. ^_^

Sunday:
Spent the morning watching the Screen Actor Guild awards --

Was very happy to see CSI win for Best Ensemble Cast in a Drama Series.
Was surprised to find that Natalie Portman and Clive Owen were not nominated.
Was happy that Kate Winslet got recognized for her work in Eternal Sunshine.
Was sad when she lost to Hilary Swank.
Was pleased that Sideways won for Best Ensemble Cast in a movie.

And am now very, very curious to watch it.

In the afternoon, my J and I went to Galleria to watch A Very Long Engagement.

In a word? Wow.

In three? Go see it.

I wanted to watch it in a theater with Caramel Popcorn and the choices were limited: Galleria, Powerplant and Glorietta 4. Of the 3, Galleria is closest to my house and we figured that not a lot of people would be watching it because it was:
a. an art film
b. in French
c. very long (2hours++)

Some pleasant discoveries:
The Galleria Cinema 1 is very nice. The seats are comfy.
We got drinks from Taka's Tea Bar and we tried the Kiwi Green Tea and the Taka's Original Yogurt. I thoroughly enjoyed the Original Yogurt and my J loved the Kiwi Green Tea.

* * *

And today --

Is Monday and a holiday for Ateneo. I don't really know what I want to do today.

Will probably read and prepare for my classes on Wednesday.

Thursday, February 03, 2005

Whee! --

My bro arrived from India yesterday and he got me the funkiest pair of shoes ever! And a new leather journal.

And then, this morning, I got a notice from the Post Office -- it turns out my friend C in Shanghai sent me some stuff -- wedding magazines and really, really cute keychains and a postcard.

To me bro and to C!!! Thanks!!!

* * *

Oh, and --

Watched Elektra with my J today. Not bad, but not that good either -- there were "cringe" moments when the dialogue didn't work --

Sayang, the film had such promise pa naman.

I loved that Typhoid Mary scene --
Remember? --

I think I'll just walk right up to that little red-haired girl and introduce myself. I think I'll introduce myself and then I think I'll ask her to come over here and sit next to me. I think I'll ask her to sit by me and then I think I'll tell her how much I've always admired her... I think I'll flap my arms and fly to the moon.

HAPPINESS

CHARLIE BROWN:
HAPPINESS IS FINDING A PENCIL.

SNOOPY:
PIZZA WITH SAUSAGE

LINUS:
TELLING THE TIME.

SCHROEDER:
HAPPINESS IS LEARNING TO WHISTLE.

LINUS:
TYING YOUR SHOE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.

SALLY:
HAPPINESS IS PLAYING THE DRUM IN YOUR OWN SCHOOL BAND.

CHARLIE BROWN:
AND HAPPINESS IS WALKING HAND IN HAND.
HAPPINESS IS TWO KINDS OF ICE CREAM.

LUCY:
KNOWING A SECRET.

SCHROEDER:
CLIMBING A TREE.

CHARLIE BROWN:
HAPPINESS IS FIVE DIFFERENT CRAYONS.

SCHROEDER:
CATCHING A FIREFLY.
SETTING HIM FREE.

CHARLIE BROWN:
HAPPINESS IS BEING ALONE EVERY NOW AND THEN.

ALL:
AND HAPPINESS IS COMING HOME AGAIN.

CHARLIE BROWN:
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAY TIME AND NIGHT TIME TOO.
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.

LINUS:
HAPPINESS IS HAVING A SISTER.

LUCY:
SHARING A SANDWICH.

LUCY AND LINUS:
GETTING ALONG.

ALL:
HAPPINESS IS SINGING TOGETHER WHEN DAY IS THROUGH,
AND HAPPINESS IS THOSE WHO SING WITH YOU.
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME TOO.

CHARLIE BROWN:
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.


(The cast filters out, waving "good night" to Charlie Brown, but Lucy stays, and and stands in silence for a moment before finally saying:)

LUCY:
You're a good man, Charlie Brown.

BOWS

ALL:
HAPPINESS IS MORNING AND EVENING,
DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME TOO.

CHARLIE BROWN:
FOR HAPPINESS IS ANYONE AND ANYTHING AT ALL
THAT'S LOVED BY YOU.

CHARLIE BROWN:
HAPPINESS IS ANYONE
HAPPINESS IS ANYTHING (repeated 2 times)

HAPPINESS IS ANYONE


SNOOPY:
OH, YOU'RE A GOOD MAN (repeated 4 times)

LUCY AND SCHROEDER:
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (repeated 4 times)

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN...

LINUS AND SALLY:
HAPPINESS IS A TREE TO CLIMB
SOMEONE LEARNING TO TELL THE TIME
ANYTHING THAT IS LOVED BY YOU

Wednesday, February 02, 2005

Tuesday was Jude Law day --

My J and I watched Alfie and then Closer --

Natalie Portman and Clive Owen deserved their wins for the Golden Globe and their nominations for the Oscars. (And I'm rooting for them to win)

Sayang lang because after Garden State and Closer, Natalie Portman's next "big" role is Star Wars Episode 3.

I'm a Star Wars fan but, bleh pa rin.

* * *

Movies to watch --

1. A Very Long Engagement
2. Elektra
3. Assault on Precint 13
4. Without a Paddle

I want a theater with caramel popcorn please ^_^

* * *

Plans for Valentines? --

On February 14, I'm letting my Lit classes read Murakami's "On meeting my 100 percent woman one fine April morning" --

This Friday, we're discussing "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" and next week, they get treated to a discussion on comic books and graphic novels (thanks, E!) and to Bradbury's "August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains"

I love my lit classes.

~sniff~ ^_^