Teaching to Learn

The best way to learn something is to actually teach it. No man is an island. We all need one another in order to survive and grow intellectually and spiritually. We might not know everything. Dealing with other people can help us discover and learn more. In teaching, we will face new trials and experiences. It is from these experiences that we get to learn and find out new things. Life is a learning process. Reaching out to others can mean reaching out to you as well.

Self-reliance

For me, self-reliance is to be independent
It is to make decisions without others' consent
It is to stand up for truth and for what is right
It is to be strong during a fight

Self-reliance should also be unselfish
Relationships with others should not diminish
It is to believe in yourself as others do in you
Self-reliance should be practiced by me and you

Life is a tough battle
Sometimes, it becomes a shaking cradle
Count on yourself to survive in the end
But don't ever forget your friends

My Favorite Song

I have lots of favorite songs. I'm usually struck by the lyrics, arrangement, or composition. The most wonderful song I have ever heard is "Yesterday". It was written, arranged, and composed by Sir Paul McCartney together with his 1960s band, The Beatles. McCartney is my favorite Beatle. He shows his talen and genius in his songs. "Yesterday" is a sad song I know, but there's something in it that makes it difficult to forget. I never get tired of listening to it. I would sing it at the top of my lungs everytime I listen to it. I heard that it is one of the most played songs the world has ever listened to. Yesterday, written in 1965, brought a lot of money to its producers. There are now a lot of versions, but I still prefer the original version. The Beatles totally rock!

"If God can take care of birds
He can take care of us."

God, our Father, has always been there for us. Ever since from the beginning, He is the sole witness of each and everyone's lives. From the moment we first opened our eyes, up to the time we close them, He is with us. Small things and beings also matter to Him. He does not neglect His children and even the smallest of His creations. Humans are still dear to Him for we are created in His own image and likeness. God inspires us to treasure those people, things, and events that are dear to our hearts. His gifts, His creations.

My New Year's Resolution

The year 2006 went really fast. Last June, we were all newcomers in this classroom, second to the last from the other end of the corridor. Why am I saying this? Well, I guess, I can't seem to acept the fact that the school year is about to end. Sometimes, you do not get to mind the time when you're doing things that really keep you busy and those that really make you happy. A new year would always mean a new beginning to an end, and it will never be complete without a New Year's resolution. I have plans on what to do in mind, but I really have a hard time fulfilling them ever since grade one. But this year, it would be different. I'm makin these things happen. I will decide on a course to take in college this year. I will also arrange my application papers as early as possible. I also want to et rid of my bad habits like slacking off and taking too long in the bathroom. I also want to attend a seminar on time management, conducted by my mother, of course. I want to make things better this year. After all, what man is a man who does not make the world better.

Christmas 2006

Pleasing the Real Reason of the Season

Christmas is for everyone
Young, old, rich, poor
A time for worries to be gone
Everyone knows that for sure

How can I please him?
That cute little baby in a manger
Those innocent eyes looking at me
The scenario that shaped Christmas

This year was a blast for me
That I'll forever treasure wherever I may be
I wish to thank the Lord for everything he has given me
Hope the next year stays the same for me

How do I want to be remembered

Life is short they say
Many unpredictable things come your way
Life is not eternal and must come to an end
If I die, I want people to remember me as a friend

Yes, a friend indeed it's true
For I cheer up people when they are blue
I turn their nights into days
Guiding them through the proper path to take

People see me as a girl with no worries outside
There are things you just can't hide
I am a girl whose desires are set aside
To make a little sacrifice

Life is a journey we must all take
Happiness should never be at stake
Live your life to the fullest
Let God take care of the rest

"Conquer your demons or you will pass them on to your children."
> Bruce Lee

Never leave any work undone
Never leave any land untoiled
Soon your troubles will be gone
Earth shall bless thy soil

Conquer your demons, give them an end
Or your children shall be in agony
The curse must be remedied
To give peace to posterity

Leave no trouble behind
Be sure to see things through
To all else that moves, never be blind
Settle what is due to you

My Own Araby

This I am embarrassed to tell
Oh, I feel like I'm in hell
But I'll write it down anyway
Focus on every word I say

Summer of 2006 was a blast
My only frustration was that it happened so fast
I met a guy I was crazy for
What more could I ask for?

Cons outweighed the pros
My feelings were mixed up as they showed
I had a crush on my Taekwondo teacher
I had dreams of him and me together

Oh to smell the scent of his sweet perfume
I feel my consciousness was being consumed
He was so cute, good, and charming
No wonder he was more than I'm wanting

“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day”
“But thy eternal summer shall not fade”


Love can indeed be compared to a summer’s day
Too short a time, how quickly the sun fades
With night right behind to rule the skies
Look how fast time flies

What can one ask for more?
But to be with the person he loves forever more
Life has its limit, it’s true
But love can last a lifetime, I tell you.

Even though God will grant me eternal rest
In heaven I shall forever reminisce
Those time when we were still together
Bounded by love with God at the center

No one or nothing can kill love
Not even death can keep us apart
For I will soar to the heavens like a dove
And forever cherish you, my love.

“Life is a box of chocolates”

Life can indeed be compared to a box of chocolates. Chocolates come in different forms, colors and tastes. We have those dark chocolates that taste really strong, ones that are low-carbs, are sugar-free, and white chocolates are a bit sweeter that brown ones. In life, we experience a lot of things. Not all of these are sweet moments. We have to admit that we also feel down sometimes and life seems bitter for us. Think about chocolates and you’ll see.

“Teach me half the gladness that thy brain must know, such harmonious madness from my lips would flow, the word should listen then as I am listening now.”
Happiness is indeed very contagious. This is the way I understand the quote. I guess, it is true to what it says. A happy person can influence the people around her/ him. A happy smile can bring light to even the darkest parts of the world. It distributes sunshine to all the dark alleys and streets we have out there. Happiness starts from oneself. If you want others to be happy, and if you want the atmosphere to be gay, then you should make everybody’s day. Face the world with a smile. A person raised from within a happy environment would likely to exhibit a happy personality. The kind of things you receive and those being taught to you are reflected.

The Country or The City?

I prefer to live in the city instead of staying in the countryside. In cities, you have every access to hospitals, grocery stores, malls, schools, and a lot more. The city is the center of everything, and you can just have your needs with just a short drive away from home. Living in the country is indeed simple, quiet, serene, and carefree. However, the people still need to go to the city to fetch some of their necessities. Not everything can be found in the country. You have little access to anything. Normally, the place is very far from major destinations. I know how it feels to live far away from school or from stores wherein I usually got to buy stuff. It is true that life in the countryside is peaceful and one is free from responsibilities, but I'd still prefer the city. For me, the countryside is just the perfect place for a vacation.

"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely."

It is every mortal's dream to have supernatural powers that could turn them into extraordinary beings. Little boys would dream of becoming Superman, Spider-man, or Batman when they grow up. They really can't get enough of all these fictional figures. Having power is really a cool thing. Girls, imagine yourself being like Layla who can control nature and eventually find yourselves attending classes at Sky High. Enough of superheroes. These things do not actually happen. Power in this quote is defined as having the influence over people. Too much of this can corrupt one's mind, and bring everything into ruins. Absolute power can double the damage done. Having such thing is like controlling the world.

" The rebel who disobeys,

However much the journey cost

He pays."

Geoffrey Chaucer

I can really relate to this line. I can be very rebellious at times, but I see to it that it is the proper moment for me to raise arms against the "boss". People who disobey orders normally get into trouble. They either get imprisoned, get hurt, and even killed in the process! People who disobey must face the consequences of their actions. They have to pay back everything that has lost. They must work until they have paid the last penny. This happened to me a lot of times already, so now, I think first before I do something. The lessons I learned in life after disobeying my parents helped me to become mature.

"The child is father of the (wo)man."

W. Wordsworth

I find it easy to talk about my childhood because I'm still going through some parts of it now. Even though I'm already 14 years old, I still feel like a little girl sometimes. Am I that old? I'm not the type of a one-year-old-girl-trapped-in-a-fourteen-year-old's-body thing, you know? I owe everything of what I have become right now to my childhood. I had a fun time when I was young, no responsiblities, no commitments, and all sorts of hard stuff. I was free, yet protected, liberated yet disciplined. I feel very lucky to have parents who brought me up in a nice way. I was never spoiled. I was always contented. I was optimisitic. What a wonderful time that was!

Hero

You may call me too old-fashioned but for me, heroes are those who risk something for the sake of others. They are willing to give up things for the common good. A hero shows selfless love taht creates a huge impact in the society. Being a hero is sometimes measured on how much you can influence the lives of others. Good influence is what I'm talking about. Being a hero doesn't really take up much effort. You don't have to die to be one. All you need to do is change others into becoming better people.

"Honor and shame from no condition rise,

Act well your part, there all the honor lies."

Alexander Pope

Wow! This quote is too deep, and it would take a lot of time pondering over its meaning. Looking at it reminds me of all those medieval epic movies I've watched. This would be a great and perfect time for me to apply what I've learned and realized from those "bloody" scenes. Long ago, people believed that honor and glory can only be attained by going to war and winning a fight. I disagree with this very much. People do not need to die in order for them to be remembered and honored. They can do great things without risking their own lives. I support the second line of Alexander Pope's quote. "Act well your part." Doing our simple roles as law-abiding and cooperative citizens of our country can give us honor.

British

British people are well-knowned for their peculiar English accent. Many people even like to imitate the way they speak. When I look at them as they utter words, even just short ones, I find it difficult for them. I feel like I'm the one having such a strenous time opening my mouth. But obviously, we see they are all naturals at speaking their unique English. Duh? They grew up with it. I also like British architecture. I adore their 18th-century buildings that are still maintained and preserved up to now. I appreciate their rich culture, especially their plays. They're so class and elegant. I wish I get to see one someday.

My Version of Light is...

My version of light is something that gives hope to people who suffer and carry a lot of burden. This light gives them strength to carry on and endure such yoke. My version of light gives full identity to my mother. She is the light of our humble and wonderful home. A light that shines with love, kindness, care, and compassion. My mother is closest to my heart and gives me advice when I am in the dark. My version of light can be Jesus himself. He is the light that constantly guides us at the right path. Christ is the shining lantern who brings salvation.

I am a person of darkness because...

I am a person of darkness because I sometimes have an attitude problem. I do really need an attitude adjustment sometimes. I do not really realize what has gotten into me. Maybe it's just a case of PMS. I am a person of darkness because I can be the worst bully ever. I can be your worst nightmare. I do not fight other people. I've never even entered a fight. Sometimes, I just hate myself. I can never be frank about the things I feel. I am a person of darkness especially when I start hating people. I feel so fed up. I know that every human has a dark side.

What I really want to say is...

What I really want to say right now is that the class has been very quiet. We are still very shy in expressing ourselves. I can observe that in everybody's behavior. This day has been kind of boring due to very long hours of nonstop talking made by teachers while students are still starting to get out of their shels. What I also want to say is I didn't want the summer break to end. It has been really great for me, and I just wish I could go back and extend it for one more month. I miss my newfound friends, and I want to continue attending Taekwondo classes even though some people at home do not approve of it. Why can't they understand the way I feel towards the sport? I like it. I enjoy engaging in it. I don't mind getting hurt and getting bruises because of it. I hope my friend wins this game in Vietnam. What I really want tos ay is he's got some talent. He's got the techniques and the will to win. He is one of the best, and some people fail to recognize that. I don't know what I want to do this school year. God, please help me.

June 7, 2006

The Best Thing That Happened to Me This Summer

Do I really have to write this down? Well, the best thing that ever happened to me this summer was that I gained new friends. I took Taekwondo classes this summer and those times were super fun. I met a lot of new friends, and we had a really great time. There was one really special person with whom I had the best moments with. He was really nice to talk to. You can really learn a lot from him. The best thing that ever happened to me was taht we were able to talk and bond before he left for Manila. I would really miss him. Classes have already started and I can't see my newfound friends as often as possible. We can only meet once a week, and I still won't be contented. This summer has been one of the best I ever had. Meeting great people can actually morph you into becoming a better person. I learned a lot this summer. It opened my eyes to who I really am and those things I must change in me. I think this realization would be the best thing that ever happened to me this summer. The things I learned will guide me through the year.