between

it's uncomfortable being inbetween

it's painful being inbetween

it's exhausting being inbetween

it's frustrating being inbetween

None of it is going to get the best of me.

down.

Those of you who know me are aware that I'm not the most social person. I'm not great at starting up conversations and the like, but I think I have a basic understanding of what should happen.

Blogging was never nonsense

It is a kind of medication. We release ourselves with the feelings we express here. Sometimes we even inspire people, give knowledge to them, and when we read other's entry, we can be warned with the experiences they had.

Blogging is really important for me. This is where I practice my writing skills. It has something to do with the course I am taking up in college. In this, I can improve myself as a communication student. I can practice expanding a certain topic, think fast of what to say or write when I am asked to, discover more words that I have not encountered before in my life, know the thoughts people always have in their mind, and many more.

It is good to blog without boundaries. That what make us a true writer. When someone criticizes us, let them. They always mind the errors that they see from us which only help us to develop ourselves, the skills we have and the thing we will do. And when they are too focused on us, they forget to improve themselves. And the result is we are far better than them. When I always think about this, I make myself smile for they are a fool on their own.

Blogging is noteworthy, if you just know the real meaning of it.

(P.S. This is a kind of informal/ free writing. I'm not using a thesis statement and this is not an essay. This is a blog. Just saying. LOL)

No pain, no gain.

My lower backbone hurts every time I do this because my bones aren't that soft or flexible. If I were able to enroll myself in a ballet class or in gymnastics when I was younger, I can do better. But I have no regrets for I can do it several times and I'm improving day by day. I have a coach who trains me well and believes that I can perfect other stunts that he is teaching. I am dedicated and eager to master everything so I don't have to complain anymore the pain I am feeling.

Not all unfortunate are illiterate

I've been observing the street vendors and the fare conductors for a long time now. I see them every day at towns and when I board public vehicles. They are the people who were not able to have a proper education, because they do not have enough money to enroll themselves in a school. That is why they have no choice but to get unprofessional jobs just to have their means of living.

Talking about their job, it involves money, and money involves math. I am so amazed with these kinds of people because they know how much change they will give to their customers and passengers no matter how big or small the amount of money is. And the fact is they can do more.

If they were not given a good education, what more if they were?

I pity them. They are smart people who were not given a chance to prove themselves in bigger companies. The only thing they do not have is a diploma to be employed in a better position, and the money to for the fees needed to completely work in that company.

It's easy to express something when you start your blog entry with:

• Sometimes...
• There are people...
• In my experience...
• Why would it be...
• In so many opportunities...

And so many more. 

Since blogging is not for academic writing, it's okay to be informal most of the time.

Try it!

No use in complaining

It will be over soon.

The long weekend is over!

Finally, I had the rest I always wanted. I slept longer than I used to, watched late TV shows and movies, went out to the beach to stare at the sky and to enjoy the breeze, to be with my family again, and to talk to random people. Sadly, I was not able to control the amount of food I should consume, for I am tempted by many people around me. I hope to still maintain the weight my coach checked last Friday.

Aside from the rejuvenating activities I did, the school works were still attached to me wherever I go. I can not help but to think about what I should accomplish before I enter school. My professors did not fail to give me assignments to be passed tomorrow. Fortunately, I have more time to do that, but it is better if they did not assigned me anymore.

And good news, the muscle injuries on my thighs were gone already. I can do cat walk again and attend my training at the Pep Squad tomorrow.

Oh, tomorrow!
I have to wake up again so early in the morning just to be in school on time.

Oh, tomorrow!
My brain will be drained again because of all the essays, recitations, seatworks, and quizzes in class.

Oh, tomorrow!
You give me all the strength to face my daily challenges.

long weekend

Just because we do not have classes tomorrow does not mean we can sleep late at night . Take a rest. This opportunity rarely happens. The next thing we will do are the school works. Life is just so cute.

Kanina sa loob ng jeep

May kuyang taga-UP na ginigitgit ako sa loob ng jeep kanina kaya naglakas loob akong kausapin siya


Me: Kuya, anong name mo? Madalas kasi kita nakakasabay sa pagsakay ng jeep tuwing uuwi na (which is true)

Siya: Raymond.

Me: Ako si Erica.

Siya: Ah.

Me: Anong course mo?

Siya: ECE

Me: Ah.

Dahil doon, nilayuan niya na ako, at sa wakas maluwag na ang aking inuupuan. Hehe. Papansin.

The life of homeless people under the footbridge of Katipunan

Was there a moment in your life that you picture yourself being homeless? That your only bed is a small carton, your blankets are the crumpled newspapers found on the trash bin, and your room is the whole sidewalk? Have you imagined yourself begging for food or asking for spare change at the streets just to have something to eat for the day?  How will you feel if these really happen to you?

Few days ago, after my pep squad training, I was walking across the footbridge, suddenly a young boy, around 5 years old, pulled my shirt and begged me to pay money for his sampaguita flowers. Honestly, I don’t want to purchase those because I’m not going to place them on the altar, but the child looked so hungry.  Instead of getting the flowers he was holding, I gave him coins that were enough to buy him bread or a biscuit, and he can earn more money if he’ll sell the flowers to other people passing by. It was a relief on my part that I have helped someone and he can finally fill his empty tummy, but it was better if I gave him directly foods so that I can be sure that he will really consume it. It was so happen that there were no open stores nearby so I have no choice but to give him money.

The following day, I saw a mother with two infants who were exposed to the polluted air of the city. The helpless babies were sleeping under the footbridge and the mother was asking for alms. When I observed the bottle, it was empty and unclean. This can cause harmful effects on their body. When I also looked at the infants’ faces, there were tears dried on their skins evidencing that they recently cried. I really felt so bothered with their situation. Unfortunately, I can’t do anything to help them.  I sensed guilt in me. Passing by on them really stabbed my heart. When I mentioned this to my mother, she told me to donate some clothes to them. But I wonder, will I ever see them again when I pass by? They are homeless; they move to different places to ask help from more fortunate people.

There are more kinds of situations like these that I see around the city everyday.

All I want is to make the other people who are not contented of what they have to realize how lucky they are for having a good life. I know you are lucky. Why?  Because you have your own computer to read this blog, if not, you’re still lucky to afford renting a PC in the internet café. You’re lucky because your room may not be as big as what you wanted, but I’m sure it has a comfortable bed that can make you sleep well. You’re lucky in so many other ways. My point is whatever we own, even the smallest objects, we should be thankful for it and let us always remember those people who support us financially and to God who lets these good things happen to us.

Hello, Monday!

 

I was so glad to see my friend, Matthew Geis, online yesterday. It was like we didn't chat a long, long, long time ago and my reaction was exactly how you see in the picture above. I told him few things I keep thinking in mind and he must be laughing at me right now.

Oh, well, few more hours and my training will start. Good day, world!

Words can just be words ...

... but when that someone means a lot to you,

... words can never be words.

Nothing to say

I haven't had anything to say.

It's a thought that takes me only a second to say and only two seconds to realize is a complete lie.

I passed all my exams this midterm, we started having a hardcore training in our pep squad, an anonymous person asked me to give any suggestion for his article, and I'm deeply in love with a guy and not a gal (JSYK, cuz I'm enrolled in an all girls school).

Fact is, I've had a lot to say. I just don't want to say it.

It's probably because to say things makes me feel vulnerable and open. Generally, I like this feeling. I like to foster that between me and my family and friends. Truly, I do. But I like it on my terms.

And when one is officially a great writer, and soon to be a full-time worker and goal-achiever, the vulnerability is officially no longer my own.

And maybe that's why I don't want to say things. I think I already feel like I'm saying enough.

I have an awesome dad!

It's Saturday today. My family has no plans going out this weekend. Obviously, I'm just here at home being unproductive.

I thought I'll get bored until the end of the day, but I was totally wrong. As I was searching songs saved here on my laptop, I went to my dad's files. I saw many folders which I was not surprised of. I expected that those were very old songs, maybe when he was even a teenager. I couldn't even recognize the titles because they were named "Track 1", "track 2", and so on. So I doubted if I should continue searching interesting songs here.

Then, I tried to open and listen to the songs he saved. Suddenly, I recognized what kind of songs were stored in here. I started hearing songs of Pitbull, Sean Kingston, Usher, Neyo, Jordin Sparks and many other singers who are popular nowadays.

I was like, "For real?! Dad really like these songs??! I thought he's an oldie-old- old."

I know my dad is awesome, but I never thought he'd be this awesome. Whoo! I finally had something new with my day

What the heck!?

I slept like two and a half hours just this morning because I finished all my assignments, then I rushed myself to school to not be late, then when I arrived here (yes, I'm blogging here in school!) to attend the first subject they announced that it was a free cut because the professor was not around. GRR!

My next class is supposed to be Physical Education but I no longer attend that because I am already a school varsity (sounds arrogant? lol.). So, what I am saying is I have like 5 hours break before I will really attend my next subject, which is Math. If I can only predict time, I should have left the house at noon and have my longer sleep :)

You just don't know how I look like today. I look like a zombie/ drunk person! -__-

School Tour Concert

Finally, I felt relieved when the midterm exams were over, and at the same time excited!

When I woke up Saturday morning, I felt like I needed more sleep, but I refuse to go back to bed. Instead I started doing all my chores at home and prepared everything I need to wear and bring for the school's event. I was already so happy with the thought that I'd be seeing someone later.

Then it was already evening. I felt more and more excited knowing that the time was near to meet the friend I'd been waiting to see a long time ago. When I saw him, I was so glad he made it. He knows how much his presence mean to me and I was so thankful to God he came. I know I have to be me when I'm with him but I can't help but to feel a little bit anxious.

We decided to eat first before we watch the concert in school so we went to a fast food. We talk a lot about school and blah, blah, blah. He's still amazing, cute and jolly. After an hour, we finally proceeded to where the concert was being held.

Honestly, I was tensed a little, but I cover it up by telling him a few facts about some people we saw on stage performing, hosting, singing and modeling. And the truth is all my attention was on him and not really with the concert.

I remembered someone who sent me a message asking what was special at the concert. I replied, "Nothing special at the concert, but the person I'm with tonight is special."

No words can equivalent the feeling I have when he is always around.

So, okay, hmm, I talked too much already. I don't know if he's reading this or not.

Lastly, we both went home safe and sound.

Midterm Exams!

It was my very first time to take up midterm exams in college. And as an overall result, I know I pass all the subjects. But that wasn't so easy.We know the saying, "To achieve your goals, you must work hard", and that  what I just did, to stay awake the whole night, to make sure that I can answer all the questions there.

The night before the exam day (which was Wednesday) I was planning to start my review after I had my dinner. But that didn't happen; instead I set my alarm at 10:00 pm to wake me up because I wanted to rest my eyes so badly even just  for a while.

When my phone alarmed, my eyes were still lazy to open but I forced myself to stand up. I abruptly open my notes and other references to review what were discussed in school that would be included in the exams. I stayed positive throughout the night and concentrated well with my studies. I finished reviewing when it was already 3 in the morning and decided to go back to bed since I have one more hour to sleep.

Then it was Thursday, I woke up at 4am and prepared everything for school. I put a smile on my face to emit good vibes and everything nice, and with a big help from my inspiration I was so confident to take the exams.

And just as I expected, it was a wonderful day. Exams were just a piece of cake.

Since the midterm was not yet over and I still have the following day, I did the same routine as soon as I arrived home. I stayed positive no matter what. It's really a big help for me.

Then it was Friday, I gave my best shot to get high grades. But this time, the exams were not as easy like yesterday. But still, I prepared for it and I believe I made it!

Inspiration was in my head the whole time.

Hmm, there was still an activity the next day,but I'll tell you that on my next post.

"You only feel insecure when you know that you need to improve something about yourself."

-Ms. Pelias

(MC101 Professor)

Be responsible enough

Most of the students in my school say that this week is a "hell week!" because it's our midterm exam week starting today until on Saturday. But for me, it was never came to mind to term my week that way.

Why? Because in every exam, I always ready myself so I don't have to worry anything. I start reviewing all the tackled lessons and all the pointers to remember. And besides, it was announced to us when will be our exam week a long time ago, so there's no one to blame.

I don't understand some students, the teachers and the school officials, they keep reminding us about this. They even release school papers of the upcoming activities before we reach the date when we should be prepared. But it seems nothing to them, to those happy-go-lucky students. They'll just open their books when it's already the day before the midterm. Then when they found out the result of their exams they will start complaining why their grades were like these and like that. I find it irritating. Really.

I know it's not my concern to care about their grades or whatever they do in life, but I'm just being affected. I can't help but to mind their acts than just minding mine.

I hope they realize that instead of complaining, why not just sit in one place where they can concentrate well and start studying. And I also hope that they will refrain asking their classmates about the lessons because they both attend the class anyway. Sometimes they don't know that the classmate they are asking is already bothered and irritated.

Lastly, I hope they learn the lesson of being a responsible individual not only in school, but also when they go out to other places.

-____-

Avoid the appearance of Evil

I'm of the opinion that it's a good idea not to do unto others what I don't like being done unto me. Revolutionary, I know, but it's my opinion and I'm welcome to it.

You know that guy who sits in every meeting drumming his fingers on the table? Or that coworker who whistles tunelessly and drives you up a wall? Or the kid who sits behind you in church kicking the back of your seat? Or the friend who cannot seem to tell a story without loading it with mindless and quite useless details?

You know, all those people who don't seem to mind at all how irritating they can be. Well, I try not to do that. This creates some difficulties, however. Over the years, I've had people comment to me about this or that and I've tried to change what I do because this or that irritates them ... until I end up being completely unable to do almost anything at all because everything seems to irritate someone at some time.

Enter this famous verse from Paul's first epistle to the church of Thessalonica: "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22). I grew up with that verse. I knew people, friends and relatives, who made it their life's goal. They didn't go to movies not because all movies were bad, but because it was possible that you could be coming out of a theater that was playing Bambi and someone driving by may not have realized that last week's R-rated movie had changed and they would think you were doing something wrong. You don't play cards because, even though you were just playing "Go Fish", someone looking on could easily conclude that you were gambling. As a kid I once took a game for a rainy day to school. This game had dice in it that had numbers on them. You rolled these numbered dice and then tried to fit the numbers into math squares -- "__ + __ = __; __ - __ = __", and so on. An educational game. No, no! The game had dice, and even though you knew they weren't gambling dice, onlookers might not know and you could have the appearance of evil.

This whole thing bothered me for years. You see, it's not very likely that you can find anything you can do that will not appear evil to someone. You may join the military to serve your country and be "evil" because you're joining the military or refuse to join the military because joining the military is wrong and be "evil" for refusing to serve your country.

So ... Paul, what are we to do? We can continue to try to meet its requirement but that's impossible. We could throw out the verse, but that's certainly not a good choice. Or, maybe, just maybe, we can figure out what it means.

As it turns out, this isn't as hard as it seems. The Greek word translated "appearance" is eidos. It is, most literally, "form". It references the appearance or shape of something. So what is actually being said here is "Avoid the form of evil." Of course, newer translations have figured this out (so it's not like I thought this up myself). Green's Literal Translation says, "Keep back from every form of evil." The ESV says, "Abstain from every form of evil." The NAS agrees. So does the New King James. So maybe this wasn't such a hard saying after all. The real difficulty occurs when people don't think through what they're reading. "'Avoid all appearance of evil'? How do I do that?"

Now if only someone can help me out with this whole avoiding whatever irritates someone because I'm running out of options.

Anonymous asked: "Alam nyo po ba kung bakit laging busy ‘yung mga good looking?"

        

Sabihin ko sa iyo mamaya, may ginagawa pa ako eh.

This is how it looks like at home tonight

It is still rainy here in the Philippines. I don't know when it will stop. I always have to double my blanket every night just to not feel the cold temperature inside my room. I don't even want to get wet when I leave the house tomorrow. It makes me feel so irritated.

"Rain, rain.. go away. Come back again another day,.."

To those Pinoys who can relate:

Have you experienced this before?

Me, I did. So many times already. People beside me seem to be blind not seeing me giving my money to pay the transportation fee. They are so inconsiderate. But when it's their turn, I am kind enough to pass their money to the driver or kundoktor. I always think of getting my revenge by ignoring them, but I couldn't. My conscience always comes first before my evil acts.

Oh well, just something happened today to share with you tonight.