Just Passing By

I'm just here finishing up the presentation and the articles. I'm always weary these days. Even my appetite's not the way it was. My eyes are dropping. Good Lord! I have eye bags! My shoulders feel achy today and my head is spinning. I have bruises in my hands and feet. This week just won't end for me. But I've never felt more beautiful than this time.Hahaha...

Immersion '09

An Old Composition

This is my old composition. I wrote this short storya year ago for our rhetoric class. about 70% of the facts are real and the name's are from an inspiration. The whole experience is fiction but a certain fact or habit of a girl is quite a real experience. Read on!

ERASER

Taong 1987 nang manirahan ang pamilya Magada sa Poblacion, San Agustin, Romblon. Nagmula sila sa barrio ng Doña Juana. Apat ang naging anak ng mag- asawang Magada na kapwa guro sa hayskul. Lahant ng anak nila'y nag- aaral sa San Agustin Central Elementary School. Limang taon na ang nakalipas nang sila'y lumipat sa bayan. Nasa Grade 1 na ang bunsong Magada. Siya ay si Kristina. Maliban sa kanyang Mama, walang tumtawag sa kanyang Kristina. Mas kilala siya ng lahat ng tao bilang Jinky.

Medyo may kaliitan si Jinky. Mahaba ang kanyang buhok at my katabaan ng konti. Matalinong bata si Jinky ngunit medyo mahiyain pagdating sa kanyang guro at mga kaklase. Siya ang pinakamatalino sa Grade 1 Section 1. Wala nang bibilis pa kay Jinky sa pagbigkas ng buong alpabeto. Namamangha ang lahat ng kanyang kaklase tuwing bibigkasin niya ang buong alpabeto nang hindi tintingnan ang mga ito. Si Jinky lamang ang nakakapagbilang hanggang 100. Maliban sa batang lalaki mula sa Odiongan, si Jinky lamang ang mabilis na nakakasagot ng 1+1 hanggang 10+10. Hindi rin niya ginagamit ang kanyang mga daliri tuwing magbibilang. Malikhain rin ang kanyang pag- iisip. Sadyang matalinong bata si Jinky.

Sa kabila ng pagiging henyo ni Jinky, mayroon siyang suliranin sa paaralan. May kapangitan ang kanyang sulat kamay. Tila ibinigay na sa kanya ng langit ang lahat maliban sa magandang sulat kamay. Writing ang huling aralin araw- araw. Nanginginig at nagpapawis tuwing Writing Class si Jinky. Hindi siya mapalagay at tumitingin sa lahat ng sulok ng kwarto. Iniiwasang tingnan ang papel, lapis at eraser sa kanyang harapan. Isang mabigat na pasanin sa isang pitong taong gulang na bata. Nawawalan ng saysay ang kanyang magagandang komposisyon dahil sa kanyang sulat kamay.

Tuwing Sabado, inibilhan si Jinky ng bagong eraser sapagkat lagi itong nauubos tuwing Writing Class. Sa isang upuan, walong beses niyang uulitin ang "My name is Kristina D. Magada. My name is Kristina D. Magada..." Walong beses niyang buburahin ang lahat ng nakasulat sa kanyang papel bago niya papalitan ng panibagong papel. Ilang beses niya itong sinusulat bago tanggpin ng kanilang guro ang kanyang papel. Palaging tuliro at naging nerbyosa si Jinky. Natutunan niyang magalit sa Writing Clasds at sa kanyang guro. Natutunan niyang mahalin ang kanyang eraser.

Dahil sa sulirning ito, nagbunga nang dalawa png suliranin si Jinky. Ua, dahil sa kaba tuwing Writing Class, hindi apigilan ni Jinky ang mapaihi sa kanyang palda. Araw- araw siyang pinagtatawanan at tinutuksong "Jinkihi! Jinkihi!" Umuuwi siyang luhaan at basa ang palda. Ang ikalawang problema ay palagi siya ang huling estudyanteng umuuwi. Pakiramdam niya ay ibang undo na tuwing lalabas siya ng classroom at ang makikita niyang mga estudyante ay ang panghapon. Mga pasanin ito sa batang nabuhusan ng katalinuhan at pinagkaitan ng talento ng kamay.

Ang kanyang eraser ay hugis parihaba at abo ang kulay. Inaasam- asam sana ni Jinky na bilhan siya ng kanyang Mama ng eraser na hugis strawberry at amoy strawberry. Ngunit ang sabi ng kanyang Mama, mas mahal daw itp at mas mabisa ang kulay abo na eraser sa pagbubura ng mga mali sa papel. Hindi gaanong nalungkot si Jinky sapagkat naiintindihan niya ang halaga ng kanyang eraser. Sa lahat g kayang gamit pampaaralan, eraser ang ang araw- araw niyang ginagamit. Eraser ang araw- araw niyang kinakapitan. Eraser ang nabubuhusan niya ng sama ng loob. Eraser ang katulong niya sa pagbura ng mga masasama at pangit na pangitain sa kanyang papel. NAging matalik niya itong kaibigan. Kaya tuwing uuwi siyang luhaan at basa ang palda, mahigpit ang hawak niya sa kanyang eraser. Minsan pa nga ay natagpuan siya ng kanyang Mama na natutulog at hawak- hawak ng eraser sa kanang kamay.

Isang araw isang announcement ng kanilang guro ang nagpatingkad ng kislap sa kanyang mga mata at nagpabilis ng tibok ng kanyang puso. Isang contest sa pagsusulat ng pinakamagandang karanasan. Ang premyo ay mataas na marka at mga school supplies. Ipinakita ito ng kanilang guro sa klase. Bumilog sa laki at nagningning ang ga mata ni Jinky sapagkat sa loob ng supot ay tatlong eraser na hugis strawberry. Kinabukasan ang contest at buong araw iyon lamang ang kanyang iniisip. Inisip niy ang tatlong eraser. Napakaganda ng hugis nito, kamikhang- kamukha ang totoong strawberry. Nasisiguro niya mababango din ang mga ito

Sumapit ang gabi bago ang contest nang maalala ni Jinky ang sinabi ng kanyang guro. parang hinipan ng hangin anmg nag-aalb na pag- asa sa kanyang puso nang maalala niya ito. "Class, dapat maganda ang pagkkasulat at mas mataas ang puntos kung maganda rin ang sulat kamay." Sigurado si Jinky na kung paksa lamang ang pagbabasehan ay siya na nang mananalo. Ngunit kung isasama rin ang sulat kamay tila wala ng pag- asa. Hanggang doon lamang ba ang sasapitin niya? Magpapatalo ba siya sa isang pangit na sulat kamay? Tiningnan niya ang kanyang lumang eraser. Napupod na rin ito. Inisip niya ang tatlong mapupulang eraser sa loob ng supot. Hindi maaaring manood na lamang siya at maghintay. Buong gabi isa lang ang kanyang iniisip: "Akin ang eraser!"

Kinabuksan, nakaupo si Jinky sa harapan ng kanilang classroom kasama ang iba pang mag- aaral na bolutaryong sasali sa contest. Habang nagsasalita ang kanilang guro, hawk- hawak ni Jinky sa kanyang kaliwang kamay ang pudpod niyang eraser. Nagsusulat na gial ng mapansin ng guro ang mapupulang kamay ni Jinky. Hindi siya nagsalita tungkol dito. Isang oras matapos ang contest, nahusgahan na ang mga lahok na komposisyon. Tinawag siya ng kanyang guro at nakangiti ito sa knaya. "Jinky! Nanalo ka!" Ito sang masayang balita ng kanyang guro. Walang patid sa ngiti si Jinky at halos sumigaw siya sa tuwa. Ngunit umagsak ang lahat sa kanyang paligid ng marinig ang sumunod na sinabi sa kanya. "2nd place ka Jinky! Heto ang bagng pencil case. Sigurado mataas ang grade mo." Hindi na mapigilan ni Jinky ang pag- iyak. Naiyak siya ng tahimik at paulit- ulit na sinabi sa kanyang sarili,"Ayoko ng pencil case. Ayoko ng grade. Gusto k ng eraser. Akin ang mga eraser." Tumakbo siya pauwi sa kanilang bahay.

Hindi naintindihan ng guro ang nangyari. Napansin niya sa upuan ni Jinky ang kanyang naiwan na eraser. Ang kulay abo niyang eraser, pudpod na ito ngunit sa kanyang pagkamangha napansin rin niyang ni minsan ay hindi ito ginamit ni Jinky noong arw na iyon.

Pinuntahan ng guro si Jinky sa kanilang bahay nang hapng iyon. Hinarap siya ng Mama ni jinky. Nag- abot ng tatlong mapupulang eraser ang guro sa Mama ni Jinky, hindi raw ito nagustuhan ng batang lalaki na nanalo. Bago umalis ang guro ay inabot sa kanya ng ina ni Jinky ang isang malinis na papel. May nakasualt dito ng paulit- ulit, malinis ito at walang bura. Nasisiguro rin ng guro na isang buong gabi itong sinulat ng dahn- dahan upang maging maganda, maayos at hindi na gagamitan pa ng eraser. ang nakasulat dito ay "Ang Eraser Kong Strawberry."

Why I Can't Die Before I'm 99

Things to do before dying:
1. Graduate and pass the board exam.
2. Finish my MA in Literature, Ed. D. for Education and Ph.D. for Arts and Literature
3. Build my family a house
4. Build myself a home
5. Own a bookstore/library/cafe
6. Meet Anne Rice and Dean Koontz (if they're still alive)
7. Sit between the pillars of Athena's temple in Greece
8. Publish one novel
9. Travel the world (as a tourist of course)
Places to go:
a. Taiwan (to marry Joe Cheng or Mike He.haha)
b. China (I intend to roam the Forbidden City)
c. Japan (pick cherry blossoms)
d. Singapore (just curious)
e. Malaysia (to see how tall the Petrona's Tower really is)
f. Australia (just down under)
g. New Zealand (ummm...to see the cows?)
h. Switzerland (just to taste the chocolate)
i. England (because I want to)
j. Scotland (bagpipes and kilts)
k. Ireland (for the castles and the Celt mythology)
l. Greece (the grandeur)
m. Italy (si bellisimo)
n. France (bonjour!)
o. Germany (ummm...beers and frankfurters?)
p. Austria (might give me the chills but I'm curious about Aushwitz)
q. USA (don't we all)
r. Spain (I want to see the odd looking church in Barcelona shown in MG2)
s. Egypt (pyramids of course)
t. Brazil (ummm...because it's the biggest Latin country in South America?)
u. Barbados (I just like pronouncing the name BARRRRBAADOSSS)
v. Jerusalem (in times of peace)
10. Swim in an infinity pool
11. Learn Mandarin, French, Spanish, German
12. Get married? I don't know. I'm not that enthusiastic.
13. Kids? Big question.

Mels' Graduation

SUMMER CHORVA

The heat is on. Temperature's soaring high. I've been watching the temperature drop this minute and rise the next. The sweltering hot takes its toll on me and I've thought of "summer resolutions". I'm still thinking and I hope I can make it. I made a list which I may still add or whatever the wind blows. (Notice how all that's listed relate to my physical being.)

My summer resolutions:
1. Grow my hair long again.
2. Take care of my skin. My porcelain skin is falling. Choz!
3. Get rid of blackheads. Ewww!!!
4. Lose weight
5. Lose weight
6. Lose weight

please read

Check out my short story. I wrote this few years ago. I'm posting it again to receive comments. I revised it recently. Next time I'll be posting the short story written in Filipino which I wrote a year ago for our Rhetoric class. The setting of the story is my hometown- San Agustin, Romblon. But The Yellow Jacket was purely from a place in my mind. Its original title was The Yelow Jacket of Ardor.

The Yellow Jacket
By Marianne Lim

“I don’t know… Maybe this is one of those things, one should never ask. Maybe it’s one of those things with no beginning and no end… Maybe it’s like God, the Alpha and the Omega… … don’t know… don ‘t know why it’s like that… All I know is that they say it’s all in the heart…”Chapter III Book of Yellow Jacket of Ardor

If you happen to see a petite and quiet lady across the street then that is Chalance. This is Chalance Intrepid, not the most unusual female on earth but one with the most unusual name. She usually sits on a corner of her bed with a notebook and a pencil. She writes…well, vigorously. Her bedroom is on the attic of their old house. She writes because of events. She writes when something happens to her. She writes when something happens to the country. She writes when something happens to the world. She writes when something happens to other people. Right now, she writes because something happened to her.

Chalance Intrepid met a person. Maybe it’s a person who would, maybe forever, change her life. Chalance Intrepid always wishes for something to happen to her. She wants to get out of her insanely monotonous life. She wakes up at exactly 5:15 in the morning, brushes her teeth, cooks breakfast for the family, eats, takes a bath, puts on her blue uniform, and at exactly 7:25 leaves for work in her old, brown VW. She arrives at the office with two stacks of paper to finish. She finishes at 4 in the afternoon, goes to a nearby grocery store, buys what’s missing in the house and at 4:45 goes home. She arrives with an over cheerful smile on her face, kisses the two old people on their porch, unpacks, changes clothes, cleans house, washes clothes, cooks dinner, watches television, eat, read a few, writes anything, and sleeps at exactly 10:15 in the evening. Everyday it’s like this. Everyday of her life it is like this. Except on Sundays, where she doesn’t have to go to work. On Sundays, Chalance cleans and trims the garden and takes her old bicycle to a park nearby and drives all by herself.

“What if it will never come… I thought they said ‘There’s always that ONE who will certainly arrive’… What if it wouldn’t come for me?…what if it already did?”Chapter V Book of Yellow Jacket of Ardor

One Sunday, Chalance Intrepid went to the park. She sat on one abandoned tree to refresh herself. As usual, Chalance stares blankly at the park when she noticed a man about her age (she’s 28) jogging with a black Labrador. Chalance seldom notices anything. There must be something special about this to her. Suddenly, the man disappeared and Chalance shrugged her shoulders and continued staring at the trees. She felt a strong tug at her big shirt. She never shrieks so she just gave a soft, surprise gasp at the dog tugging her shirt. Then the jogging man appeared and sharply said “Hale, stop it!” The dog immediately let go of her shirt and went to his master. The jogging man bowed slightly and spoke. “My apologies Miss, my dog’s a little overwhelmed to know you.” Chalance just said, “It’s ok.” The jogging man extended his hand and said, “I’m Mark James.” She took it and said, “Hi.” The man said, “Mind if I sit here for a while? What about you? What’s your name?” She consciously said, “Um no, it’s alright. I’m Chalance Intrepid.” Mark looked at her curiously and said, “I didn’t get that.” She spelled it for him and said, “I like your dog’s name.” Mark patted the Labrador and said, “Hale. It means strong. Just like my boy.” The dog wagged its tail. “Just like my name”, Chalance blurted out. Mark said, “What?” “I said just like my name. It’s from a word. It’s supposed to be nonchalance…casual. But I am not so they made it Chalance. And my surname Intrepid, it means fearless.” Mark just smiled and said, “Interesting.” Then something sounded like a small buzz. It turned out to be Mark’s phone. He took it from the pocket of his jogging pants, stood up and said, “Well, I go to go… Will I see you here next Sunday?” She shyly said, “Maybe.” Mark said, “Good.” Then he reached into his pocket and amazingly took out a pen, took her left hand and wrote 62599387. He smiled and said, “If I’m not here on Sunday, call me, please.” Then he left.

“There are different shades of cowardice…sometimes they’re inescapable…you want to get out…you always know there is a way……But you just can’t…”Chapter VIIBook of Yellow Jacket of Ardor

Next Sunday, Chalance made it to the park but after two hours of pretending to stare at the trees, Mark didn’t make it. Although hope wasn’t lost, Chalance was extremely upset and disappointed. She went home and did her usual chores. At 9:30 in the evening, up in her room, Chalance stared longingly at the phone in the corner of her bed. She repeatedly said, “62599387”. She had memorized Mark’s phone. It was almost 10:15 but Chalance never made the call. Every night it would always happen but Chalance never made an attempt. One Saturday evening, Chalance said to herself, “What’s an Intrepid for?” Then she lifted the phone, dialed 62599387 and let it rung three times. Something clicked and a voice said, “Hello?” It was Mark. But Chalance never said a word, she just opened and closed her mouth and suddenly she put down the phone. It was almost 10 o’clock. She took her notebook and pencil and started her book, “Book of Yellow Jacket of Ardor”. She started her first lines “Yellow Jacket, there are several varieties of bright yellow of social wasps. Yellow is my cowardice. Yellow defies the fearlessness of my soul.”And Chalance Intrepid’s life was always, as always, and will ever be the same.

Original form:
08/30/05 03:45 pm
Date revised: 15/ 03/09

WHY JIM???

NO!!! Jim just died! We we're watching last Friday's episode of Ghost Whisperer and Jim, my favorite guy passed away. This is so unfair! Mr. Clancy is the most sane, level- headed and responsible character in the story. What will happen to Melinda Gordon? The only person who fully embraces her gift is Jim. Why Jim? Why? Will he ever cross over to the light? I sense reincarnation in the episodes to come. But it's still so sad...

Where???

Where is the conjunction in this sentence?

Saint Paul wrote fourteen epistles.

100 and below

Here are my ukay2 finds. All of these pieces cost 100 pesos and below. CHeck out my superb ability in snagging killer ensembles and patience in digging from hundreds of piles.

A PAINTED FACE

If my old self would see me today, I might be a little bit disgusted and a little bit fascinated. I used to look really losyang, then I became fascinated with make up. I'm not really fond of branded make up and I can definitely live without make up. But they are here and I make the most of using make up. There's nothing really wrong with it. Painting my face doesn't make me look like a whore or somebody who's just too much with everything. I'm a girl and make up is definitely my friend.

I love my lip gloss. I used SimplyPretty lip gloss tube in Raspberry. I love the moisture feeling that it leaves after applying it. Not too sticky and just enough moist. If I'm feeling really unhappy, I apply first my Rosy Pink lipstick just to feel pretty. Oh Lord, I'm so girl.

This is how exactly my blush on looks like. I love the pinkish glow it gives after applying. This is definitely one of my favorite make up product because I'm so pale. I look so pale when Im not wearing make up. I can even wear it alone, even without gloss or lipstick. I feel like a fashion/make up guru.

A blush on is never alone, it needs my super brush. I love my big blush because it applies make up evenly on both cheeks without making it look like a clown's blush.

Another favorite of mine is my silver eyeshadow. I first saw this kit on a Cinderella store a year ago. I tried it and I loved it. I usually don't experiment on eyeshadows because I'm not an expert on applying it. The other side may not match the other. I usually use blue, gold or pink eyeshadow. I thought grey or silver would look wrong on me but when I tried, it was divine. I feel like a goddess.

IF ONLY

"They say people come and go. But the truth us no one really disappears from your life. People never really leave. Their roles just change."

I'm not the type of girl who reacts delightfully at movies or romantic scenes. I'm neither the type who cries at the movies when somebody dies. However, I feel sad, or may be not that sad, over some scenes which give me a pause.
Do you remember the commercial of Flanax? Two old men who are brothers gives biking another chance. They they were doing the same old things when they were still small. When this scene flashed, it gave my heart a little kick. ISn't it nice to be a child again? How I wish sometimes that we could turn back time. Not really to change things but just to again what made us really happy and simply leave in peace.
Another commercial that painted a sad smile on my face was McDo's. It's the commercial about two kids who met at McDo, became friends and eventually became best friends. The little girl became the little boy's first love. When they grew up, she married another man. HOw funny life is! Not quite tragic ending but it made me think of what ifs. WHat could have happened if it was another way around? But we really can't change things in the past. What happened there still happened.
Then I read "The Cabuliwallah" by Rabindranath Tagore. I read how the two fathers wantewd their little girls to remain as little girls. But we can't really help it, people grow and peole change. The only way to stay happy today is to accept changes.
Many moths ago, when I was still wallowing in pain and heartaches, I was struggling to find happiness in my life. I thought I was happy and I'm not. It became a juggle that I could not recognize real happiness. Then a kind soul told me, "The best feeling in this world is realizing you're perfectly happy without the things you thought you needed most." And guess what? I am perfectly happy.
We go on living and move into the future. We have a happy life and hope for a happier one. Today is today but sometimes when we see an old picture or two, don't you just wish you could turn back time?

YEAR OF THE OX

I was born in 1985, the year of the ox. Now here we go again. This is supposed to be my year , however, I heard a lot from the news and other tv programs that those who were born on this year are unlucky. Hmmm... I'll prove them wrong. Anyway , here are some things I found on theholidayspot.com about "my personality".

THE OX PERSONALITY

The Ox or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. A person born during this year will be dependable, calm and methodical. A patient and tireless worker, he sticks to routine and conventions. Although he is generally fair-minded and a good listener, it is difficult to make him change his views as he is stubborn and often has strong prejudices.

Still, because of his steady and trustworthy character, the Ox person will be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility. He will not fall short where duty calls. As a matter of fact, he should be careful not to get carried away. Beneath his somewhat modest but neat appearance, the Ox shields a resolute and logical mind. His intelligence and dexterity is hidden by the reticent and undemonstrative front. But in spite of being basically an introvert, his forceful nature can turn him into a commanding and eloquent speaker when the occasion arises. In times of turmoil, his presence of mind, refusal to be intimidated and innate self-confidence will restore order. He walks with his head held high.

A person born under this particular sign is systematic. He adheres to fixed patterns and has great respect for tradition. In fact, he tends to do exactly what is expected of him and is so predictable, that he may be unfairly criticized for a lack of imagination. But the dutiful Ox knows that only through doing things in their proper order can he hope to achieve lasting success. His is the uncluttered mind. You won't find him muddling through life depending on his luck to pull him through. What people born under the other signs may accomplish by guile and wit, the Ox-born will by sheer tenacity and dedication. You can rely on his promises; once he gives his word, he will stick by it. Public opinion means little to him. He will apply himself wholeheartedly to whatever task he is doing and finish the job. He detests loose ends.

The Ox can be terribly naive about affairs of the heart. He cannot fully comprehend the entrapments of love, much less employ enticing strategy and other allures to plead his romantic cause. Don't expect lyric poetry and moonlight serenades from him. He just doesn't have the right chemistry for these sort of things. Even his presents are likely to be strong and durable wares: unpretentious and long lasting.

Because they are traditionalists, the Ox man and woman will also be inclined to long courtships. It takes time for them to develop intimate relationships. They are slow to warm up and reveal their true feelings.

If you have the good fortune to marry an Ox lady, you sure picked the no-nonsense type of girl. She'll starch your collar just the way your mother does it, fold your newspaper neatly on the breakfast table every day without fail and poach your eggs to perfection. Even that "good morning" kiss may seem like nothing more than a dutiful peck now and then. But if you think of her as being boring or too set in her ways, consider this. She is neat and punctual. You will never go through married life without clean shirts or holes in your socks or having to eat burnt dinners. Honest, hardworking and above reproach, she will make an ideal wife. The checkbook will be balanced and your joint account never overdrawn. It's up to you to liven up her life and take the lead. After all, the Ox person usually performs more than his or her share. A lot of wonderful things come wrapped in plain brown paper. The Ox is one of them. Don't ever belittle the packaging. He is worth his weight in gold. (Hey! IS this me?)


The Ox will insist on settling his accounts. Debts will be paid to the last decimal point. If he owes you something he will never forgive himself if he doesn't show his gratitude in a tangible way. No profuse but empty phrases of appreciation from him. He considers flowery words and lavish flattery uncouth and beneath his dignity. But won't it come as a surprise to you when you find out that that gruff fellow, who barely managed to mumble a "Thank you," left you something in his will? Well, that's a typical Ox gesture for you. If anyone's actions speak louder than his words--his do.

Beware of the Ox's legendary patience, because when an Ox person loses his temper, he is really something to reckon with. It could be a terrifying experience. There will be no reasoning with him: he will act like a bull and attack anyone in his path. The only advisable thing to do is to get out of his way until he cools off. By and large, however, he is seldom given to such taxing display of fireworks unless he finds his situation truly unbearable.

At home, his word is law. He knows how to give orders as well as follow them. And he expects his directives to be carried out to the letter. He has a materialistic outlook on life, and although he may be inordinately fond and proud of his family, he demands a lot from them, too. He will use the yardstick of success and personal achievement to measure his love for them. Even though he is not easily moved by emotions, he is a good provider and is capable of great sacrifices for his family's welfare. When and where it really counts, he will not let them down.(Love this part)

An Ox person will always be an asset to his firm and family. He has no reason to feel insecure himself as he will be well cared for all his life. Reason dictates that one so valuable should not be left to fend for himself.


A natural-born leader and disciplinarian, he tends to be too rigid. Likely to be a self-made man, he staunchly believes everyone should pull his own weight--and no hedging about it either. At his worst, the Ox is unapproachable, inflexible and narrow-minded. His lack of tact and consideration for others coupled with a militant view of life at times could make him unsuitable for positions involving public relations, diplomacy and finesse. However, he is respected and liked for his basic honesty, unpretentiousness and steadfast principles. He inspires loyalty in all his subordinates, as no task is beneath him.

As mentioned earlier, the Ox person is not one who will go for the shortcuts. His quiet dignity and strong morals will prevent him from resorting to unfair means to achieve his goals. He will dislike asking others for help. As a matter of fact, he is so self-reliant, that you may have to beg him to accept a service.


The Ox-born has dynastic tendencies. Careful and conscientious, he builds things to last. This sturdiness in his genes will extend to his offspring and generations to come even if they are not born under the same sign. His excellent character makes him an empire builder. He will take all precautions to ensure the prosperity and survival of his lineage.

Of all the twelve signs, the colorful Rooster will bring the sunshine into the Ox's orderly life and make a splendid partner for him. Both have high respect for authority, admire efficiency and possess strong dedication to duty. These common attributes will unite them. Equally well suited will be the affectionate Rat or the wise Snake, both of whom will care deeply for the worthy Ox. Dragon, Rabbit, Ox, Horse, Boar and Monkey will also be compatible to a lesser degree with the Ox. But the Dog may find him too bland and criticize his lack of humor; the Ox himself will not care too much for the company of the capricious Sheep or the rebellious Tiger native, who in turn will resent his regimentation.

Whatever happens, one can be sure that the success enjoyed by the Ox will have been earned by his own merits. In short, the strong and disciplined Ox does not expect and will not be getting any free rides in life. This stalwart fellow will emerge a winner through his own efforts and no one should be more deserving.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!!

Appositive, Ain't A Cup of Tea

Yesterday, we were checking our papers from the Midterm Exams for Structure of English. The first part of the examination was determining the nouns and identifying its function in the sentence. We came across this sentence:

"The college of cardinals, Teresa, is the senate of the pope."

The nouns in the sentence are "college of cardinal", "Teresa", "senate of the pope" or "senate" and "pope". "College of cardinals" is the subject of the sentence. "Senate of the pope" is a subjective complement because it completes the thought of the subject. We can also have "pope" as the object of the preposition because it precedes the word "of". What I did was identify "Teresa" as an appositive. Out teacher said it is an appositive but I have to indicate what noun it renames.

For a short review...

An appositive is a noun or pronoun that renames another noun. An appositive is usually placed next to the noun it renames.

However, upon reviewing the sentence, "Teresa" does not fit the description of an appositive. Ma'am P said "Teresa" is an appositive of the "senate of the pope" which is the subjective complement. Although appositives could be placed just about anywhere in the sentence, I still find this confusing. It was not clear that "Teresa" points out to "senate of the pope". The placement was confusing. It does not just confuse those studying its structure but even those who simply read it.

I still maintain that there is something wrong with the sentence.

INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE FOUR WALLS

Here are the things I learned inside and outside the classroom.

ELEMENTARY:

1. I learned from my PE teacher not to drink water after "jogging" three times around the oval grounds. Take salt first. (Hmmm...) 2. I learned that pechay or pichay doesn't grow on their own. (Big Mystery: Who watered my garden everyday when I was in grade 4?) 3. I learned to cross rice fields upon going home instead of the paved and cemented road. Thanks to my adventurous classmates and muddy knees. 4. I never learned to write legibly and nicely even though my grade 2 teacher kept at school after class just to pratice writing. 5. I learned to eat hotcakes and Indian mango before going home in the afternoon.

HIGH SCHOOL:

1. I learned that swimming and jumping from the pier is fun. 2. I learned that your most annoying classmate is atually your biggest crush. (Trivia: it's a vise versa thing) 3. I learned that CAT training is so tiresome, bone- wearing yet a very momentous experience. (Trivia: You can boast this to your college friends.) 4. Consequently, I learned that shouting a command to a whole troop is satisfying. (I had the opportunity of substituting our batallion commander.)Don't be so strict for your classmates would hate you. 5. I learned that not having a JS Prom is actually fine. We didn't miss a half of our lives. 6. I learned different ways to "ask for help" during examinations from my classmates. (This part remains top secret.) 7. I learned that there were just days wherein I really forgot to wear my tie for my uniform and my belt which made me look pregnant. 8. I learned dozens of school rules and regulations and knew some people who broke them (The favorite sin is vandalism.) 9. I learned that I am not a good dancer, especially during ground demonstrations. (But hey! at least I was a part of it.) 10. I learned that no matter how much you tell yourself not to cry, crying is inevitable during graduation especially when singing the graduation song.

COLLEGE:

1. I learned from my first dorm (God bless Hall 1!) that 10 pm islights off time and 10 pm is the start of dorm life. 2. I learned that ghosts exist and ghost hunting is a really scary but fun. 3. I learned how to drink my first alcohol- lambanog! 4. I learned that sleeping on the beach under a star- filled sky is uncomfortable. 5. I learned that the kind of persons I only see in television and read in books actually exist. (Example: really bitchy girls and real geeks) 6. I learned that there are professors who just plain hates you. I also learned that there are those who seemed in love with you that it becomes annoying. 7. I learned that sometimes college life is a bitch and maintaining a tough hide is important. 8. I learned that my definition of "long line" is atually "short". 9. I learned the joy of transferring and knew that there are real differences between schools and students. 10. I learned that passing the exams and finishing the semester will never be a relief until ALL schooling is over. (I guess it will never be over.)

I, The Placid

I'm 23 years old. Quite young some would say. I am young but old enough to reach that dangling thread of maturity. When this thread dangles in front of your eyes, never hesitate to grab it. More than a year ago, I first learned the real meaning of "heartbreak". It was an unfortunte yet strengthening eperience. I learned a lot from myself and from the people surroundig me. I was surprised to learn that I'm stronger than I felt. After this experience, I felt like a boulder of rock. I am so strong, so hard, and so heartless.

One friend called me phobic. I became so afraid and so careful in giving my affection even for a friend. I was of losing again that I refuse to become so attached to another person. I found few people who learned to deal with me and my "heartlessness". It's not that easy being friends with me. These people had to listen to my sarcasm everyday. I don't know how they could stand it but they did and they still do. I had an easy, honest companionship with people who are a lot like me.

I felt normal. I feel normal. I thought I was alright. I thought I was doing fine. Few days ago, I met some people I never thought of seeing again. Then I realize I was not fine, I'm actually in a perfect, happy condition.

Last Friday was Iloilo Dinagyang's Opening Salvo. For us who living in La paz, this meant walking from school to the dormitory. As I was happily walking on the bridge passing Iloilo River, I saw my past. I saw them heading towards my direction. Not quite expecting this and not really knowing what to say, I panicked for a second or two. Sine they were heading my way, I opted not to avoid them. I have nothing to hide and not guilty. I look straight at them and smiled.

I don't know if they saw it and I don't care. I felt happy. I actually felt happy. I was shocked but happy. I think, unconsciously, I've been dreading yet waiting for this moment. Now I can truly say to myself, without being a hypocrite, that I am way over him. He's from the past and will remain there.

I am young and I'm still a rock. I am unruffled by slight disturbances. I couldn't help but be proud of myself and believe me I'm rarely proud of myself. My tranquility remains. The water still flows gently, moves few pebbles once in a while but continues their gentle flow. I know this will continue for I am placid.