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.