It's the last day of November and I know everybody knows the meaning of this! **It's the most wonderful time of the year!** (just inserted a song). I think no one hates Christmas. Although Christmas would mean spending a lot of money but it's the joy and the feeling of love,that is why we cannot hate christmas. Well, I'm so excited for christmas! And for sure malls are too. haha. I am. just excited. I am speechless, so good bye for now. haha. ADVANCE MERRY CHRISTMAS!

DEAR GELLIE

Last time, I decided to clean up my room because mom and dad got mad at me because it’s very dirty and since I myself find it dirty and cluttered and so I obeyed them and I cleaned it. I know I am a very good girl.haha

    As I clean the room, I came across with my collection of letters and pictures and every little thing that was given to me. My friends and classmates gave most of the letters and one was from mom for my retreat way back. And so I sat and started to read every single letter. It was as if I was time traveling. Like I went back to grade school, high school and also my first to years of being a college student. Some letters were simple notes that even though it seems senseless but it’s priceless. Some of the letters were cute little notes that express gratitude and love for me. Some letters were really touching and as if the person who wrote it was talking to me in person. I really missed those times. The letters that really touched me was the birthday cards/ letters. You can really see their efforts on putting up surprises for your birthday. It was really a heart-warming experience most especially when you are really surprised.
    I am actually a sentimental person (well, obviously). I really keep my notebooks and notes and letters. It was really worth keeping because it is like a diary that tells stories to me from what has happened in the past and if ever, if and only, if ever, I will have amnesia, I will not have a hard time gaining back my memory because I kept them all ( I was just kidding!)
    I also love to write little notes for people. I usually write secretly in their notebooks, sticky notes, books. I usually wrote my mom notes in her notebook in the office, simple notes like I love you and I also wrote my sister at the back of her notebook and her teacher actually saw it and asked who was it. The teacher taught it was some other person. I also wrote at my classmates’ notebooks funny notes whenever I see that they are sad. I usually write note like this “ tanggapin mo man o hindi, mas maganda ako sa’yo!!haha, I love you!”.
    Of course for every story that I write here, I always end up with “lesson learned”. For me I learned that it is always nice to keep things that really touched you, so that anytime, you can reminisce it and remember those times. It is also good because it is a sign that you give importance to the person who gave it to you. It is also nice to give simple notes for people you love, most especially if you find it hard to say it personally. It is nice to give a little smile to them in your own little way. It really means a lot to them. I find letters and notes more powerful because it would last if you keep them. I am not against technology but it is just nice to find people giving letters and notes. Just like in my experience I can keep it forever.
***

HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY BLOG!!

   i could not believe it! time really flies.it was already a year since i started blogging. and i am still enjoying it.haha.sorry it took me a while since the last time i wrote:) many things happened over a year and i think i can also put a check on one of my checklist.haha. (PLS. refer at WELCOME 2011 entry)
    as you can see my blog has the same anniversary as ms. bianca gonzalez's blog is. it is because i was inspired to do this blog because i saw hers and i thought that it was fun and cool to have one and there came the adventures of gellie. and speaking of ms.bianca's blog, i also joined her blog give away and hopefully i would win the Party @ McDonald's because i would love to throw a party at hospicio de san jose, where i am volunteering right now.  BTW,i am a education student majoring in special education. and we volunteer there as teachers for children with special needs. i think giving them a party would be nice since Christmas time is getting near and it is also my dream, to have a feeding program there and because i am just a student, i can't afford to do that, but if ever i win, my dreams would come true:) oh fingers crossed i hope we would win...
             

a month and still counting....

last april 14,2011 i decided to start with my new year checklist no.1(please refer to welcome 2011) With the help of my classmate, Justin Lim. He gave me a program it was hard at first but eventually i got used to it. as of now, i lost approximately 20 lbs. i also tried activities like taebo and running .hopefully it would prosper.haha.")

a different way to spend your summer

Lucky for those who have their two-month summer breaks, maybe you'll spend your summer by eating,

sleeping, surfing the net and most of all SWIMMING!! But if you ask me, i thought of things you could do during 

summer without even spending a peso.

Here it goes:

Rest.I know being at school for more than 10 hours a day is really tiring.Summer is definitely a time for resting, 

relaxing,waking up late and 

sleeping early without having things to worry for school.

Clean your room.Too much rest is also not good.You could also use your time cleaning your own room. 

I know it's some kind of atiring thing to do but trust

me it's really fun.When cleaning up your room, 

it is also your chance to retrieve your treasures( i meant your misplaced things.lols) 

hidden under your bed, 

inside your closet or even in your drawers. It is a good time for treasure hunting!

Do the household chores. There are two things you can avoid when doing the household chores. 

First, you can avoid boredom.

Doing these chores would 

keep you busy and will refrain you to buy things that will keep you occupied.Second and most important of all, 

you can avoid being scolded by

your mom and dad 

and if they were even satisfied with your work, who knows, they might give you a reward. haha.

I know it might sound corny but hey, it's spending your spare time wisely.

I just want to share my Journal during my stay at Footsteps Learning Center.
so here it goes;

DAY 1

It was actually the first day of December and at the same time it was also our first day at Footsteps Learning Center (FLC). I was assigned to observe at Kinder 1.I came there at around 8 am. The pupils were already in line when I get there, so I stood at the back of their line. They had their flag ceremony and their morning rituals and eventually entered in their classroom. At first, I was actually hesitant to enter because I don’t know what to expect. Many questions were already playing inside my head. “Will the kids treat me just like as they treat their teacher?” or  “will they accept me?” Before I entered the classroom, I only said a word,” here it goes” I greeted their teacher, Teacher Arlene , a good morning, and she greeted back. She asked me about my name and after that she introduced me to her pupils. They greeted me. And that greeting was a first time for me, it felt like I was already a teacher. I was flattered. They were actually four, two girls and two boys. They were Elisia, Apple Joy, Gohan and Eduard. All of them are really lovely and cute. They were actually kind to me. At first I was just looking at them and the eventually we already bonded like we’ve known each other for so long. I helped in answering their quiz. I really enjoyed the whole period, although I’m quiet tired but the hugs and kisses were priceless. From that day on, I am already looking forward in going to FLC.

DAY 2

Second day. I was assigned in grade 1.I am a bit nervous because, I know at their age they are the “asking a lot” type of kids. I am nervous because I might be asked a question and I don’t know if I could answer it right. You know, once I’ve already answered them, it will already stay in them until they grow old so I am really careful. I came there at around 8 am. I think I was already late. At first the graders were a bit confused, they looked for their former teacher, Karen. I told them that teacher Karen is not around so I will be their teacher. At first they were a little confused and eventually they already accepted that I would be their teacher to observe them. Their adviser was teacher Beth. She explains everything to me just like teacher Arlene. Unlike the kindergarten the graders are more. I think they are around seven, six boys and a girl. They were Kenneth , Margah Lou, Ashton, Mickel, Adrian , John Paul. Sorry if I can’t remember all. They had their class in Filipino, Values, Math and MAKABAYAN. All of them are really active in class but we cannot avoid that they are a bit playful and noisy. I understand them because they gained a lot of energy and they spent it playing and talking but I sometimes asked them to listen to their teacher. They were obedient. Eventually they already asked me questions, as expected and they already make friends with me. During their recess Kenneth sang a song for everybody I was enjoyed and he really sing good. After that he had a duet with Marga Lou.It was fun. After their recess, they had their practice for their Christmas party. They will sing Star ng pasko. The song was actually one of my favorite Christmas songs. Having their practice was not that easy. It already took us almost an hour just forming their lines. The flow was already smooth when they sang the song. They were really cute. After their practice they watched a cartoon movie about Christmas. I personally enjoyed the movie, I don’t know if I am a childish or what. The movie is a good way on how to explain the children what Christmas really means. It is a good way and at the same time an easier way.:). After that they fixed their thing and went home already. My second day was not easy but I really enjoyed it, a lot.

DAY 3(Christmas Party)

Yey! Just like the kids, I was also excited about this day. I don’t know why, maybe because in college there were already none of parties like these. Today, I was assigned in the Yellow Team with teacher Agnes. It started with a parade, roaming around the village, going to our venue in a basketball court. Teacher Ren delivered her opening remarks and we also started assisting the teachers and students as well. The flow of the program was good. They had fun games that bonded children with their parents. They even presented their own cheer Before the games the children presented their numbers and parents presented their dance number as well. Of all the people, I will never forget Agua, the host of the game; is just so funny aside from Jollibee. They really entertained the children including us. After the program, we distributed the gifts to everybody.after the party has ended we also helped in cleaning the place, it was not that hard because we helped each other.We went back at Footsteps  and after eating we went home. I really enjoyed it eventhough it’s a Saturday.

DAY 4 (New Year)

I started the year with the SPEd class. I came at school at 8 am. Kuya Let-Let and Teacher Jean were already there. They already started their drills. First, he grasps a spoon. He should hold it until the count of 20. He also did it on his other hand. Next he also rang a small bell at the count of 20 and also did it on the other hand. There are moments that he became impatient but teacher eventually overcomes it. They did that exercise for almost 30 minutes. It would be helpful for his fine motor skills. After that, Let-Let had an inclusion with grade 1 pupils. After that he had his therapy already. The next student is Nash. Before he begin his classes he first roam around the school and greet all of his schoolmates. He is doing this to develop his socialization skills. After that he had some activities like buttoning the buttons. Teacher Jean also taught him to memorize the poem that they will be reciting. After that we had our snack. And he was dismissed after. The next set of students was Abbey, Gab and another girl sorry I forgot her name. At first they did a puzzle. Before they do something they will first put the picture on the schedule, which is posted on the wall. They prayed, sang the national anthem and applied lotion on their skin. They also colored some pictures, buttoned some buttons and many more. The day was not that exhausting but really fun.

DAY 5

Today, I was assigned in nursery. The 10:30 to 2:00 class. I came early but the pupils eventually came. They were really cute. I really wanted to pinch their cheeks but I know it is not allowed so I just contained myself. At first they prayed and have some greetings and then weather forecasts. After that they watched some videos about the opposites. I think the children learned a lot even me. After watching the video they ate their snacks. I also helped them while eating and they were polite whenever they ask something. After that they had a game, they will jump over the number teacher will say. It fun and at the same time they also learned after that they played and went home. I was somehow exhausted but really enjoyed the class most especially when you feel that you’ve been loved and needed by the kids.

DAY 6

Today, I was assigned in kinder 2. I came at school at around 8 am. They had the poem recital today. It is their elimination. In an instant I also become a judge to replace the other teacher. Being a judge was not an easy task because it was actually my first time. But the whole recital was good. After the recital, classes resume. They answered some exercises in their books. They are very behave during the whole period and they are very obedient.

DAY 7

Today, I am again assigned in Grade 1.Before they entered in their classroom they had a tour in to their new school. After the tour we went back to the school and entered the classroom. When I entered the classroom, I felt so loved and missed by the graders. They hugged me and greeted me. They wanted me to seat in their side but I was only one I can’t entertain them all. But I was really flattered. Teacher Beth was not around so we need to work double time with teacher Mavic.They had their values if I am not mistaken they discussed about a saint. They also answered some exercises in their book; I also helped them in answering. Their next class was Filipino, they discussed about the questions when, what, where and how. They also had recitation and they did a great job in answering their seat works. We also discussed the different forms of money; how they look like and so o and so forth. They also had their seat work here. After that they had their recess and while having their recess, Kenneth again, entertained us by singing. After his number he also had a duet with Marga Lou. On the other hand, the boys did some beat while Kenneth and Marga were singing. After the recess they had mathematics and after that they went home. It was a tiring but exciting day for me. I am sure I will keep this in my heart forever.

DAY 8( New School, New Environment, Teacher Bev’s Birthday!)

On my first day on the new building, I was assigned in Grades 2 and 3.When I came there; they were already in their line. They had their flag ceremony. And afterwards they had their classes. I sat beside Mariel who was busy doing and writing something. I must admit she really has a good penmanship. She was assisted by teacher Mavic, because Teacher Bev was not yet around.Jc also joined the class. He was busy drawing the solar system. Afterwards, the classes started, they had various subjects today I am not sure if I could state it all here. But from what I have remembered, they had their quiz they also had their spelling. And after, they also had music which refreshes my memory about notes and the like. Eventually Teacher Bev entered and the children went wild because they greeted her altogether. The graders were really sweet and they even made a little card for teacher Bev.They also had their Class picture taking. The girls fixed their hair and the boys fixed their ties. They were really cute and neat looking. They had their snack and had classes again and eventually went home.

DAY 9 (whoa!!!)

For the first time I was assigned in the nursery 8:00-10:30.Actually, I’ve heard some stories about this class, that they are really playful and so on. I am excited to observe in this class. When I entered the classroom, they were seated on the floor while listening to teacher Jena. They sang the weather song and afterwards presented them some cards that illustrate opposites. While the class was going on I noticed that the children were eventually gone, when I try to look for them, I saw some of them running on top of the table and some under. Some of them were jumping off the table, I got afraid that they might fall so I asked them to stop but my convincing powers did not work. So, I thought it would be better if I let them first and if eventually they get exhausted that’s the time that I will ask them to sit down. But then again I was wrong, I think these kids are not getting tired. So, I thought of another plan, I played with them and eventually I told them I’ll buy them candies if they would return and listen to teacher and hurray, they are convinced. But my victory did not last long little by little, one by one; they scattered and played, ran and shouted I was chasing them. Then, eventually, I just look after them and after a moment I saw Carlo running towards his classmate and he was about to punch and kick his classmate so I ran and I carried Carlo before he could punch and kick his classmate. But he really wants revenge so he repeats it and I also repeatedly carry him. Good thing he is not as big as his other classmates so he is very light. It took time for Carlo to be calmed and so he is just in the corner of the classroom and nobody sat near him so that he would stay calm. After the chasing and everything they had their recess. Altogether they ate at the table and they were really cute most especially Jorelle. They asked help when they can’t open their food and politely says thank you afterwards. After a little math activity they went home. I can say that this was my most challenging part of my stay in FLC but I was really enjoyed and pleasured to be with children like them; so cute, so adorable.

DAY 10

I was again assigned in kinder 1. They had their flag ceremony and afterwards entered the classroom. In their Math, tackled about the Philippine money, they brought some play money to understand it better. They were good in reciting. Then after math they had their recess and had their art class. During their art class, they made an envelope. After, we went to the computer room and typed some numbers and their names. After that we played badminton, at first teacher Arlene and I demonstrated to the children on how to play the said sport and eventually they played. Gohan is good in playing badminton. After playing they went back to their classroom and went home.

DAY 11

I was not actually assigned in kinder 1 but I eventually entered because Apple Joy grabbed my hand and wanted me to enter in their classroom and so I did. It was their long quiz; actually I was not permitted to observe there because it was their quiz. But Apple joy insisted. I only helped her on how to stay focused while answering their quiz so I always get her attention whenever she is at a lost. The whole period went well and after their long quiz they answered their writing book. Afterwards they went home.

            I can say that what I’ve learned from FLC (Footsteps learning center)is not found in the four corners of our classroom and even in the hundred pages of our books. The children were the one who really taught me. They opened my eyes to see things more bright. This opportunity also made me realize that being a teacher is really not easy. It takes millions of patience, thousands of knowledge, hundreds of perseverance and most of all, billions of dedication. I personally witnessed the dedication of the teachers towards with their work. They treat their students just like they were their own. It also made me realize that this was really my calling. I cannot see myself with any other profession just like this. I can say that I belong here. I’d be forever thankful to the students and teachers of Footsteps. They accepted us and treated us just like we are already members of the faculty. They also respected us. Thank yous are not enough from what they’ve shown to us. I really hope and pray  to see them again.

     it's almost the end of february but before anything else i just want to share on how i celebrated one of the most important day of my life...


FEBRUARY 18,2011
     
       this is the day when i get to appreciate the persons who really appreciated me.i actually woke up 4 am in the morning because i have a seminar slash workshop at school. the moment i opened my eyes i only said a word. "thank You God!" then eventually i checked my phone and there are about 3 messages there are  from friends who greeted me at around  12m n. one of them actually said, "happy bday!mag ingat ka na pwede ka na makulong!" i actually smiled and even though that she's right, time really flies fast. now, i can already register to vote. i am already a minor no more.but it also comes with big responsibility.
       at school, while doing something a friend of mine asked me if i could go out of our classroom and i did. she blindfolded me and assisted me while walking.i kept on asking where are we going but she keeps on laughing well you can never blame her, i was also joking the whole time. and eventually, i can hear them saying,"ready na? ready na?" and finally they revealed what's behind the blindfold. there came my friends, holding balloons and a cake while singing a happy birthday song for me. i was touched and overwhelmed for their effort and thank them immediately.i really appreciated the effort and the time they spent in doing things like that.although the celebration was cut short because i left my bag alone. haha. i  hurriedly ran  and get it but i also remembered that i was doing something .but later in the afternoon, we ate at a chinese restaurant located at binindo, of course my mom paid the bill.haha. *thanks mom!labyu!haha. she and my brother was also there. after eating i opened the gifts and have a little kwentuhan and eventually we went home.
        thank you for making my birthday extra special, to my friends who really exerted an effort to do such things. of course to my parent for giving me life and taking care of me for almost 18 years already and you never get tired if listening and loving me.:)) to my siblings,thank you for washing the dishes for me during my birthday.haha. and last but not certainly the least,GOD. thank You Lord for giving me another year. thank you for all the blessings and i love You!