CHA-CHING

I was out of school today to attend a conference on behavioral and classroom management. This conference proved me wrong about so many things. I thought it was one of those boring and long ones. Admittedly it was long, but surprisingly, it was not boring. Mr. Mark made it very interesting and relevant when he made use of personal experiences as a husband, father, teacher and administrator when he was elucidating and making a point.  At the end of the day, these are some of the take away words; Cha-Ching, making appointment, deposit, withdrawal, safe environment, plan, relationships and procedures, procedures, procedures.

I was wrong also about the notion that if you missed or messed up your classroom management at the beginning of the school, you will mess the whole school year. Most participants agree on the notion that you can always re-teach every time you feel and observed that classroom management is falling apart.

I also enjoyed the company of some teachers from other ISD. I thought I will not interact well or not sit with me. It turned out I was quite blessed to have three ladies from Alief ISD sharing their experiences with me.  There was one generous lady whom I thought to be a teacher but in fact was unassuming principal who give me some other tips as to how to be effectively draw participation from the class and not just focus on some students who are not participating.

Well, the conference was not only for teachers or applicable for teachers, but I think I can use some of the strategies and concept to build relationship with my wife. I should know her level of love  so as I can make an appropriate deposit to our/her emotional account.

YLIZE: Today she said the word THANK YOU. It was such an amazing word to hear.

We pray for those who are afflicted with AIDS both those who were directly affected and their families.

Cha-Ching!

Windy-Icy Texas

We woke up to a windy-icy Texas this morning. Is this the beginning of the cold Fall? I may not exhibit utmost likeness of the weather here but this is better than the 110 scalding summer. How would you not like curling extra 20 minutes in bed and consciously oblivious of time. Welcome Fall.

Ylize has become a charlatan a couple of days after her birthday. She picks up words and play from her brothers faster. Whenever she wants attention, she would just call you and gestures a childish mannerism.

She is a far cry from her older brothers if we are speaking about attitude. What can we ask for.

Chicken and Pato, Ganso, Itik…

Right before dinner, we were treated again by Ylize’s spontaneity when she said, “chikn”. It was her first. Throughout this afternoon, all she did was play with her brothers. She is becoming bossy. At times she would i

impose her likes (Let it go, of course). A couple of times yesterday, she pulled my shirt and leading me to the direction of the kitchen. She just wanted ‘nana” (banana”).

Also, at the dinner table, while winding down, she grabbed my hand and said “pa” while imitating our game “pato, ganso, itik, rikiti-kitik. She remembered our game. We played for a couple of times until I got wearied.

I can’t wait for her tomorrow’s surprise.

There was not much that I was able to do today. Right after lunch, I laid down our comforter in the TV room hoping for Zach and Coco to take a nap while watching TV. That was a futile strategy for them, but not for me and Ylize. Zach and Coco were able to finish the movie “The Bullet Proof Monk”. From then on I got lazy. Except for baking pandesal and going to Church’s for our dinner chicken, all I did was to stay on bed watching tv.

Mom is working today, her second night. Coco and Zach, as usual, are sleeping in our room while I am contemplating on what to do with the rest of my summer.

My plans, most of them, did not materialized. Readings were not done, my certification review is halfway through and may classes preparation is nowhere in sight.

The silver lining in today’s dark cloud? I have started my online course with Dayton University.

Freddie Celebrates Mother’s Day

Its Xandrei’s turn to bring Freddie home. A good way for Xandrei to celebrate Mom’s Day. It’s seven days before our summer break and I hope we’ll have a nice vacation this year. Funds are low, but not our hopes.

Mosaic of Life

There is no question that Ylize is fast growing. She fascinates us everyday. In the afternoon, when we come home from school, she is always right there, running screaming, “Dadaaa”, “Cocoo”. The funny thing is, she both call Zach and Xandrei “Coco”.

Unlike her brothers, Ylize never show crankiness. She would cry only if she is about to sleep, can’t sleep and if feels hungry.  I hope she never change.

This afternoon, thanks to Xandrei, we spent a couple of minutes outside playing “kick ball”. Ylize was there, playing and laughing with us. I love this girl.

It’s finals at St. Helen. Made my Final Exams except the 8th Grader’s Religion. I am ready for summer`.

Reboot

Looking back, the last two years seemed to be the busiest for me. Forcing myself to  take classes from St. Thomas was tough, but I know that was the only way for me to find security here. Last year’s experience was an eye opener that you can’t be complacent, nor contented. I am pretty proud of myself. After so many tries in Adamson, ASI and Perpetual Help College, I was able to break the curse; that I can finish what I have started.

Of course, I am not yet done. The state certification hangs over my head. A hurdle that needs to be met head on. But we are getting there.

When I heard my classmates proceeding to LPC, there’ s this envy deep inside me. I feel I can do it and want to do it. What is 4 classes compared to what we have gone through. Plus, the more you take classes, the more it gets easy. Yet, I know I have to stop, probably for a year. I can get there, if I want to. But it seemed, Zach and Coco grow so fast that I need a lot of catching up. I also need to give Jaz a break. She deserves it.

For unknown reason, I am looking forward for the coming Spring. I am ready to plant and pet our first chicken.

Let’s reboot.

Spring Break 2013

Just enjoying our short break with Mom trying to find new ways to have fun without costing much.

At Blue Bell Creamery, Brenham, TX.

 

At George H.W. Bush Library and Museum, College Station, TX

Picking Strawberries at Blessington Farm

Ready for a ride (Blessington Farm)

 

Got my not so red strawberry

Spring Break 2013

At George H. Bush Library and Museum

Family Time

 

This was borne out of disdain from electronic games that beginning to encroach our privacy to enjoy each other’s company. Much to our surprise, Coco and Zach loved what we are doing. From apples to apples to Lego games pirate plank to now dominoes. I hope this can be sustained so as we can enjoy playing together. Too bad, Mom is not here. Hopefully, we can do this again on Monday.

Ylize  was quite cooperative today. She has been sleeping for the last 4 hours. I am glad that she is turning 3 months, this January.

The "Element"

Annually, people are going crazy  what's in store for them for the coming year via the "Year of What" according to the Chinese calendar. Thats not bad, actually. It is a sign of hope and new positive beginnings for those who believed on it.

This year is the year of the Water Snake. Philippine televisions have been going crazy guesting the "Feng Sui" experts as to what predictions and suggestions they might have to offer. (However, I really like Madame Auring's style, fun and without prejudice).

As  identified with this year of the snake, water is the best element this year to 'catch blessings". Now, do I need to drink water, instead of juice; stay away from water (vs drowning); water out the fat (for health), or just be fluid, where nothing can stop me from going forward.

To me, these are not bad at all. Looking for our "swerte" is embedded in our culture . Who does not want "swerte". I like one. However, the downside is, we must be positive about life all the times. Every year is the year of new beginning, new challenges, but at the same time, new opportunities. A chance to better ourselves, our relationships, our roles as parents and spouses.

Lest we forget, the best element is not water, nor fire, nor earth and wind, but  ourselves. Let us be the best element this year.

Happy New Year.

Electrifying

I have been working to fix our security lights a the back for two days already. Yesterday was quite frustrating. After enduring the heat under the son, I went to bed feeling defeated. Early this morning, I climbed the ladder again to finally fix it. Thanks to Youtube and common sense,  I was able to figure out the proper wiring of the security lights. My excitement was short-lived, though when it failed to turn on this evening. I have to climbed back and change the bulb and tinker it until it finally worked.

There is nothing special today except our attendance to Lance’s birthday at Chuck E Cheese’s. The aroma of the pizza and the enticing invitation of wings proved to be too hard to resist.

Mom is working tonight and so when Coco woke up not finding her mom, he was again emotional. He sometimes misses her mom that he cries at night. Yesterday, while I was making them ready for bed, Coco blurted out saying, “If I have a million dollar, I will not make Mommy work.” Me too, Coco.

It feels good when you are able to mow your backyard so clean. The smell of the grass is just different. I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow so as I can enjoy our lawn.