Random Thoughts: I am Getting Meaner Everyday

I am taking a break from my usual routine of checking papers. Well, actually, I've only checked about 10 or 15 papers or so, and I don't think that the rest of the day would actually suffice for this particular task. Anyway, what the heck. A blog entry would not be a burden (considering the fact that I have wasted half a day trying to play Superpoke Pets on Facebook).

Before getting to the main topic of this nonsense blog entry, let me tell you what happened yesterday first.

Contrary to what I thought before, I was not the worst reporter in MA class. It turns out that there was another classmate of mine who was not ready to report even one bit. To further clarify this point, I'd like to state that she just read through her report the whole time without even explaining a bit about it. I didn't plan to do that. I intend to explain some points, and I won't definitely just go through the whole thing reading everything straight from the book.

To tell you frankly, I am in the verge of deciding whether I should drop my classes altogether or not. I certainly am having a difficulty getting through my classes since my classes require me to work double time, unlike the time that I was still getting my education units for PNU. Back then when I was still on PNU, I was always out of the class during discussions because the things that were being discussed in class didn't appeal to me at all (considering that I was taking up Education units before). But now, I actually have to listen (not that I'm not listening at all before, mind you).

To sum it up, I didn't report for English class yesterday because our professor had a great time rediscussing the point of my classmate who just read the report straight from the book and Powerpoint presentaton. On the other hand, Literary Criticism class went on fine too, except for the part where Prof. Dimalanta emphasized the point that that subject is one of the hardest ones we're going to take as Literature majors. I whined quite loudly. Good thing the professor didn't hear me.

Well, wish me luck in passing the subjects. I won't drop them after all. I'm going to fight inferiority complex till the end. Or whatever.

**********************

I noticed that I am getting meaner everyday.

Perhaps this is already noticeable for the avid readers of my blog, especially those readers who actually know me in person.

The thought actually came into mind when I asked my best friend (literal, not figurative best friend, you know what I'm talking about) about the things that I have been doing to other people. She said that I am getting meaner, and in a way, she's actually afraid of me. I agree with her in a way.

I didn't want to be this way, but I guess that you'll also understand my point when you live in the same world that I'm living in. I feel like a once-being-trampled-upon protagonist rising to a merciless-revenge-driven individual that you usually see in those corny drama shows.

The only thing that I can be sure about is the fact that I am not going to be a stark-raving lunatic trying to get even with people who have done me wrong. Only one, two or three people would be enough.

*evil, maniacal laugh in the background*

Well, back to checking.

Rant Files: Random Rants Galore

I noticed that it has been more than a week since I actually wrote a blog entry, so I decided to actually stop working (well, actually, I was just answering some Facebook notes) and write a short sarcastic rant or two. I miss writing so much and I guess having a break from all of the mental exercise that the lessons in UST have been giving me is worth it.

Where do I start?

Rant # 1:

Oh yeah. The so-called Kamustahan Party.

Last Friday, the INCREDIBLY GREAT administration actually thought of having this event for whatever's sake. I clearly do not want this event to push through because of two things:

• First, I have to pay for the food that I am actually going to eat in that party, if ever that event is called a party. Actually, the whole thing was suggested way back in the retreat, and no matter how much I wanted to object about it, I couldn't do any less. My point is, if the administration really want to throw a party, the least thing that they could do is to at least pay for the food. They thought of the whole thing anyway, right?

So what happened was that I forcefully let out a hundred bucks from my hard-earned measly salary and give it back to them again. What a freaking joke it was.

• Second, I guess the mere mention of the word ADMINISTRATION is enough reason for me not to enjoy the party.

I wasn't feeling well last Friday and being there made it worst. The venue was held in the penthouse and you could just see everyone looking as if they were dragged there. In other words, most people didn't enjoy the whole thing that much. If ever they actually enjoyed being there, it was probably under the pretext that they were actually intoxicated. I went home earlier than the others not only because I had something very important to do (which I did), but because of the fact that I simply wanted to refrain from consciously torturing myself. Harsh words, aren't they?

Rant # 2.

I am having a difficulty with my studies.

I know that you probably think that Rant # 2 is a big exaggeration, but I'd like to profess that it is true. I am having a difficulty studying. I am doing everything I can to catch up with the lessons that I am having in UST, but nevertheless, I don't think that my conscious efforts to do so are actually working. It's probably because I haven't been sharpening my skills a bit, and working in this school has increased my katuligan, which I don't want to happen in the first place. I tell you, there is something about this heck of a company which makes my intellect really, really... GOOD GRIEF, I COULDN'T EVEN THINK OF AN ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE THE WHOLE PHENOMENA.

As I was saying, I was desperately trying to catch up with the lessons. I had to go to UST last Saturday and stay in the library as I consciously cut classes. Yes, folks. I cut my classes last Saturday. I was in the library, anyway, trying to figure out what psycholinguistics is all about. Right now, the whole thing barely sinks in my mind anyway.

To tell you frankly, I feel awkward about this whole studying for a masters degree thing. Ever felt this scenario: you think that you have always been one of the best students in your batch and suddenly, real life comes along and it lets you feel quite inadequate with your skills because you are placed side by side with people who are certainly better than you are? That's what I feel. What's worse is that I really think I can pass my subjects if I had only taken the prerequisites. I am damn taking Literary Criticism II before taking Literary Criticism I, for goodness' sakes! Arrghhhhhhh...

Rant # 3

This should've been Rant # 2 because this is about the school uniform. I complained about it.

If I had not mistaken, it was last Thursday when I was actually called by the dressmaker because of the uniform. I was told that all four uniform sets would actually be made for me when I actually only asked for two. Those two sets are supposed to be free because it's already our fourth year in the school, and you are supposed to get two sets for free under those circumstances.

Knowing that there's a sort of order that they are giving me four sets of uniform really pissed me off, because I have to pay for two more sets. What even enraged me is the fact that nobody informed us that they would have to do such thing. For all I know, we were free to choose whether we want to have only the free sets or not, but nooooooooo. I have to pay for two more sets now because my ever so wonderful boss told the dressmaker to do so.

After telling our head about it, I quickly went downstairs and talked to my boss. The only thing that I could tell you about it is the fact that I wasn't able to do anything. They're the boss, and I couldn't do anything, no matter how hard I fight for my principles.

Darn.

Rant # 4

May I say something about minxes yet again?

This is a free country and this is my blog anyway.

Wait. In order to be more subtle about my point, I'll just leave you with this thought instead:

God gave you arms and hands to carry your things. If you're not going to carry your own stuff even if you know you could do so, better have your arms amputated by an M-16 rifle because they do not have any use for you anyway.

There you go. You must know now that I am not really subtle when it comes to hating people. Peace everyone. :)

Well, got to go. I still have to study. :)

Bayan DSL Commercial: Thumbs Up

Just recently, Bayan DSL came up with this commercial starring a grandmother who's supposedly an internet user:

Then, just this week, they had a sequel:

I find these commercials endearing and amusing. :)

One Month as a 25-year-old

It has been one month since I turned 25.

So far...

Everything still sucks.

Great, isn't it?

PS: Bye, Michael Jackson.

How People Earn Because of Michael Jackson

Since Michael Jackson eventually died last Friday, more and more people are actually appreciating his hits. Most radio stations eventually decide to play his songs a lot of times in the airwaves even though his hits were only heard by people on the radio every Sunday afternoon. Furthermore, people who have not considered Michael Jackson as their idol are now his new die-hard fans. Before, they think of Michael Jackson as a no-good closet (?) gay pedophile who does not have anything good to do but to show the public his son in a rather unusual and terrifying manner and that is, of course, as we all know, showing his son to the public outside the window and appearing as if he's going to drop the poor boy a few stories from his apartment.

I don't like Jackson that much. I think his songs are classics, and they are a great contribution to the music industry, but something about his life, most probably his being an overly perverted pedophile, does not interest me so. However, it really shocked me when I knew how people used Jackson as a means of earning money, as what was shown on Umagang Kay Ganda this morning. I wasn't able to record a portion of the show, but it featured several fans reproducing t-shirts with Michael Jackson's face on it. It was quite eerie for me to see the face of a dead and unusually white-complexioned black guy on a t-shirt. If I were to ask you, would you actually like to see the face of a dead and unusually white-complexioned black guy in your shirt? If you like Jackson that much, probably yes (and therefore bring another kudos to the gay movement), but if you are a cynic like me, I don't think that you would like the idea.

Hence, a feeling of pity somehow spiralled within me. Poor Michael Jackson. Yes, there are tributes for him, but the people selling pirated dvds in Quiapo and as well as those random fans reproducing his dead face all over various t-shirts are making money out of him. They're making money out of rich dead guy that is now Michael Jackson. To me, he's The Artist Formerly Known as Michael Jackson. Because he's dead now. Get it? Lol. :D

What happened to the King of Pop also happened to the Pinoy King of Rap Francis Magalona. Yes, Francis Magalona was considered a great artist even before his death, but his songs were not tirelessly played in the airwaves until he died because of leukemia. Kaleidoscope World became an anthem for those people who didn't even know what the hell a kaleidoscope is. That is a sick, sick, idea.

Well, now that Michael Jackson is on the other side of the world, I do hope that people will stop making money out of his death. Let's give the dead guy some respect. Come on.

Michael Jackson's Death (definitely not a tribute)

When Ar-Ar Solosa told us last Friday that Michael Jackson died, we didn't believe it. There was a news that he was actually brought to the hospital because of a cardiac arrest, but nevertheless, the news said that he was just brought to the hospital, but he's not dead yet. When I went home, the news of his death was eventually out. I figured out that my student was actually telling the truth.

Millions and millions of Michael Jackson's fans were actually grieving upon knowing that his death-like complexion now eventually matches what happened to him (lol). Don't get me wrong - I was quite surprised when he died, but it didn't actually make me cry as much as Jojo Alejar did on this TV Patrol interview:

I was sad at the fact Michael Jackson died because he was a part of my 'childhood music hits.' What kind of 80's kid would not actually remember his hits and groove along with them? He has certainly popularized millions of hits that we could all hum to.

Well, adios, Michael Jackson. That is all.

UST Files: Second Week of MA

I am going to be very honest with you. I can say that I am struggling just to get by in my MA in UST, and it's only the second week.

There were some difficulties that I eventually encountered since the first day of classes. First, I had no idea what my professors and classmates were talking about in English class. And you ask, why don't I have any idea, it's an English class anyway. It would be interesting to note that the class is not just a regular English class where you have to learn about grammar or whatsoever. What's being discussed in that class is higher English. They talk about linguistics, acquisition of English as a second language and things like that. English is not my major, literature is. English majors talk about English and the society and stuff like that. Literature concentrates on a different thing.

Yesterday, one of my classmates delivered a report, and it was excellently done, but the professor was still asking for more. San ka pa, di ba? What would happen to me next week when I deliver my report? I haven't even read my report, for crying out loud!

What's even more annoying is the fact that the professor in my English class consumes up all of the time that we have. Usually, professors should dismiss the class 10 minutes early so that the students would have time to transfer from one building to another. Our professor consumes even five more minutes passed the allotted time. I had to run from the graduate studies building to the Creative Writing classroom which is still found on the other side of the campus.

My classmates from Literary Criticism class are very accommodating and all. What I don't get that much is our lesson. I have a great fear that this won't be an easy semester for me. I didn't get any of the prerequisite subjects that I should have gotten this semester because all of the subjects are closed. I wasn't able to enroll on an earlier date because of the faculty retreat.

Anyway, we were dismissed early by Prof. Dimalanta in Literary Criticism class because some of the students eventually brought food for her birthday. I wasn't supposed to go and eat because I was too shy to do so. Just imagine someone whom you do not know crashing into your party and you'd just see that person eating the food off a plate that you bought. That would be weird. But anyway, they invited me to come despite the fact that they didn't even know my name. :D

Food! :D

We ate inside the UST Creative Writing Center, and I ate as much as I can so I would not drop by Jollibee anymore. Kapal ng mukha, no?

How they treated Prof. Dimalanta was reminiscent of how we treated Sir Jess before. It really brings back memories.

Prof. Dimalanta (the woman, of course)

More food! :D

I dropped by the library before I went home, causing me to arrive at about 9:30pm. Went I was home, I instantly fell asleep. That's how tired I was.

This part of the Humanities library amazed me. :)

As early as now, I decided that I won't pursue my studies for the second sem, with money as the foremost consideration. I'll tell you about that sometime.

Oh well. That's life.

Pet in Focus: The Kitten Formerly Known as Luz

The faculty room is known for several distinct characteristics, including the fact that its door does not have a knob. The faculty members are pretty much aghast by this fact, but nevertheless, they could not do anything but just live for that fact. I, for example, am a living proof that I just have to live with it, since I've been in school for four years already. There is no such thing as privacy in the faculty room, and this fact is clearly emphasized by the windows which serve as peeping holes for students in the nearby room.

Another distinct characteristic of the faculty room is the inclusion of newer faculty - slash - family members. The 'kitty sisters' Dulco and Lax were obviously separated when they were in their teens (lol) and now, Dulco's kids were eventually separated too, due to the constant scream of our division head whenever the kitties lick their paws and touch her feet with those same paws after.

Ergo, only one kitty eventually stayed, and that is no other than 'The Kitten Formerly Known as Luz.'

The kitty.

This kitty has assumed a lot of different names ever since she was born. She has been called Batman (because of her face), Luz (because of her hernia), Hernia (because of her hernia), Balat (because of her face), and the most recent named thought of by my students (which I'd rather not mention, save for the embarrassing situation I'll be in).

This cat eventually always likes to sit on my lap and have her claws dig into my flesh every now and then. She eventually likes cuddling and acts as if her fur is not enough to keep her warm. Yesterday, I was quite shocked at the fact that she literally wanted to get inside my blouse (for whatever purpose it may be, I really do not want to know).

As my good friend has said, I may have smelled like catnip. Or like fish, in my opinion.

:D

Blog in Bulk: Comedy of Errors, First Day of MA Classes and Oressa's Birthday

June 19, 2009 - Friday

It was Jose Rizal's birthday and the whole event initiated a sort of revolutionary fervor within me. As you all know, I am still quite annoyed (or enraged, rather) over the whole thing, so I decided to be more assertive and gave my BEST FRIEND a piece of my mind during a meeting last Friday. How did I do it? Here are the following scenarios:

1. They initiated a proposition: teachers should be absent from their MA classes so that they could attend the Parents' orientation yesterday. I was quite annoyed with this proposition of theirs because I know for one that I do not have anything to do with the orientation. I would attend if I didn't have other priorities to handle, but it was my first day of MA classes in UST yesterday. During my first year of teaching, I actually dared to be absent in PNU when I was taking up my education courses just to be present in the orientation. I didn't know that all I had to do was to actually stand there to be recognized and that's just it. It caused me to almost fail one of my subjects and the possibility of having a failing grade in my transcript of records. It caused me a low grade. The next time that the orientation took place, I didn't dare to be absent anymore.

Because of that premise, I bravely raised my hand and told them, "I cannot be absent for my MA class because I paid for it." Surprisingly though, every teacher inside the classroom was quiet when I said that. It's either they are expecting a verbal argument gone wrong, or they were just surprised that I actually said that. Well, it's true, anyway. I worked hard just to save money so I could go to UST and study for a masters degree, and I would not be absent in it at any cost.



2. Their proposition: students whose parents or relatives have gone abroad should be self-quarantined for about 10 days. This is a must DAW. My argument: the principal's daughter went to China for a theater performance of sorts and she only quarantined herself after a day. When she came home, she still roamed around the halls and played with some kids. Another argument is the fact that after a day, she was the only one who was quarantined. Her mother and her father as well as their helpers were still mingling with everyone else.

The response to my question "Did you quarantine yourselves?" was a mere nervous quip coupled with a nervous twitch.

I didn't make the argument go on because I was too hungry to do so. I could not argue with an empty stomach.



June 20, 2009 - Saturday

A. MA classes in UST

It was my first time to attend classes in UST, and I had to admit - I was really excited. UST is the third university that I've been in, and being in a new environment excites me so.

I decided that if I'm going to stay in school up to 5pm with no breaks or whatsover, I should at least go through the classes with a full stomach. I went to the nearest canteen in the España entrance and ate an early lunch. The fee that I have to pay was a surprise for me. A simple tocilog and a bottle of Pepsi caused me a whopping 90 pesos. I didn't know that it would cause me that much, so I decided that I am just going to eat in Jollibee which is in the Dapitan exit.

Next, I proceeded to the Graduate studies building to check the rooms where my classes are supposed to be held. My cognate English class, Teaching Reading and Writing, is on Room 214, and my class on Contemporary Literary Theories with Dimalanta was on CW. I didn't know where the heck CW is supposed to be, and I decided to be problematic about it after the first class.

I quickly found the room and I went in. The fourth year students texted me and told me that they were there to get some forms. I was supposed to go and meet them if not for my professor who just came in when my students texted me.

It turned out that the other people in the class already knew each other and only three other people, including me, were the only newbies in the class. At first, I felt like an outcast because they were talking about the subjects that they've enrolled in and other stuff that I couldn't relate to. However, I found out that they were really friendly and helpful, so everything went on fine. The professor was really good too, and I was quite intimidated with the class because the professor discussed some things that I could not relate to. I was clueless for about an hour or an hour and a half, and the lessons were eventually understood later during the day (later during the day pa talaga. haha.)

The next problem: where the hell is CW. For all I know, CW probably stands for Creative Writing, but I didn't know where the heck it's supposed to be. After asking about five guards about the location of the room, I finally found it 15 minutes late. It turns out that it was still in the other side of the campus and I actually had to run next Saturday just not to be late because my professor for the first subject made sure that classes end at exactly 2pm.

It was my first time to actually see Prof. Dimalanta. I wasn't able to take any picture of her because I was too shy to do so, practically because I was late. :D Anyway, all of my classmates except for five people including me, were Creative Writing majors. This fact intimidates me so. I do hope I get to pass the two subjects I'm enrolled in.

We were dismissed very early which was beneficial for me because I don't have to go alone in Oressa's birthday party. I didn't want to go alone because I really suck at directions.


B. Oressa's birthday party

Last Wednesday (?) Oressa Prodigalidad, one of the students in my first advisory class, personally went to school to hand Sir Emboy and I invitations for her birthday party. I was surprised to know that I was one of those people who are supposed to give her one of the 18 treasures part. I had thought of giving her our very first class picture:

This was three years ago. :D

Anyway, I arrived at Island Cove 10 minutes before 6pm and I waited for Sir Emboy who arrived a few minutes later. We had difficulty in finding the venue and went on another direction. It turned out that it was just near the entrance. Lol. :D

The venue.

It was really a surprise for us to know that we were the first guests to arrive in the venue. Only the emcees and the waiters were there when we arrived yesterday, and we had to wait in the balcony outside the venue for more than an hour because we were too embarrassed to go inside. We might appear too eager to eat, or whatever. We just stayed out until some former fourth year students finally arrive.

When we were already inside, we still had to wait for some guests. It was already 7:30 when we came in, and only a few guests have arrived. The whole party was only limited to only a few guests, all of which perhaps are very close friends of Oressa, which made the party even more personal. The whole thing made me feel warm and fuzzy.

The birthday girl and her father. :)

I also concluded that I could get really hyper when I am hungry. I keep on picking on people. I even picked on the waiter and asked him to give me a piece of bread or two. I picked on my former student and introduced him to a waiter (whom he reportedly knows daw). I even accidentally spilled the water on the table, leaving my hands wet and cold. I'm an undeniable klutz whenever I'm hungry. Would you believe it - even though I was famished, I was still happy? My happy hormones, or whatever you call them, probably kicked in again.

The former student I picked on. Lol.

I actually prepared a message to say for the 18th treasures and it was supposed to be read by Sir Emboy if ever I was late (but as you can see, I wasn't). I wished I read it because I talked gibberish yesterday and I could barely remember what I said except for x0x0 (which was pretty stupid, haha). Lol. After we had eaten, I was still unnaturally hyper, probably because of the lemon tarts that I really liked. I took four whole lemon tarts and a brownie on a platter and ate them all (well, except for the brownie, which I let Sir Emboy take. He probably didn't eat the tart he knew I liked it that much).

After a several picture taking periods, we went home at about 11pm. Thank goodness that a Saint Anthony bus came along because it would be easier for met to get home.


So there. Will write again soon. :)

Oh yeah. Happy Fathers' Day. :D

Comedy of Errors (teaser)

I'm too tired to blog, and I still have to go to UST tomorrow for the first day of classes, so I'll just make this quick:


I've made a piercing remark towards my BEST FRIEND again.


:)


Tell you about it tomorrow. :)