Whatever Happens to the Bloggers from QCSHS

Bloggers are journalists whose writings appeal to current popular taste or public interest. They are intelligent writers that is why their articles appeal to worldwide readers. I am sure the four bloggers from the Quezon City Science High School are among its brilliant students.

QCHSC is a public school whose students graduate from elementary with grades in science as top. They are required to pass an entrance exams where only the fittest pass. Surely they will graduate from the school bringing with them the knowledge they gained and using them in their struggle not only in their college lives but in their everyday lives. How will it be possible for them to use this knowledge if in so doing they will be penalized. They have the right to voice out their observations without fear of suspension or penalties. Let their opinions count.









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Thankful Thursday-4

I was thankful that even if my nephew was not hired by the fireworks factory in Trece Martirez when he applied last year, his life was saved.

My internet connection has given me problem since early morning. I was waiting for my friend's feed but we could not get through. When finally it was restored, my friend emailed me saying she will just give me another batch. Thanks God for the consideration.

About 1 PM my husband received the president of our pastoral council as a visitor. He informed us that Fr. Faller will be at Mega Mall for a healing mass on Wednesday, February 4. I promised to bring my husband.







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Work at Home - Does it Work

For people like me who has just started being a "caregiver", work at home made sense. Besides giving extra income it will also give variation to the caregiving job. I tried typing/editing with materials coming from my friend and found it a brain practice. It enhances memory especially mine who is a senior.

There are a lot of ads in the internet about work at home. The catch is, you will have to pay for membership, or you will pay their manual, or you will pay for the training, etc. In short, they earn before you are ever given the "work at home" job you desire.

I also wanted to expand my tutorial service business -- one which will turn ordinary people extraordinary. I need to invest in computers and people who will work with me to achieve this dream. The problem is financial. In the meantime, blogging will keep me busy. This is work at home.







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The Senate and the Senators

I watched TV last night and could not help but admire the intelligence and courage of Sen Mirriam Santiago in interrogating the head of the alleged blacklisted World Bank contractor. In her you will find the sincerity of a government official who is really doing her job. We have lots of senators and congressmen but they can only be counted on my fingers those who are really performing their jobs. Most of them are just onlookers during sessions. They are only counted during signature campaigns and of course on the payroll.

I have a high regard for my idol senator. Her detractors branded her as somebody who is a "brenda", meaning brain damage. Why can people not admire a brilliant head but go for one whose only participation is being "part of the group". Or, is it because they themselves do not know the issue?







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Will I Gain Something Through Writing?

During the past two days, I was so busy assisting my friend doing her articles about insurance. I noticed that in doing so, my nerve stricken brain increased its ability to remember immediately things or names I had been so familiar with in the past.

Since I got a mild stroke five years ago, I usually get blank while talking or writing because I could not immediately remember familiar things I had been used to. One time, even the restaurant where we booked for our wedding reception 34 years ago, I could not immediately recall.

Writing practiced my brain. I appreciate the job given to me by my friend. Twenty different articles with related key words were done in 2 days. Some more articles, Dine.







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The Charisma of Fr. Marvin

I may be looking for a saint who cannot be found in the personalities of our priests. Will there ever be a saintly priest in our community?

One time I walked out of the room (in my former office) where the Wednesday mass was being held because of the hair style of the officiating priest and his single earring. On another instance, I intentionally did not attend to a meeting called by the priest in our chapel because I did not like his appointing himself as the president of our pastoral council.

This morning I found a priest who would quite fit my ideal priest. When Fr. Marvin presided the mass in our chapel this morning, I felt the presence of an ideal priest. The parishioners gladly participated in the celebration and listened attentively to his homily. After the mass, the people clapped their hands. I clapped with them and wondered what his charisma was. I hope he would always be an ideal priest for the community.







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Blogging is My New Job

I had typed almost the whole day today. My friend gave me some typing works for a fee and why not? It could become my new career. Anyway, I studied typing in school and learned the computer in the office. (Mind you, during my college days there were no computers.)

Seriously speaking, working at home is a wonderful career. Imagine, at home I can do what I want. I can attend to the household chores, watch TV, attend to a sick husband and yet can do some typing jobs-- and yes, blogging also. I see to it that I visit the blog sites of my visitors. I had started Sneakin Design where I was given two trial articles to write. I already submitted "Walking - Exercise for the Older Population". I am deciding between "Hemorrhoids" and "E commerce" for my second article which I will write tomorrow.

I'm beginning to love writing. I can express my thoughts and wild ideas without committing a sin. Thanks God for my strength today. Please stretch it until tomorrow.







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Parish Priest Who Love Politics

I was quite turned off upon learning that our parish priest appointed himself president of the chapel pastoral council. Is he not trusting the parishioners to form the council on their own?

For 15 years, our chapel has been under a parish which is run by foreign priests of different nationalities. We nominate possible officers for the pastoral council and the parish priest assigns the position of each nominee. Sometimes, the parish priest assigns people even if they were not nominated for the pastoral council. This year however, the parish priest appointed himself as the president of the pastoral council. The nominated person for the presidency was appointed as coordinator.

I don't find the practice normal. Do we have to obey blindly? We were assured by our bishop that very soon we will have our own priest because the chapel will be converted to a parish. Maybe we can conduct a new election of officers for the new parish.






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Thankful Thursday-3

It's a Thursday again and thanks to my CWL sister for visiting me at home. She is the President of the CWL unit in our parish but she was absent during our meeting set on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Because of her visit, I was able to appraise her of the discussions during the meeting.

I did my usual marketing at 3 pm. In the market, I did control my temper for the little girl who offered to bring my baskets for a fee. She really induced me to carry my baskets saying, I am old and should not bring heavy baggage.

I thank my neighbor's maid who helped me clean the house even for a fee. We have an arrangement with her employer that on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she would clean my house and on Sundays, she will iron the clothes.







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Who Would be Barack Obama in 2010

I watched TV early this morning to see the inauguration of US President Barak Obama. So many people attended the inauguration and even participated in the inaugural parade. You can see from their faces that they are fans of the new president. There may be some who were not really supporters during the campaign but after the election they have all become admirers of the president.

During the 2010 election in the Philippines, who would become a Barack Obama to lead us through. We should choose a candidate who is not impeachable, not forced to step down by coup d' tats, not forced to step down by "people power", not to be put in exile, nor forced to leave Malacañang because of court cases. Let us all be vigilant in choosing our future leaders. And when we do, let us all be supportive of his actions.

It is now time for us to change our approach in politics. I am not a politician but for me a true politician is also a good sport. If the candidate we are supporting loses the race, then let us support the winner. Let us not put into our heads that the winner won by cheating. Once we learn to change our mind-set with regard to elections, everyone would be working towards a peaceful and progressive community of the people of God.







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The Sound of Music

I am really puzzled by people's ability to see things in music, I can't. But we learned in college that a piece of music can change the atmosphere in a classroom or prepare students for a new activity. It can amuse and entertain, it can make a satisfactory connection between the world of leisure and the world of learning.

Music is a powerful stimulus for student engagement because it speaks directly to our emotions while still allowing us to use our brains to analyze it and its effects if we wish. Appreciation of music is not a complex skill. Most students have little trouble perceiving clear changes of mood and style. In class, therefore, we can play film music and get students to say what kind of film they think it comes from. We can get them to listen to music which describes people and say what kind of people they are.

Take note Education students. Add the sound of music to your teaching strategies.

When Should We Eat?

When I visited my niece in Vancouver she noticed that I was quite chubby. And she also knew that the reason why I opted for an early retirement was the mild stroke I experienced while working in the office. Because she is a nurse, she asked me about the food I eat and how often do I eat. Her last statement was, "you know auntie, we don't eat because it is time to eat, we only eat when we feel hungry". It was a new rule for me to follow. I don't miss eating during breakfast time, snack time, lunch time, afternoon snack time, and dinner time. Even if I feel still full, if it is time to eat, I do (and always heavy). When I heard my niece talking to me as if I was not her nanny when she was young, I began to analyze her statement. She was right. I do eat a lot.

So when do we eat? The normal processes of human digestion are designed for intermittent eating and not for continuous eating. The stomach should be allowed enough time to complete its handling of one meal before another is taken. Eating between meals handicaps the digestive organs. Snacks dull one's appetite for the next regular meal.

In choosing your foods, you do better to eat the heavier foods early in the day and the easily digested foods in the evening. Eating heavy foods in the evening may interfere with sound sleep. The taking of snack just before bedtime is not a healthful practice.

It is in Losing that You Recognize the Value of Something

I was excited when I retired from my job in a global institution in May 2006 under an optional retirement package. I thought that was the best time for me to give time for myself after 26 years of working with that office and 10 years of previous employment with another international organization. When I came back after a grand vacation in America and Canada, I did not have anymore the excitement of being free. I miss my job, and I missed wearing my blazers and office clothes every morning. I miss my usual work environment!

Since I could not become a consultant, I put up a tutorial center in front of our home and a canteen for the students and nannies, and homeowners. They were making good. I have three teachers for the center and three salesgirls for the canteen. One day a parent glanced at our billboard which indicate “who we are”. He was interested in my background as an MA graduate with field of concentration in school administration and supervision. He invited me to work with his culinary school as director of operations and management. I accepted the offer and worked as a middle management executive.

At about 2:00 a.m. last 22 December 2008, I was awakened by the moaning sound coming from my husband. His body was twisting and his speech was slurred. He was having a stroke! We brought him to the hospital and spent Christmas Day at the ICU. He spent 5 days in the ICU; he could not move left body. It was paralyzed from his left cheek to his left foot. Thanks to the holidays declared by Madam President. It was long enough for me to spend time in the hospital as a “caregiver” (my children have their own families, except my eldest son who is still single and my youngest son who is in college).

My husband has not fully recovered but I requested the hospital to release him and have his therapy as an out patient. We went home on the eve of New Year. The question was, who would take care of him when all of us go out to our respective obligations. I accepted the responsibility and resigned from my job. I considered it a big slice from my life. Now I am home giving love and care to my helpless husband proving to him that “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part”.

What are Emotions For?

Is it correct to advise our daughters to use their head over their heart when accepting a boyfriend? In most instances it should be "heart over head". Intelligence come to nothing when emotions hold sway. Our deepest feelings, our passions and longings are essential guides and that we owe much of the existence of emotions to their power in human affairs. Our emotions guide us in facing predicaments and tasks too important to leave to intellect alone.

It is only a potent love that could lead a parent override the impulse for personal survival in the urgency of saving a cherished child. When it comes to shaping our decisions and our actions, feeling counts every bit as much and often more than thought.

LEAP - Your Jumpstart to Academic Success

LEAP is an acronym we use in our center which means: Learning English for Academic Purposes. We use this strategy in our tutorial center. Since our business is tutorial services, we doubly push our tutees to learn English first as a tool to learn their other subjects and to acquire academic skills. We assist our students in preparing their school assignments. However, they are first taught to understand and appreciate each question.

Our program develops English and academic skills of our students. (i) Speaking - students develop confidence, learn to interact with people, and learn to share opinions. (ii) Listening - students learn to follow conversations at natural speed, understand nonverbal communications, and use active listening skills. (iii) Reading - students enjoy local newspapers, use information to build vocabulary, and apply pre-reading skills. (iv) Writing - students understand the writing process, write in a variety of styles, and eventually learn editing skills.

The above program will also be offered this summer to local students. Please call 642-9319 for inquiry.

Thankful Thursday-2

As I wake up this morning I remembered it was Thursday. I have so many things to be thankful for.

My sick husband wet his bed but I wondered why I did not say my usual homily. Instead I changed his beddings and had him lie down again after changing his clothes. Of course I assured him that I always love him.

My son-1 brought home groceries, the problem I was trying to solve the night before. I have almost complete stock of everything that we need in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

Although I did not win in the lotto drawn last night, I am still thankful because God must have reasons why he is delaying my award.

Creating Favorable Impression

In school and in your job, you must create a favorable impression. This is important because in school, if the teacher is impressed by your good manners, or the way you answer questions, then that impression will last. During computation of grades, she/he remembers your face, the way you talk or even the way you dress. In the office, an employee whose personality impressed the employer always has a chance to share his/her ideas in meetings or formal conversations.

But how can one make favorable impressions? One of the ways is your method of carrying on a conversation. People are often judged by it so give attention to your manner of conversing with people.

The conversation is an opportunity to make a friend, which is important. The secret of your using such an opportunity to best advantage is to allow the other person tell his experiences while you listen.

The principle of making a favorable impression at conversation is simple. If you are willing to pay the price of forgoing your own pleasure in talking about your personal interest and allowing the other person to talk about this, he will carry away the impression that you are a very fine conversationalist and he will like you.

Humility

I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility, thus says John Ruskin.

My husband and I are members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Marriage Encounter Community (IHMMEC). We join prayer meetings and all other activities of the community. But for reasons I don't even remember, we started missing the prayer meetings, then the activities of the community. We don't attend parties even if invited. Years passed and we felt being strangers to the group.

When my husband got sick I felt so empty and so alone especially during the first Sunday after his release from the hospital, But I saw the IHHMEC choir assembled to sing for the mass. Slowly I was drawn forward; I left my seat at the last raw of the pew and went near the choir. I almost cried when the members hugged me and showed their concerns for my sick husband. I felt I was sincerely welcomed by the group. Now I am again an active humble ME member.

Who is a Broker

"Ours is not a reason why, ours is but to sell or buy". This is the credo of a broker.

Who is a broker? To some, he is a psychiatrist. To others he is a friend in need. Some people regard brokers as prophets or market seers, they should be highly respected for attempting to forecast the future.

A broker is an optimistic soul, always seeing a rose-colored world. He has learned years ago that if he becomes bearish in the brokerage business he may be out of business. Therefore he is bullish in bull markets.

Where do brokers come from? Generally, from all walks of life. A business background is useful. A degree adds a little class. Knowledge of the stock market can be helpful. But success in the investment business requires inside information, some family wealth and rich contacts.

Many aspirants are hired and trained for six months. He studies accounting and finance, learning about balance sheet, current ratios and income statements. He is systematically taught everything -- except how to pick a winner. The broker is devoted to his work and to your money.

Why not try this profession?

Feelings of a Betrayed MIL

Thank you Cricket for your comments. Actually I am very upset for what is happening. I love my DIL, not only because she was loved by my son but because she's very likeable and prayerful; her mother is a member of one of the church's mandated organizations. I thought her prayers are for guidance in becoming a good wife to my son; she must be praying otherwise.

Yes, I pray a lot. Even before when I noticed the marriage was going on the rocks, I confided to my friends in the church and asked them to pray with me to combat whatever problem my son's family have. Now I am planning to tell my prayer partners to stop praying for reconciliation but pray to guide us in whatever court litigation we opt to pursue.

We will not go to court in order to win back the love of my DIL for my son. That is impossible because she has a boyfriend, the father of her son. We may go to court to straighten things which are now not in their proper perspective.

I have never gone to any court trial and have not personally observed a court proceeding but on TV and movies. This time, maybe, we will be able to see a judge face-to-face.

Pasta Etiquette

When eating pasta, you don't have to use the spoon. The spoon is there to help you wind the pasta onto your fork. Twirl the pasta with a fork, either by rolling it around in the spoon or just use the fork alone, keeping the fork tip in contact with the plate. Though some would disagree, if necessary, the pasta can be cut before twirling.

Slurping pasta is the only method that is never proper.

A Tale in Heaven - Tribute to Teachers

During the first two weeks of a semestral class I see to it that my students are fully motivated and that they know the importance of a teaching course and value it as number one among the other university courses offered. One of my motivational strategy is to tell them a story about a scene in heaven when a person dies. The scene involves St. Peter as the gatekeeper who also interviews souls who desire to see the Lord.

This is how it goes: Four souls came to St. Peter and seek entrance to the gate where the Lord was. As a standard procedure, St. Peter asked the souls to be seated first because he interviews only one soul at a time. He asked the first soul, "why do you think you are qualified to have an audience with the Lord?" The soul replied, "when I was on earth I helped businessmen reduce their taxes so they pay only a very small percentage of their income; I am a famous CPA". Okey, St. Peter replied. Next soul please. The next soul approached St. Peter's desk. St. Peter asked the same question, "why do you think you are qualified to have an audience with the Lord? "The soul replied, "when I was on earth I built bridges, roads and highways and connived with the contractor to pad the correct price of the project; I am a famous engineer". Okey, next soul please. The third soul approached St. Peter and was asked the same question. The soul replied, "when I was on earth I defended the oppressed if the price was right; I am a recognized lawyer". Okey, last soul please.

The fourth soul was a skinny one with tight fitting pants whose personality was not as impressive as the first three souls. He was asked the same question. The soul replied, "with due respect to the first three souls, I would like to say that I also did good deeds to my fellow men; I taught the subjects learned by my fellow souls except corruption. I am a teacher!"

I hope teachers now gain the same importance attributed to engineers, lawyers, accountants and doctors. Teaching is a very noble profession!

Heartaches of an MIL

Being an MIL is not easy. I am an MIL of three: two males and a female.

My second daughter got married at an early age. I was hysterical when her boyfriend's family came to our house to coordinate the wedding arrangements. It turned out that my SIL (now) is a very good provider.

My second son followed his sister's footsteps. I was awaken from an afternoon nap by his cries for help because he thought he made his girlfriend pregnant and that, we have to sort out the problem. We coordinated with the girl's parents about the wedding arrangements. Our grandson was born; my husband was so happy because the baby was the first grandchild who will carry his family name.

My eldest daughter got married with her boyfriend for 7 years. They don't have a child yet. My SIL is a hardworking pharmacist.

My DIL left my son almost a year now because of financial problem. Any solution to their problem did not make my DIL change her mind to go back to their house where my son is waiting. One day my son was invited to the parent's house of my DIL where a confession was made. That my DIL's former boyfriend is reconciling with her and she agreed because she did not love my son anymore. What made things worst was the confession that our loved grandson was not the son of my son but the boyfriend.

We plan to bring the matter to court. Is it the right thing to do? Please advise.

Memories

Looking back, I should be thankful to our creator because He had given me long life to experience the beauty among His other creations.

When I watch movies where rich children play as characters, I wondered what will happen if these kids experience the hardships I had when I was a kid. In real life, are they very lucky. My childhood days were full of actions. They don't fetch water at age 5, but I did. They don't pound rice at age 6, but I did. They don't work in the farm at 7, but I did. However, I had a big dream for myself and my family -- that when I grow big, I will study so I can work in an office, and buy a house, help my siblings, and if there will still be time, I will get married.

God is good. My dreams came true. Now when I pray I say, thank you for everything you had given me today. God please give me another peaceful morning. Upon waking up in the morning, I say, thank you Lord for this beautiful morning. May you give me the whole day today.

My Audience with the Bishop

Early morning this morning I joined the other members of the chapel pastoral council in our village to respond to the Bishop's call for a meeting. Gladly we arrived at his house in Antipolo at exactly 9:00 a.m., the appointed time. While there I felt a different mood -- happy and very light.

While listening to the details of his pronouncement I could distinguish his approach from those of several politicians. His was a confident enunciation of every word and clear statements of every fact. There was no bluffing, no false promises. We have to do our part, and he will do his part. In other words, our chapel will become a parish once a priest is sent to celebrate mass and provide other church services to the parishioners. And before a priest could be assigned, complete procedural arrangements would be made with the owner of the subdivision. Who will work on these procedural arrangements -- we, the pastoral council.

Thankful Thursday-1

Today I am thankful for the rare opportunity to have an audience with our Bishop, Most Rev. Bishop Gabriel Reyes, the bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo.

That finally a priest will be assigned to our chapel to say mass and other services because it was granted a parish status.

For the early recovery of my husband who is suffering from stroke.

That my children continue to respect and love their father even during his sickness.

That I woke up this morning safely after a long night's sleep.

The Phonetic Alphabet

I miss my work as a radiophone operator. Working with international organizations provide us opportunities to handle different office equipment. During those days when cellphones have not been invented, satellite offices communicate with its head office and vice versa by means of telexes, telegrams, faxes, or mailed letters. Very few organizations can afford to equip their offices with radiophones because it is quite costly.

The head office of the organization I worked previously was in Los Banos, Laguna while the satellite office was in Makati, after transferring from the Manila Hotel. I enjoyed my work at the city office because we were trained to memorize the phonetic alphabet. This alphabet was a must because long and difficult words must be spelt correctly to the receiver. Messages from other international organizations intended for the scientists at our head office must be transmitted accurately. Thus Alpha for A, Bravo for B, Charlie for C, Delta for D, Echo for E, Foxtrot for F, Golf for G, Hotel for H, India for I, Juliet for J, Kilo for K, Lima for L, Mike for M, November for N, Oscar for O, Papa for P, Quebec for Q, Romeo for R, Sierra for S, Tango for T, Uniform for U, Victor for V, Whiskey for W, X-ray for X, Yankee for Y, and Zulu for Z.

When I request to buy lanzones during lanzones time, I said: please order for me 1 basket of lima alpha november zulu oscar november echo sierra.

Computer Skills

Whether you work in the public or private sector, or just want new skills for your own benefits, computer skills is the best alternative. Simple word processing if you desire to type letters or reports, and basic microsoft excel if you desire to make error-free mathematical calculations. These two programs will help you create attractive and professional looking documents and powerful spreadsheets with speed and ease you wouldn't have believed possible.

Even retirees need to learn computer skills. When you become an expert in these two programs, learn to use the internet. Nowadays, if you do not know how to surf and discover life in the computer, you are missing a lot.

Blogging is another hobby to cultivate. You can express your ideas on any topic and eventually find new friends.

Our family business is tutorial services. We will offer these courses by summer. If interested please call us at 642-9319.

Caregiving

When I retired from my job, I attended a seminar intended for those who are nearing retirement age or for those who just wanted to be ready for retirement. During the workshop, my group managed to submit a report about caregiving. It never occurred into my mind that one day I will become a fulltime caregiver for my sick husband.

As a caregiver, I see to it that I maintain appropriate relationship and take care of his special needs in an environment that enables maximum independent living. That is to say, a clean and hygienic envronment.

Thanks God, I read an article about caregiving. Some of the following duties which I listed, guided me in the proper attitude and care my husband patient needed: (i) Supervise the safety of the patient; (ii) Implement procedures for infection control and prevention; (iii) Recognize and respond to signs of potential illness; (iv)Respond to threats and situations of danger; (v) Clean surfaces and floors; (vi) Clean furnishing and fixtures; (vii) Make up beds and cots; (viii) Check and sort clothes, linens and fabrics; (ix) meals and dishes according to recipes; and (x) Present cooked dishes.

The above list may not be complete but I was thankful for the tips. I was not thankful that my husband suffered this illness but I was thankful for the experience of being a caregiver.

Day Make-up

It is important for women to wear make-up in their jobs, where ever it is. When properly applied, it commands respect and the woman looks respectable. We call it day make-up.

For working women, day make-up is advisable. The effect should be natural. Any corrective work carried out should be very subtle and kept to the minimum, as natural light makes any imperfections appear obvious.

Aim to even out the skin tone, so select a foundation with the same color as the skin. Set the foundation with a translucent face powder. Do not use a baby powder.

Then apply a subtle warm blusher to add color to the face. Avoid strong colors of cosmetics especially on the eyes. The mascara color should be chosen to complement the natural lash and skin colors. Mascara should be used to emphasize, not to exaggerate, the length and thickness of the eyelashes.

Line the lips in a color that will coordinate with the lipstick to be applied, which again should be quite natural.

A day make up is used to hide any imperfection on the face so its effect should be natural.

Meditation

If you find contemplation on abstract ideas too difficult, meditation may provide an excellent substitute.

You may choose a word, an idea, an image, a quality, or an object, to think about. To start with you should choose something nice or positive, like flower, kindness, food, happiness. Get into a comfortable position and think about your chosen word or whatever. Soon another word or idea will come ito your mind. Examine it for three or four seconds, then back to the original. And so on.

For example use "happiness" as the starting word. You might think of your wife or husband, or boyfriend, or girlfriend. Examine this idea for three to four seconds then go back to "happiness". Then you might think about holidays, then back to happiness; you might think about achievement, friends, laughter, etc.

It is important to return to the starting word each time. If a cluster of connections does arise, go back to the center or starting word. As well as helping yourself develop the ability to link things, ideas and people together, meditation should also give you a lot of insight into yourself and the way you see the world.

Contemplation

Contemplation is an excellent way of getting your mind used to thinking about links, consequences, implications and other aspects of logical thinking.

Quite simply, you take some physical object, and then think about it and everything to do with it. As an example, take a book. First, the paper. Think of the trees that were cut down, then made into pulp, then into paper. The paper went to the printer, who brought in ink, type, and people to print it. Then to the binder. And when it was bound, how did it get to you? How was it transported? By sea? Then think of the ship, the sailors, the docks, the customs men, the lorries, the roads. The links in the chain are endless (and you have not even thought of the author, and all the links and connections that went into writing the book in the first place).

Even the most simple object will have links with all sorts of people, and other things. By doing this exercise regularly, you will not only develop your powers of logical thinking but you will also be combining thinking about small parts with getting an overview.

Do Not Overload your Memory Bank

Why bother to try to remember things when you do not really need to? In other words, there is a way of reminding yourself of things without having to rely on your memory.

Quite simply, it involves carrying a small notebook or notepad with you at all times. Whenever something important occurs to you, or you realize something you will have to do, or you are given some information, then write it down in the notebook.

Writing it down may well help you to remember it. But that is not the main purpose. What you can now do is refer to your notebook regularly to see what you have to do, or tell somebody, or get for a friend, or whatever it is.

Although this may sound rather cumbersome, once you get the hang of it, you realize you can provide the most useful way of becoming aware of how you remember things, and how you feel about them.

Social Justice

The last leadership training I attended was last February 2008 held in Tagaytay; the theme of the training was Social Justice. This was organized by the Catholic Women's League (CWL) National Headquarters for the dioceses of the Manila II Cluster, and that includes the Diocese of Antipolo where our unit was classified.

To recap some of the things I learned, let me write it so the other members (those who blog) may read them.

Social justice requires that we share our talents and material possessions with those who are unfortunate and poor. The concept that giving alms, donations and assistance to the poor is "only" a demand of charity and therefore, voluntary, must give way to the concept of social justice.

Social justice is founded on the principle that all earthly goods belong to all men, for them to share equally. But since people are not similarly gifted with the tools of productivity it becomes an obligation for those gifted to care for those less endowed.

Social justice requires that we live only simple lives and that we should not flaunt our wealth, especially in the midst of so much poverty and deprivation. It urges us to feed the hungry and to clothe the naked, not because it is the "pious" thing to so, but because it is our obligation to do so on account of our fortune.

On the basis of human dignity, the potentials of our core values as Filipinos are being explored.

Stenography: A Useful Tool In the Office

Although many technological changes that affect word processing have occurred, your skill in using shorthand is an advantage. Your employer may summon you in his office for a discussion or quick instruction. He expects that everything he says are recorded and transcribed into a readable form. Record all instructions rather than rely on memory alone.

Working in an office requires varied skills. Learning shorthand is included. It would be an asset for you if you have a skill which a lot of people do not have.

In college, you can take home everything that your professor discusses during the lecture period. Listen attentively to whatever he mentions, but keep your hands busy scribbling some notes. Record everything that you heard and transcribe them at home while reviewing the lessons for the day in a particular subject. Transfer your transcription to the notebook assigned for a particular subject. You will never miss a discussion; you will even love quizzes.

For private tutoring, call my number 642-9319 or my cell 0921 777 3305.

Supervisory Responsibilities

When you assume the supervisory responsibilities you assume the supervisor's official role of the person in the middle. The job is not easy because it involves relaying policies and decisions of management. The human element is the vital ingredient in this procedure.

As a supervisor, you represent management to the employees, but you also represent the employees to the management. What happen when management decides to retrench an employee because they think that from the pool of applicants, a skillful, productive, and intelligent one is available. As a supervisor you can discuss with the management the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a new employee. You may suggest retraining the unproductive employee to give him or her a chance to show a better performance. However, if management insisted on firing the unproductive employee, advise the employee privately to resign and look for another job. In the personnel file, it is better to find a resignation letter from the employee than a termination letter from the management.

Oral Communication

I know I can write, and quite good at that. But when it comes to speaking, I admit I don't have skill. You know why? Because of this regional accent. This is true to most people who stayed and even took their schooling in the province.

The chief factors in speaking are clarity, vocabulary, and projection. Clarity of speech involves not only tone, pitch, and rate of speaking, but also clarity of thought and expression. Make every effort to learn the art of thinking logically as you are conversing, so that you don't skip important points, backtrack and repeat needlessly, or confuse the issue with extraneous comments. Your vocabulary should be expanding constantly through reading and talking with other people. Use your dictionary as your constant companion. Practice projecting your voice so that it can be heard clearly in a group meeting. It does not mean, however, that you raise your voice to a shout or straining the vocal cords. Above all, remember that effective speech is short, simple, and courteous.

By sharpening your speaking skill, you become better equipped to handle special assignments and you stand out during discussions.

Manicure for Male Client

A man's hands differ slightly from a woman's so slight adaptations to the basic manicure are necessary. If the treatment is to be effective:

• File the nails to a shorter length
• Omit the colored nail enamel
• Shape the nails square rather than oval
• Buff the nails with paste, if a shine is required
• Use unperfumed lotion for massage
• Use a lotion or an oil rather than cream for massage
• Use deeper movements during hand and arm massage

Carefully look at and touch a man's hands. In addition to manicure, further treatments may be added as appropriate. A gentle touch is rewarded by generous tips

Why our Hair Turns White

Most hairs are made up of three layers of different types of epithelial cells: the medulla, the cortex, and the cuticle. The medulla is the central core of the hair. The cells of the medulla contain soft keratin, and sometimes some pigment granules. There is usually no medulla in thinner hairs.

The cortex is the thickest layer of the hair, and is made up of several layers of closely packed elongated cells. These contain pigment granules and hard keratin.

The cuticle is the protective outer layer of the hair, and is composed of thin, unpigmented flat cells. These contain hard keratin, and overlap from the base to the tip of the hair.

It is the pigment in the cortex that gives hair its color. When this pigment is no longer made, the hair appears white. As the proportion of white hairs rises, the hair seems to go "grey".

Ants on Parade

I noticed one day in the hospital while acting as caregiver to my husband that my right arm was full of itchy blisters starting from the wrist up to the elbow. I blamed it to the little red ants that I noticed parading to a morsel on the floor through the wall where I might have gone near. Why had the itchiness spread all over my lower arm.

My skin was sensitive to and became inflamed on contact with a particular substance, the ants. This substance is called an allergen.

Allergens may be animals, chemical or vegetable substances, and they may be inhaled, eaten, or absorbed following contact with the skin. An allergic skin reaction appears as irritation, itching and discomfort, with reddening and swelling. If the allergen is removed, the swelling subsides.

Hygiene in the Workplace

It is vital that you have a high standard of personal hygiene. In a salon, you are working in close proximity with people. Salon staff must be aware of this. The problem is when you go to a "not-so-prominent" salon or beauty parlor, the manicurists or the haircutters do not have personal hygiene.

Effective hygiene is necessary in the salon to prevent cross infection and secondary infection. These can occur through poor practice, such as use of implements that are not sterile, dirty finger nails of the manicurists, and flying dry hair of the haircutters.

Cross infection occurs because some micro-organisms are contagious -- they may be transferred through personal contact, by touch, or by contact with an infected instrument. Secondary infection can occur as a result of injury to the client during the treatment, or if the client already has an open cut, if bacteria penetrate the skin and cause infection. As a health and safety precaution, a manicurist must wash hands before and after treating each client, and during treatment if necessary.

Washing the hands before treating a client minimizes the risk of cross-infection and presents to the client a hygienic, professional, caring image.

Telephone Voice

A pleasant voice has been called "a voice with a smile." If you sound pleasant, the other person is likely to react positively. I often encounter voices over the phone who sounds very pleasant. Most of them are selling pre-approved credit cards. They are trained to cultivate the voice with a smile. While some are selling insurance. Not only to have a voice with a smile but a voice with persistence are taught to these people. I salute to their trainors.

Everyone of us can also have a voice with a smile. The person on the other end of the line cannot see us so if your voice has no smile, the other person could sense it. The other person knew that you are frowning. Even if your message is very important to the other person but your voice is not giving a positive picture, the other person would lose his interest.

Even house helpers could be trained to have that voice with a smile. Your friends will give credit to your training prowess if they talk to your helper who had been trained the proper etiquette over the phone.

Recognize your Limitations

Sometimes we think that because of the education we have, we can do all kinds of work. But no, we have our own lines of expertise.

Make a practice of admitting your own mistakes when they occur. Instead of losing the respect of your employer and co-workers, you are more likely to gain it. Conversely, a co-worker will resent any attempt by you to shift the blame for your mistake. Besides recognizing your own limitations, try to understand the limitations of others. Realize that more help must be given in some areas than in others. Become aware of the kind of work that needs little checking and the kind that must be proofread carefully. More than anything else, make it possible for your staff to work as a team. That will only happen if you give an honest day's work every day.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Who benefits during the on-the-job training or apprenticeship training: the industry or the trainee? This thing is occurring in industries because of abuse of the training program. More often than not trainees under this program are given little attention and little work to do. This is further aggravated by the fact that considering the young ages of trainees, they are not given the full responsibility in their work. As a consequence, most supervisors and managers consider these training programs an additional burden on their part and expensive on the company's part. They fail to realize the benefits they will derive from these trainees, if only they were given an experienced trainor to handle them. The trainees on the other hand have also created that stigma that they will have to undergo long period of training which is only psychological before they can fully be productive.

Human Resources

Whenever the right man is employed on the right job, human resources are utilized to better advantage. When natural fitness for any occupation is trained in the skills, technical knowledge, job intelligence and right thinking and working habits necessary to the best performance of the service, human resources are utilized to the maximum and for more intelligent service. If this situation is further equipped with wise management, this generates better and higher results with the least cost of time, material and energy. This is maximizing utilization of human resources. Rather than dismissing employees, why not just reassign to other departments where the employee could be more utilized to the maximum.

Retirement - A Dreadful Step?

As you prepare for a new stage of life, you have a natural tendency toward withdrawing from the reality of your environment. Retirement has always been an escape connotation. We have been conditioned to expect our later years to be free of hassles.

If we do not stay in charge of maintaining our health, protecting our living environments, and managing our money, we will ultimately fall victim to the detachment syndrome. We will be enveloped in a retirement marshmallow where everything at first seems soft and delightful but later turns out to be sticky and uncomfortable. We can lose our flexibility and find ourselves in a state of semidepression. Retirement should be an opportunity to replace a work-oriented lifestyle with a new one, equally or even more exciting.

I have created my own rainbow, and measured my own attitude towards retirement. Bob Hope once said, "you know that you are growing old when the candles cost more than the cake."

Market Scene

Sometimes it is cost saving to buy foods in the local market rather than the supermarkets. Our local market has been renovated by the new mayor. It is not completely done but most of the sections are already available. In the fish section you will find fresh fishes, whether they are fresh water fishes or sea fishes. The bangus or milkfish section is also in different rows so that buyers would not opt to buy any other fish but bangus.

My family love the bangus belly so I decided to buy a big fat one which costs P110 per kilo. I picked my choice and the girl weighed it on her scale. It was almost two kilos, including her hand which was holding the basin of the scale. I was surprised because one medium size fish will not weigh that much. I asked her to remove her hand because I was only buying the fish, not her hand. She got mad and told me that I was used to buy from dirty markets where the goods cost cheaper but not as fresh as what she was selling.

I planned to see the market administrator about the incident but it was late. I learned a lesson since then. Better buy from supermarkets -- the place is airconditioned, and not muddy, and the weighing is correct.

Once aTeacher Always a Teacher

I was walking in the aisle of the hospital one day when I met a girl rushing to wherever she was going. I gave way by moving to my right side so she can pass on my left side. But when I moved, she also moved to my right, so we appeared like dancing. Finally, we were able to find the way and she was able to pass. On my way ahead I met another, this time a guy. The same thing happened. My being a teacher emerged. I stopped him and trying to educate in a subtle way, I said "we are right hand drive, therefore we should go right side. When you met somebody always go to the right side, the person you met will also go to his right side. Then you will not collide with each other. Is it clear?" There was a traffic caused by my lecturing but I did not care. As a teacher, I did my job.

Oh, I will never stop educating people if the result would be understanding simple rules of life.

Love and Selfishness

To know ourselves is to love ourselves. To love ourselves is to acknowledge the fundamental goodness of our nature and to share it with others.

Love is the tendency towards what is good. Selfishness is withdrawing to ourselves, putting ourselves ahead and above all others. Love thrives on justice, on what is honest and beautiful. Selfishness is the overflowing of greed and pride.

No man lives for himself alone. The concept of "man for others" is not a novelty. We find ourselves in the self of the other. This is how it is since our human nature is social. The commandment "Love your neighbor as yourself" tells us both the why and the how. We love our neighbor because he is, like us, a person. We should love him by not doing to him what we do not want to be done to us. When we do this we show our concern, not only for others, but our great respect for ourselves.

Happy New Year

After returning home from the hospital where my husband was confined for a week, and where we spent our Christmas Day, I felt I don't know anymore how to greet friends with a smiling face. More so in greeting them happy new year.

During the eve of the new year, I forced myself to do the usual things I've been doing since the time I could remember. Cleaning the house, preparing food for noche buena, arranging home decors, etc.

Our street was the loneliest part of the village. Our neighbor went home to their province the day before, the other neighbor moved to their own home which has been renovated for the occasion, and our other neighbor stayed in the province leaving only the maid to take care of the house.

My two boys also understood the reason why we don't have that much preparations like when they were young. First, our finances were drained, and second their father has been paralyzed as a result of the stroke. We watched the fireworks beautifully crafted to look into different patterns while up in space. We could not smile-- how much more greeting each other happy new year.

My elder daughter and my second son arrived after the 12:00 midnight burst to greet us a happy new year. I went to bed and sleep. But in the morning, there was a guilt feeling within me. I could not understand. Could it be because I put the situation into my personal predicament?

I realized later that the new year comes whether we are happy or sad. Why include it in our self pitying. We have to hope for a better position in the new year. We always have to HOPE for a change. So we must be happy. Let the past be a lesson and learn from it and change for the better.

Happy New Year!