The Teacher Diaries: February 2008

I love coffee

Starbucks has been my "second home" since my boyfriend became a barista last April 2007. I would stay there until the wee hours of the day or even until the store closes. I really love staying there! The place is very cozy and I get to know new friends. Almost all of the baristas in their store are now my friends. They would stay with me when Gian is in duty and would make sure that I am not bored.

just tonight, I got my drink especially made for me! :D

Field trip - from a teacher's point of view

I have always loved field trips! It was one of the many school activities that I would not want to miss at all. For me, going on a field trip means rest from school work. That was before I became a teacher.

Last year, I had my very first field trip at Zoobic Safari as a teacher. It was quite an experience. I did not know that field trip was not really relaxing, especially for a teacher like me. I had no time for sleep as I have make sure that all the children in our hands are okay. No junk food as well and I could not just eat anything that I would like to. And worst of all, I have to endure the sight of children throwing up. I even had an experience of a student who accidentally pooped just in his pants just in time for lunch. And mind you, we had a poor water supply in the park where we had our lunch so a co-teacher and I had to buy water from a nearby store to wash the poor child – poor us! No decent lunch for the day.

This year, the set field trip was not as far as the one we had last year. From what I could imagine, it would be something very simple. Just a visit to a factory or two, a lunch at a nearby park and that’s it. A lot of parents would be coming too. I just hope that this field trip would turn out well and everything would run smoothly. Now, I realized that field trips, are actually not that fun; that is, if you are a teacher. LOL. And please, I hope no one would poop this time! ☺

Finding Myself

I have already given my resignation letter which will take effect on March 31, with no job waiting for me at all! I am afraid to be a bum. Of course, I wanted (and I need) some rest. But then again, I am so afraid of not getting a job before I leave my workplace now. Who would pay our electricity bill? How a bout my credit card?

Some people told me not to resign unless there is a job already waiting for me. They say it was not practical. But I think this is a different case. I only have two choices: To stay or leave. I chose to leave, and I have to face the consequences. I am happy with what I am doing. I wanted to teach, and there's no question about that. I just think that there is still a lot of things waiting for me outside of this school's walls.

Cards, anyone?

It was when I went to HEDCen that I have learned how to play card games. My card card games knowledge was way beyond sea level. The most I could do with cards would be solitaire and playing pairs. When I was accepted and started working for HEDCen, my colleagues and dorm mates started teaching me several card games. The first one that I enjoyed most was Bridge. It was a nice game, really. However, I am not quite sure of the rules because the one who taught me had his own version and might have changed it unintentionally. LOL. I also learned "pusoy" which is I think, from my understanding is the Philippine version of Poker. :) Of course, I also learned how to play Poker wherein we would stay up late and try to bag the pot money (of not more than PhP 200). Lately, we have been addicted to playing Sequence. It is like playing pairs using a game board then you will have to form a sequence together with your team mate using your chips. It is really fun!

Valentine's Day Special

Since high school, I have been used to the "normal" ways of celebrating Valentine's Day. Chocolates from suitors, cards and roses. This year's Hearts Day was quite different from the past years that I have experienced. This year, I received roses, chocolates and letters not from any suitors but from my students. Yes, my students. It was fun! I received bottomless hugs and kisses too! Shucks! I am really going to miss those little tykes. Would I still receive the same Valentine treat from my future students? I hope so 'cause it feels so good!

My very first vacation

I love swimming even if I actually do not really know how to. LOL. Anyway, my boyfriend, friends and my boyfriend's brother is planning on a summer vacation. We have been choosing between Boracay and Puerto Galera. We have already checked airlines about the ticket rates and thought it was really expensive since besides the ticket, we also need to put in mind the accommodation, food and extra expenses. I checked blogs and resort sites of both destinations that were planning to visit but still got no answers to my queries. I didn't know my first vacation (what i mean by this is that this would be my first vacation that I would be planning on my own plus the fact that it is not a family event) would be this stressful. But even then, I am so excited and I hope everything would turn out well. :)