End of School Year Bonus

WHHEEEWWW

That was a super busy week. And the hot weather sweeping the Southwest didn't help, in any way! My friends from Canada had left, so is a cousin with his family of four. Like a whiff of air, they're all gone. Then the three-day finals came and went, too. Now I just have to enter the grades, submit my roll-book and breathe, breathe, breathe ........ And then .......... I can blog again!!!!

My soul has a room?

We have houseguests from Canada, friends who we've not seen for 20 years! Can you imagine what my days are like?

Yeah, no time to blog "seriously". I'm on my lunch break and is able to cruise to Rachel's where I found this link. Played a while and this is the result:

What Your Soul Really Looks Like

You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to. You are a very grounded, responsible, and realistic person. People may not want to hear the truth from you, but they're going to get it. You see yourself with pretty objective eyes. How you view yourself is almost exactly how other people view you. Your near future is a lot like the present, and as far as you're concerned, that's a very good thing. For you, falling in love is all about the adventure and uncertainty. You can only fall in love with someone who keeps you guessing.

Inside the Room of Your Soul

Naughty Nuns

A friend and namesake from high school sent me this in an e-mail and I thought I should share the laughter. ENJOY!!!

Sisters Mary Catherine, Maria Theresa, Katherine Marie, Rose Frances, & Mary Kathleen left the Convent on a trip to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and were sight-seeing on a Tuesday in July. It was hot and humid in town and their traditional garb was making them so uncomfortable, they decided to stop in at Patty McGuire's Pub for a cold soft drink. Patty had recently added special legs to his barstools, which were the talk of the fashionable eastside neighborhood. All 5 Nuns sat up at the bar and were enjoying their Cokes when Monsignor Riley and Father McGinty entered the bar through the front door. They, too, came for a cold drink when they were shocked and almost fainted at what they saw. GIVE US A SENSE OF HUMOR LORD, GIVE US THE GRACE TO SEE A JOKE, TO GET SOME HUMOR OUT OF LIFE , AND PASS IT ON TO OTHER FOLKS...............................................

HAPPY FATHERS DAY !!!

To All Fathers : (American or non-American)

If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right. - Bill Cosby -

Marbles? Egg Yolks?

Marbles? Granite tables? Egg yolks photoshopped? None of the above.......

These are photos of my eyes. Yes, my right and left eyes! Beautiful, aren't they? The different colors don't mean I wear colored contact lenses. Have never and I don't think I will ever in my lifetime. The golden one is the photo in full color. The rest are the black-and-white shots. Very interesting, hah?

My eye doctor explains to me that in color, he can not tell where the troubles in my eyes are. In black and white, the veins are highlighted and show where the possible culprit is. The two upper shots were taken as soon as I started "posing" for the technician. You know, chin and forehead perched on half-moon cups ? The rest were taken at second intervals after I was injected intravenously with a yellow dye, which incidentally, might turn me into a yellow humanoid for 24 hours. The injection was at the bend of my left elbow and after a split second the dye had already spread through the veins in my eyes. That, I think, is incredibly scary. The width and brightness of the veins indicate the amount of dye and the rate that it spreads within my circulatory system. The shots were taken within, I would say, 20 seconds, or even less!

Notice the white spots that look like chalazae? Those are the centers or connectors (I wish I can remember all the technical terms I heard the doctor mentioned!). The rounder ones are undamaged, the wider one shows some damage that caused an irregularity, the doctor suspects, that might have come from a stroke that caused a slight clot in a vein thus preventing the continuous flow of blood into my right eye. Such occurence can be caused by elevated blood pressure, and or cholesterol. And, because the doctor wanted to make sure that I didn't need an eye operation, I had my eyes: dilated three times, poured with numbing liquid, yes, three times, checked for pressure twice. Plus I had to click on a mouse everytime I "see" a light flashing around a dot, while my eyes, one at a time, stared at that one dot of light! For eternity, as if.... Oh, I almost forgot: I had to wear an eye mask (a la Pirate of the Carribean) to test how many letters I can see from a chart 20 feet away, twice! I was also told that my sight will not go back to normal neither will it improve with prescription glasses but I will, in due time, adjust to it. Very reassuring, eh?

Five hours of staring, eye-widening, eye numbing, eye-poking, etc. would have been more unbearable if not for the technicians and a physician equipped with great senses of humor!!

And, if ordered, I will do it all over again as long as I don't have to see an eye surgeon!

Everything in Color Day

Today is everything in color day for me. Because I gave my self an extra five minutes this morning I woke up feeling as if I needed more sleep. Yeah, the alarm beat me to it! Went to the kitchen to heat water for coffee but I don't know what I was thinking - I drank the water straight from the ref. My tummy's not used to cold drink in the morning! Shower time was good. My wardrobe was in place. Left house with enough time to hear my fav- Story behind the Song. The traffic was OK. The drivers were courteous. I reached school 10 minutes earlier. Then, something happened that switched my mood from pink to RED. After a whole week of trying, I was surprised to actually catch the Plant Manager in his office. Told him that I lost a key to a cabinet where I keep materials for my lessons. Said his crew was very busy. Asked him if he could please find time for me cuz it had already been a week. Said he was prioritizing requests. Still? Then all of a sudden he asked about the key number. I couldn't remember! But, WAIT, it is 711. Asked if I'm sure. I said YES. Assured me he'll send somebody over. No one came until I left school! In between my waiting found out that 75% of my kids didn't work on their research assignment! During lunchtime I felt blueish. I couldn't explain it, but I felt like I was missing somebody or something. I called a friend. Told him about it. He just kidded me saying I am just getting old. A FRIEND? Then a co-teacher came. Had a good laugh from some of his stories about a professor in one of the classes he's taking after school. Felt pinkish again. Today was shortened day for the students so we headed to the cafeteria after the last period. It took everyone one-and-a-half hours to decide what to change the word INDIVIDUAL into for our School Mission statement! That really turned me into an intense red ...... Finally, I'm home. Dinner's fine. Then, I am blogging again. What color am I now?

Excitedly anxious, Anxiously excited....

My Ticker says 28 days, yeah exactly four more weeks, and Ed and I will be on our way. I am excited. Just the thought that I will see my sisters and nephews and nieces again, my high school classmates, my dear college roommates and friends and hopefully, my teacher in 4th grade, Ms. Canta, makes my temperature rise. I am also excited at the prospect of seeing some of the friends we made while working in Kano, and in E. Rodriguez Jr. High School, and, still excitedly thinking about the places we have lined up to see while there - like Pagudpud, Hundred Islands, and cruising the San Juanico Bridge. And, I have more on my list, mind you. But, all I can do now is anxiously (with impatience) wait for THE DAY!!!

I am tagged on my randomness

Nancze tagged me! I have to tell and post seven (7) random things about me. I put a little twist to the meme (I hope Nancze won't mind) and instead asked my beloved what 7 random things he knows about me by heart. Without blinking an eye, these are his answers: You are: * an early riser. True. I don't want the sunlight to wake me up and I am always up before my alarm goes off. But, I have to be in bed early, too. *very generous. I know what he means. I do not know how to handle money. My friend Gloria used to tell me: "How will we get rich when all we think of is what gift to get for everyone even when we have only one dollar left before the next pay day?" *a good mom-in-law and grandma. No comment. *a caring teacher because you will go out of your way to make your students happy as they learn. How I wish my principal could read this. *an aggressive driver. Well, if this statement from my son is proof enough, then so be it: "If you want to reach your destination on time, let my mom drive and if you will drive in front of her, better drive as fast." *a good photographer. He wears bifocals. *always in front of your computer. Sure, my computer's the first thing I hit as soon as I get home from work (to give him time to finish preparing dinner!) I prefer not to tag any one but instead I invite anyone who is interested to share his/her randomness.

T.G.I.F., again...

Because yesterday was Grad Night for seniors, very few came to class today cuz some non-seniors were invited too. For those who came I always make it a point to let them cook their most craved for recipe - Pepperoni Pizza. Yes, they can use pepperoni today. For the last two years, I have discouraged my classes to use pepperoni as pizza topping because of its high fat and sodium content. Extra points are given to those who use more vegetable toppings, which obviously they lose their smiles about. I tell them all the time that since they can eat pepperoni and sausage pizzas whenever they like with their families, one pizza without any of those toppings will give them at least one healthy dish - even for just a period. Some growl, some keep quiet, others agree because it is pizza but everybody ends up preparing a recipe and finishing it all! Most often comment I hear?: "Not bad. Actually it is good, Ms."

On the Lighter Side

Dan's Slice of Wry

I

An 8-year-old girl went to her father, who was working in the yard. She asked him, "Daddy, what is sex?" The father was surprised that she would ask such a question, but decided that if she was old enough to ask, then she was old enough to get a straight answer.

He proceeded to tell her all about the "birds and the bees." When he finished explaining, the little girl was staring at him with her mouth hanging open. The father asked her, "Why did you ask?"

The little girl replied, "Mom told me to tell you that dinner would be ready in a couple of secs."

II

Speedy Morris was the basketball coach and his team was having a great season. One morning he was shaving and the phone rang. His wife answered it and said the Sports Illustrated wanted to talk to him.

Coach Morris was excited that his team was apparently about to receive national recognition. He was so excited that he cut himself with his razor.

Covered with blood and shaving lather and running downstairs to the phone, he tripped and fell down the stairs. He made it to the phone and breathlessly said, "Hello?"

The voice on the other end said, "Mr. Morris, for just a dollar and a half an issue, we can give you a one-year subscription to Sports Illustrated."

Source: Dan Hendricks, The Sun, San Bernardino, CA.

20/40 vision

Had to take off from work so I could visit an eye doctor. For the last three weeks I've been noticing that my right eye was losing its function. Lately I could feel as if there's a drape hanging over it - not just a sheer one but a heavy damask! My appointment was at 11:10 and I was called at 10:51. WOW, that was a first in my almost 20 years of going to Kaiser Permanente! After some tests, the doctor assured me that there's nothing wrong with my eyes but he wanted to make sure so he referred me to an optalmologist. Got a same day appointment for 2:00 but I wasn't called till 2:17. Then I had to wait for another 17 minutes until the doctor got done with another patient. I was about to leave when a jolly, fortyish man in uniform greeted me with apologies for being late. He seemed so nice that I forgot I had been waiting that long. He tested my sight - 20/40. Not so bad. He gave me some pupil dilating drops. I had to wait for another 10 minutes which became 20 instead. (Patience. Relax. Take a deep breathe. ) He tested my retina. Good. He tested for cataract impairment! Nothing. He suspected I had a stroke that affected some veins into my right eye because the veins were much lighter than the veins on my left. He couldn't do much about it today, so he suggested I have two more tests - names of which I forgot. He took me to the nurse. Gave her some instructions. After another long 12 minutes I was told that two weeks from today, I will have another appointment, 3 in all, two with him and one more with another eye doctor. Before he left he gave me "sun glasses". It is now exactly 3:44. And Jacob is waiting to be picked up from school!! Collected my appointment papers and ran! Thank God my eyes are still good and Jacob is home. I shouldn't complain about the time I spent in there. Now, I need to watch my diet.

Souffle and Plantain, again?

Cheese Onion Souffle

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. onion seasoning

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

1 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp. grated parmessan cheese

4 eggs, separated

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Grease the bottoms of 8 ramekins.

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Mix flour, salt, onion and pepper and add to butter to make a roux.

Add 1 cup of milk. Beat well.

To temper and prevent curdling, slowly pour a third of the warm milk mixture into beaten egg yolk while whisking continuously.

Pour yolk mixture to the saucepan and whisk up to a smooth paste consistency.

In another bowl, whisk egg-whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold in the yolk mixture to the egg whites.

Fold in the cheeses.

Divide mixture into greased ramekins arranged on a jelly roll pan.

Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick, when inserted at the center of the souffle, comes out clean.

Let cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Fried Plantain with Onions

3 ripe plantains

1 large onion

salt and pepper to taste

Oil

Peel and slice plantains.

Peel and slice onions.

Fry onions until wilted. Set aside.

Fry plantain, in batches, until edges are golden brown.

Add the fried onions.

Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Toss.

Serve warm.

Joseph Graduates !!!

Joseph, pictured with his mom, dad and auntie, graduated from Mater Dei High in Tustin. How time flies. I remember very well the first time I saw him just a few hours after he was born - tiny but already chubby. Unlike his Kuya Paolo who's always the clown of the party, Joseph is the quiet one. But he is the champion. As a pitcher, he led both his elementary and his high school baseball teams to victory. I learned that his plan is to pursue a degree in nursing in Arizona so (his mom says jokingly) he won't have to see her everyday. My relationship to him is unique in the sense that, aside from being my godson, his mom is my cousin on my mother's side and my niece on my father's side. (So does his auntie, Tina). Not only was it time that flew so fast, also his height. Before he used to look up at me, now I'm the one who has to look up at him! CONGRATULATIONS and Good Luck to our dear and beloved JOSEPH !!!

AAaaahhhh!!!!

...testing's over..... ...grades are done and submitted...... .....Food Fair was a success..... .....weather's perfect...... ...students acted like it was a cooking day (surprise, surprise)....... ...traffic's been smooth both ways, and it is a Friday ......... .....fantastic dinner courtesy of hubby ....... .....and for denouement ........ ...... ..a visit from Jacob and Joshua........ T.G.I.F.!!!!!!! aaaaaAAhhhhHH!!!!!

Testing, Testing, Testing

This week is all about the California Standards Tests. For the last four days, grades 9-11 students had been sitting it out for no less than 2 hours to prove that they have met the standards set up by the State of California re their proficiency in the English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and History. While before they used to finish a 70-minute test in 15 minutes, now they seem to take more time on each question. I take it as a good sign of years and things to come for them and for the school. Julie and her clubmates are busy preparing goodies for the Food Fair tomorrow. They're saving for a dinner at Benihana. Learned that Jacob's two front teeth were extracted last weekend. I'm dying to see how he looks now. I better start teaching him that Christmas song.

What? No "Sounds"?!?

The van will meet with its mechanic today so I have to use Ed's HC. (Honda Civic). What a lonely drive. The car is OK. It drives smoothly. The break is excellent, the gas pedal is very cooperative to my moods, but I miss my morning music. I miss Mark and Kim's Story Behind the Song. HC's "sounds " broke down and now my drive is very quiet I have to sing to myself! Oh, Van, "get well" soon!!! 3:30 A not so good news. Van will still be worked on by Monday so I have to use HC till Friday. Two more days of listening to my own arias! 4:30 Typed the letters that some students composed to thank the companies that donated food and utensils to our classes. 5:30 Visited Sassy Mom's Corner and saw this. Played with it and here's how stylish I am! Thanks ,Sassy Mom ,for the link.

Your Fashion Style is Classic

You like what's stood the test of time... Simple, well styled clothes that don't scream trendy You stay updated and modern, but your clothes stay in style for a while You wouldn't be caught in animal prints, fake fur, or super bright colors

What's Your Fashion Style?

Souffle and Plantain

Had a quiet Memorial Day.

Jet and Matthew came after lunch and I prepared Cheese Onion Souffle for snack. Was thinking of serving it with Nacho cheese but found out I've run out of it. But I discovered that souffle was good with microwaved plantain.

A Day of Remembrance

Ronald Reagan and his Moments

I always admired Pres. Ronald Reagan without his political halo. To me he was always a picture of elegance and gentleness. So, when I heard that his diaries had been published I have to have my own copy. I want to take a peek at his thoughts outside the oval office. Are they congruent to my perception of him as a man, a husband and a father? I am still in the intro and on page xi, I can get a glimpse of his compassionate nature when, "while lying on a bed in an emergency room", he wrote:

I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn't ask for God's help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed-up young man who had shot me. Isn't that the meaning of the last sheep? We are all God's children & therefore equally beloved by Him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold.

Till next reading.

Nothing Can Be More True

“I have come to a frightening conclusion. I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power

to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized.” Dr. Haim Ginett Tribes

And the New American Idol is.........

JORDIN SPARKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Idol

Mr. Tony Bennett. Growing up with his love songs is still very much etched in my mind.

Jacaranda

What a lovely tree!

This jacaranda tree greets me every morning on my way to my school's parking lot. When it is in bloom, like now, I see to it that I slow down so I can savor the beauty of each cluster for I know that it will not be long before every petal falls to the ground.

Congratulations, Julie !!!

Julie with her mom at the C-CAP Breakfast Awards Ceremony at Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Well done, Julie!

May you continue to pursue your dream until it lands at the palms of your hands.