D' Nealian Manuscript

At the end of every school week, the parents in my daughter’s “little school” get to receive some notes from their school director and teachers about the week that was. It’s written in a one-page bondpaper that’s inserted in the assignment envelope. It’s filled with various information such as message from the school director, tips from the experts, some reminders and the week’s lessons and activities. That’s what I like about this school coz the parents are always updated of their kids’ development and activities.

So I was told that my 4-year old will learn how to read and write this year. There was another note that’s inserted in my daughter’s assignment envelope. It’s another bondpaper with the D’ Nealian Alphabet printed on it. In the note, the center director informed the parents to use the D’Nealian manuscript instead of the Zaner-Bloser type (stick letters) in doing some of our kids’ writing activities at home. Oh well, I started teaching my daughter to write at 3 years old using the stick letters and now I’ll be shifting to what the school suggests.



I looked up the net to learn more about the D’ Nealian manuscript since it’s the first time that I’ve encountered this word. These are the information I got from www.dnealian.com.

Advantages:

1. It will eliminate the b-d reversal problem.

2. D'Nealian writing provides for normal sized print, not large letters which in reality may be drawing letters, not writing.

3. It aids reading by giving immediate letter to word associations in drill and practice work. This helps build basic vocabulary. Reading and writing are thus correlated, not separated subject skills.

4. Learning is accomplished on a continuum, without a serious break in the development process. 87% of D'Nealian lower case letters are the same as their cursive version. Children easily move into cursive writing when ready.

5. D'Nealian develops the rhythm necessary for the flow of cursive writing.

6. It offers a complete audio, visual, tactile, kinesthetic approach to teaching handwriting.

7. It provides for individuality connected with handwriting.

8. It will improve poor writing of upper grade students.

Since I enrolled my daughter in that school, the teachers and director has every right to impose what they think is right and good for my kid. I concede to whatever writing manuscript they would let my daughter practice or use. I just hope my daughter will not have any difficulty having used to the stick letters for a year now.

St. John and Kevin

The good thing about having an internet connection at home is that you can easily update your blog or multiply or friendster in a jiffy. You don't need to look for an internet cafe and upload your pictures or write some stuff. So now, I'm updating what my Sunday has been.

The feast of St. John the Baptist has always been associated with water/beach. It's also Kevin's (my brother-in-law) birthday and he celebrated it at the beach. The beach buff ourselves were excited. Summer may be over in other parts of the country but here in Cebu --- the heat is still on.

So, we head off to Portofino in Mactan. Well, Portofino has always been our beach destination. It's cheaper compared to some high-end resorts in Mactan and besides, it's the same fake white beach.





It's a perfect day to relax, soak my burn-out body in the water and frolic on the sand.







My daughter Alex had a fun time too. She loves the beach so much. She wouldn't stop swimming until she gets all dark and "nog-nog".





I guess the birthday boy had a blast too. He's actually based in CDO but he celebrated his bday with those close to his heart --- the gf, his only bro (hubby) and closest friends.





It was time to go home...one last pic for dad and Alex.



...and that's how our Sunday has been.

...I have to rest now.

...Tomorrow is yet another day and week.

...Back to school for Alex.

...Back to work for me and hubby.

Blog Overhaul

I was trying to pimp my blog a little bit, change its color, added some fancy stuff and all. I didn't realize that it was already past 4am not until hubby came from drinking spree celebrating kevin's birthday (his brother). Oh well, I was so engrossed with what I was doing that I was oblivious of the time.

I think it’s all worth it.

I so loved the outcome of my blog.

Hope you like it too.

Where do I go from here...

It’s been a week and I never heard anything from Company A. I’m not being impatient or what but at least they could’ve informed me about the status of my application. Fail or pass, I would accept their verdict with open arms. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.

This week I also learned about the results of my annual performance evaluation. I was teary-eyed while reading the comments of my boss (1st level superior) and our American director (2nd level superior). All my scores on the different areas of the evaluation were above 4 which mean “Excellent” or consistently meets expectations. It’s such a wonderful feeling knowing that after all these years; I am being recognized as somebody who has made a difference in this company. To quote our director in one of his comments he said “She seems like a rock of stability. Something we often take for granted in this company. It is often said that if we don’t talk about you, it’s because there’s nothing bad to talk about. Mhalou fits this category --- she is one of the unsung heroines at Xl”. I just can’t help but beam with happiness. I’m not certain yet if my evaluation would result to merit increase or promotion but I’m not really looking forward to anything.

It made me reflect even more about my intentions of leaving or sticking it out in this company. Fact remains that I love my boss and my team so much. Besides, I guess I’m tired starting all over again, building relationships with a new team, adjusting to their attitude etcetera, etcetera. The pay is good, way above standard in this industry --- no qualms about that aspect. My boss is one of the best I even nominated her as Executive of Year for Philippine Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals. But the company in general --- a bit unstable. Our attrition rate soared high this year and we lost a great number of good talents on the floor.

I wasn’t actively looking for a job. But knowing about quite a number of resignations made me feel terrified of what the future holds for this company. I also came to a point where I got bored doing the same thing --- my job has become dull so to speak.

So, where do I go from here? If I don’t hear from Company A, maybe I should stay aboard for a while and improve my skills even more so I could be competitive outside. I think the present situation at Xl is still tolerable. I’m speaking for the Admin department since I believe it’s one of the steadiest departments in the entire company. But of course, I won’t stop from looking at other options and opportunities. My escape plans before I leave are in my drawing board now. After all, nobody is really indispensable.

Now, here's a reminder for everyone...Have a great weekend ahead!

When You Wish Upon A Star

As kids, we were made to believe that when you wish upon the brightest star, our wishes would surely come true. And as the song from Pinocchio puts it...

“When you wish upon a star. Makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you.”

Wishing for me is one of the best things in life that’s free. When I was a kid, I would wish for mostly material things – toys, clothes, candies. When I became much older, my wishes became more or less sensible and intangible. I would wish for love, happiness and contentment in life. Of course, I would still wish for material things on the side. Not so much though --- like a house, a car, travel around the world and winning the lottery. Wish ko lang! *grin* And wishing offers a slight glimpse of what our future holds. My husband and I take pleasure in having this “wishing moment” before bedtime. We would often beat each other for the “grandest wish” we could come up. We would often wish for out of the ordinary and out-of-this-world thing like owning a helicopter or living in the Caribbean or having a baby boy. Well, the last one isn’t bizarre though. It’s for real and we’ve been trying really hard. Off topic now…sorry!

Late this evening, while walking back to work from dinner, I chanced upon the brightest star in the sky. I couldn’t help but noticed its glow. Right now, I have this fervent wish of getting “that” job and joining “that” organization. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and whispered my wish in the air. My mama would always tell me that whenever I want something so deeply, I just have to look for the brightest star and say my wish out loud. Seeing the brightest star tonight, I need not shout out loud for I know in my heart that Someone up there listens even in my softest whispers and simply makes things possible for me.

Papa and Me

I’ve always considered myself a papa’s girl. When I was younger, I lived behind the shadows of my father – literally. Wherever my papa goes, I go too. In elementary, I would often drop by his office after school. I love it a lot when he would bring me to their canteen where they served the best ensaimada in town. I would also tag along during his basketball practices and games. My papa is a basketball star in their company back then I am his number one fan.

Saturday and Sunday are the best days especially when my papa works over the weekend. I would always look forward to an afternoon with him inside his office playing with his typewriter (no computer during that time yet) or sketching using his endless supply of bondpapers and card board. My papa works as Human Resource Manager in one of the biggest paper industry in the country. He is a strong figure in the company and people would look up to him with utmost respect. He was also active in the church being one of the lay ministers and I admire him for that. I always feel proud having him around during our school’s family day, open house and other events. That time, I always say to myself that I would marry someone like him.

However growing up with papa isn’t at all an exciting experience. My father brought his being superior at work to our home. He is the quintessential figure depicted in a patriarchal society. Though the silent type, he is quite a fierce disciplinarian. When he’s quiet, I know I’m in big trouble. I’ve had my share of beating as a kid and teenager not that I’m rebellious but my father could be bad-tempered sometimes. One thing I hated about him is when he raises his voice at me in front of other people. I hated it so much. I also remember one incident when he threw a mono-block chair towards me because of a very petty thing. The pain in my heart is more than the physical pain I’ve felt. I asked myself, how somebody I idolize and love could hurt me. That was when our gap started.

When I became a teenager, guys my age would have difficulty approaching me because of papa. They are afraid of him. With just a single glare from him would bring shivers down their spine (I guess). Nobody messes up with me and my sisters even the notorious teenager lurking in our neighborhood. It was a blessing though.

When I went to college, our bonding and bickering became less to never. I was studying in the city and I get to go home only during sem-breaks, summer and Christmas. I admit, I miss his presence from time to time. Now that I’m married, I miss him even more. I get to talk to him only on the phone and not for long. Looking back, I realized that my father never really taught us anything. He just lives his life and shows us a rightful path. He doesn’t really show his love for us openly but I know deep in my heart that he loves us so much.

To Papa, I know I have been a bit of a frustration to you having married early and not becoming the journalist-lawyer you want me to be. I take every responsibility for all the decisions I’ve made in my life. I’m sorry but you know I tried to really live up to your expectations and make you feel proud of me in some other ways. I just want to say “thank you” for being my father, for being my hero and for just being YOU.

HAPPY FATHER's DAY!!!

with papa and mama on life's important moments...dont' wanna miss a thing!!!

And so I went to the job interview...

Armed with my almost seven years of professional experience in the field of customer service, human resources and administrative functions.

Equipped with qualities required for the position I'm applying.

A handful of work values and personal attributes needed in today's lean , high-technology workplace.

A blush of pink on my cheeks. A touch of fuschia on my lips.

I know I was ready. I spent two hours navigating through their website and learning about the company.

I have some hand-outs on tips for job interviews inside my bag. I read through them on my way to the venue.

When the interviewer called my name, I was ready to go. The first interviewer asked about my technical skills... pretty simple questions about the things I do with my previous and current employers. I think I did well because she immediately endorsed me to a second interview with one of their top executives. The second interview went through smoothly. I was just having casual conversation with the interviewer who came all the way from their Manila office to conduct some closing interviews.

When it was over, I rushed to Sarrosa to catch up on our shuttle.

I told my boss about it and she understood. Though no job has been offered yet, I'm positive and hopeful that I'll be considered.

So help me God.

Wide Awake

Time Check: 1:54am

Still wide awake. hooked to our newly-installed internet.updating friendster. cheking my multiply.browsing website of Company A.

Called for an interview yesterday.Excited.Elated.Freakin'Scared a bit.That's eight hours from now. I want to come prepared.

Company A is big time so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Gotta go...gotta get some sleep!

A.A.A.D.D.

This landed in my email today.

It hit me. I'm only 28 and yet it seems that I'm
having this disease if you may call it.

Gee, I'm scared...
-------------------------------------------

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.

As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,
I notice mail on the porch table that
I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.

I lay my car keys on the table,
put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back
on the table and take out the garbage first.

But then I think,
since I'm going to be near the mailbox
when I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table,
and see that there is only one check left.

My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.

I'm going to look for my checks,
but first I need to push the Coke aside
so that I don't accidentally knock it over.

The Coke is getting warm,
and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke,
a vase of flowers on the counter
catches my eye--they need water.

I put the Coke on the counter and
discover my reading glasses that
I've been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk,
but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter,
fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I'll be looking for the remote,
but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table,
so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs,
but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers,
but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.

So, I set the remote back on the table,
get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then, I head down the hall trying to
remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:

the car isn't washed

the bills aren't paid

there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter

the flowers don't have enough water,

there is still only 1 check in my check book,

I can't find the remote,

I can't find my glasses,

and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day,
and I'm really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,
and I'll try to get some help for it,
but first I'll check my e-mail....

Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!!