High's and Low's

Evermore in the world is this marvelous balance of beauty and disgust, magnificence and rats - Ralph Waldo Emerson

High: Clearing my desk over the weekend
Low: it only lasted for a day and a half

High: My little girl saying “Ms. Kathy, my mom said if you need a back rub I should give you one, I’m real good at it.”
Low:going to a “professional” masseuse who assumed “ow.ow.ow” meant “I’m lovin it! please continue." I should’ve taken my student’s offer.

High: My students finally reading along with a novel: Junnie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
Low: constantly reminding them that it’s rude to call someone “Stupid”

High: Five puppies have a new home
Low: seeing "Momma" watch me take her puppies as she quietly sat by the stairway

High: Being able to run from Hard Rock to Ada Gym and back
Low: the reason why I’m able to run that far

We need a home...

My neighbor's dog gave birth to seven puppies a couple months ago. She can't afford to take care of these cuties. If you or know of anyone who is interested in raising a dog, feel free to leave me a post or call me at 287-7551. They're FREE! They just need a happier home...

Rough Neighborhood

Last night, on my way home from karaoke with Tracy, the streets were as dark as a raven's wing. Damn CUC! I was thinking of the worst, tataomonas, machete serial killer, the drunken rape gang (It was past midnight, of course my wheel wasn’t working right).

Then a car drove out from NMC and started tailgating me all the way to Dandan so I made a sharp turn to the vacant lot close to my apartment. The silence was deafening. I used my cell phone to light my path when all of a sudden someone jumped from the stairway followed by a scream and raucous laughter. I was ready to whip ‘em with my laptop when I realized it was the neighborhood kids. MONKEYS! I was furious! But I have to admit, last night, their crazy laughter was what made me feel secure.

P.S I Love You

Ellen invited me to watch a sappy romantic comedy starring Hilary Swank and the hot warrior from 300. I haven’t raved this much about a chick flick since “The Notebook”. Holly (Swank) was inconsolable from love lost but turns out to find unique solace (I won’t give it away; I recommend you watch it unless you have a problem with goofy Irish hunks).
It wasn’t hard to empathize because the movie emanates an aura of hope, something that I constantly searched for in 2007. From heartbreaks to independence it was my by far the scariest most exciting year. So here’s my tribute to the events and people that gave me strength to live to see 2008 and beyond.

To my family in Saipan, I’ve shaken your trust from the decisions I’ve chosen and yet you’ve learned to forgive my shortcomings. Mom and Pa thank you for keeping us together. Our mistakes, though we are your children, does not make you less than wonderful parents. We love you always.

To my family in the Philippines and in the States, despite the distance, you have not failed to inspire and remind me that strength comes from overcoming difficulties in life. I miss you guys, till’ we meet again.

Hunny, although you throw lemon and sea cucumber with mundane (I didn’t say terrible) aim, you have given me a reason to look forward to a wonderful day, every day, even when it seems a bit too hazy. Baby pigs, I-mart, killer pumpkins, and the untouched nature of Saipan would’ve never been as lovely if it weren’t for you. I miss you…
To the F Crew, theme parties, birthday parties, just a weekend party and the Academy Awards wouldn’t have been as entertaining if we didn’t have Betty’s jello shots, Diana’s cheap vodka, Ellen’s creativeness and Rhonda’s full on mouth support (okay fine) dress codes. You know I heart ya’ll.

To my fellow comrades in the trenches, I still think it was a wrong move to nominate me “Teacher of the Year” but thank you for having faith in me and for next year’s TOY you need to find a way to enjoy strangers walking in and out of your classroom or you’ll go insane!

To Shelly D Slider aka Shelly Belly, please don’t die on me. The kids love you and I need you to be “living” proof that I didn’t kill Swimmy (may the fish rest in peace).

Fellow campers, soccer players, ISP, Kevin JLO and the random people I’ve met this year thank you for giving me a reason to laugh out loud.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May 2008 bring us love, laughter, and strength!

Favorite quote of the year: Real relationships (the kinds that last) have plenty of coral roads. I mean, that’s how you get to some of the best parts.

Why Santa shouldn't bring toys for big boys

Christmas Day 9:00 am

Ever had popcorn for lunch?

12:00 pm

Conquering the galaxy could be a tiring job

3:00 pm

I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now *I* am the master.
9:00 pm