Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Work And Life Balance


Did You Take A Breather Today?

If there were a trial court of justice that hears people’s life’s’ practices and which would somehow ask me if I was able to apply these best practices in my life, I would plead “guilty”. 

Just last week, I wasn’t spared by the strong onslaught of the influenza virus. This despite of my flu immunization vaccine. The spread of strong influenza triggered an asthma attack. It’s a fact that eating healthy foods is not enough to maintain a healthy immune system. When time permits, I prepared my own packed of food for lunch and dinner at home. This should be balanced with physical and mental relaxation. I have no time for YOGA exercise. I’m a very stubborn person when it comes to medication. That’s why the moment I stepped into the clinic of my pulmonary physician, she asked right away what treatment I would prefer --- a weeklong rest at home, or hospital confinement? It meant my physical condition that time would no longer be improved by my self-medication practice. So, I had no choice but to take a weeklong sick leave from work. 





Lesson learned: Work Hard but Work Smart. Listen to your body so you know when to stop. Ok, I actually know all these lessons, I just ignored them. I’m trying to slow down and take everything in moderation. However, just like the revolutionary face of technology, which is the main mission of my department, as a leader it taught me to think and mobilize my people with precision. My month of August was full of appointments that I only had five days of stay in my office to oversee the work and monitor the deadlines of my staff. It even came to a point that I had to cancel sets of scheduled meetings due to conflicts.


That’s why I grabbed the opportunity to take some time off with my college mates. They also craved to breathe some fresh air, given the chance, due to their weeklong and exhausting teaching workload. This was also our way to lift and boost the spirit of one of our OFW male classmates who suffered a leg amputation because of untreated diabetes. We wanted him to see the beauty of life despite his present circumstances.  

Lesson Learned: Life is Short. Spend It with People Who Make You Laugh and Feel Loved. When we hit the final leg of our journey, one thing is sure: we cannot bring the possessions we have in this world to our tomb. We’re just merely passing by. That is why we should always try to pause and create memories with loved ones and friends. 


My phone has been a black hole of pictures and memories. I need more space, too, so I dump all of them in my blog.




















































Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Life Is A Mission And Not A Career


"Not until we find the reason why we serve, our life has no substance"

It’s been two decade when we were finally able to set up a Class Reunion for Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, BSED Batch ’96. It’s a day full of throwbacks and memories and non-stop story telling about failures and successes in life. At first, I wasn’t able to catch up and get into the core of the discussions as most of them are actively on the field of teaching. I was the only one who works in the local government setting, the one with just a short stint in teaching. As I listened to their individual life stories and struggles both personal and work related, I couldn’t help but wonder and ask myself: What if I pursued teaching as my career? Could I become one of them? Maybe become a Master Teacher, or a School Principal perhaps? Or just an ordinary, boring and nerdy classroom teacher who wears thick eyeglasses and below-the-knee, pencil-cut skirt uniform. I can’t picture myself wearing that fashion style! Hehehe I’m a jeans and shirt kind of person. I’m just thankful that I was able to get myself out of the old school concept that if you’re a teacher you should be in school! Maybe this principle is not applicable to all, especially to a goal-driven woman like me who doesn’t want a very routinely kind of work. I don’t think I have enough patience now in dealing with secondary students and their angst! We might possibly clash in some aspect. The type of student discipline nowadays is a big challenge to all practicing teachers. I admit that I have short tolerance for students’ behaviors and whims because I grew up in a family environment where eye-to-eye contact with my parents is enough to compose myself and behave. However, I honestly admire all my batch mates. Hat off to them, as they’re able to balance career and family life. I just hope that it is still not too late for me to realize the value and true essence of being a woman. So hold me God. 

How about you, have you known already the purpose of your existence? Then what is your life’s mission? 


With my BFFs youngest daughter! My friend wasn't able to finish her study then but she had this pretty little lady! :-)
One of my closest friend during my college days. I'm proud of this woman, she is now a certified School Principal! Aim high! :-)
Our Kuya's who always beside me during our stressful practice teaching. 


Ang Tatlong Bibe..hahaha!







The wacky secondary teachers of the Province of Bataan! I'm proud of you all guys! :-)

What will be the next dance step Ma'am Akit?! Teachers can play like a student sometimes! haha


The trying hard singers of our batch! :-)
Can't help but laugh out loud here! lol
The revelation of our true to life story. :-)

Meetings of batch '96 in preparation for the 51st Grand Alumni Homecoming on December


Stress free weekend with this group of people.