My Favorite Spot

I was thinking of what to blog about until I came across with this photo in my pics folder. I took a snapshot of this wonderful sight on my way to Gambrell Hall, the place where I attended a summer academic program for four weeks last year at the University of South Carolina.

It was my favorite spot in the campus, so to speak. Let me count the reasons why. First, I've always loved the cool sound of water splashing. These water fountains gave me a cool break from the uphill morning walk Mondays to Fridays. Second, it's the halfway point between the West Quad Dormitory and Gambrell Hall. So obviously, this is the place where I tend to slow things down and rest. Some sort of a pit stop for me. Imagine a twenty-minute walk under the summer heat of the sun everyday in Columbia, SC? Third, after a whole day seminar-discussion at Gambrell, again reaching this place meant that I was half-way to our Dorm -- the final resting place at the end of a busy day for me and my colleagues. Fourth, it's just across the Thomas Cooper Library and a good place to hang out while enjoying a good book and perhaps sipping some hot coffee. Fifth, the place just gives me a certain kind of serenity and calmness deep within.

Truly a sight to behold and a nice place to relax and recollect good old memories at USC.

My favorite spot, I miss you.

Sleepless in the South

I have just written what I believe as a well-composed blog with the above title when suddenly, as I attempted to align the paragraphs into justified position.... arrrghhh! All that I've written just vanished! That simple.... and too bad I couldn't recover it any longer. :-( 'Guess I could have pressed a wrong key. *Sigh*

Moral of the story: Don't hesitate to click the "Save as Draft" button. Or, copy-paste what I have just written in my notepad!

Geesh, if only I can reconstruct all my thoughts in that original post. The fluidity of ideas and emotions just poured in as I was typing the keys away minutes ago.

Everything happens for a reason, I know....

Maybe I should get some sleep now. Good night.

Welcome...Back!

I'm back at blogging!

I realized it took me more than a month to post. I don't wish to blame the busy season during the recent Christmas holidays. Although true enough, mine was filled with social gatherings (read: pigging out, hehe!) here and there. It was a festive time to celebrate and be with family and friends. Most important of all, it's the season to be thankful for all the wonderful blessings received for the year that has just passed. The coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, illuminates the true meaning of the holiday season. I think that is something which we should never forget. :-)

Career-wise, blessings just continue to pour in my life. Aside from my part-time teaching job in UP, I have recently started with the International Studies Department of the De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila this month. I'm back with teaching undergraduate students (they are American Studies majors though) and actually handling courses on American Economic Development and another on American Diplomatic History, a seminar-course. Preparations are quite tough, having to prepare my own course syllabus and the like. *Sigh* The life of an educator.

And oh, this is a 'comeback' of sorts for me as well at La Salle. I had my first job in this Institution and that was almost ten years ago since I started teaching after college (September 1996). I left La Salle April 1998 when I decided to study full-time with my masters. It was a juggling act to study in Quezon City, teach in Manila, and go home in Sucat, Muntinlupa City for a year. Somehow, I survived. But concentrating with graduate school was an important and I believe, a wise decision that I had made. I have set a goal of finishing graduate school in a span of two years (on first year, I had to do it part-time); to which I gladly and thankfully did!

Now I am wondering what my next goal in life would be....

As I ponder on this, let me just wish everyone a happy, blessed, and peaceful 2006!


*****
Until my next blog.... let's hope it will not take me too long to post again.
(Back to 'busy schedule' mode for me!)