Reaping the fruits of what I sow…

Inspiring young minds and touching their lives have been my commitment in this noble profession, my vocation. Teaching in the academe for more than five years has unexpectedly touched my life and has also changed my perceptions on teaching, love, inspiration, and even life.

For ten consecutive semesters and five summers, I have been consistently and dedicatedly teaching grammar, speech, International English, business correspondence, technical writing and research. Handling these subjects over the years, I have met, dealt, communicated and interacted with various teens, adolescents, and youths – my students.

They may have different personalities, individualities and characters but one thing is for sure… they always comment on my teaching methods and strategies – that I indeed make English enjoyable, exciting and a lot fun.

Working with people on their late teens and early or mid twenties makes my profession very special and a lot more challenging. They bring surprises, give me a bundle of joy and put a spice on my professional career.

Expectedly, after each semester, they all end up as my friends; others even become my closest friends and pals. As they range mostly the same with my age and since we are all raised in an environment in the same generation, adjusting has never been an issue. Spending quality time together, during weekends, we enjoy meals at my place, chat a lot, hang out, go to malls and watch movies.

I suddenly realize how fulfilling this profession can be. Needless to say, their words of gratitude simply inspire and complete me. They are my source of strength and inspiration to come to class everyday and work with a smile.





Myraine

I am my baby’s greatest fan…

My husband and I are both blessed with a son. We named him Leo Antonio, Eieo for short. We took the names from the names of our late beloved grandfathers, the fathers of our loving mothers.

Leo is from my one and only Lolo Leovigildo, whom I loved so much since I considered him as my dad for almost twenty-five years of my life and existence on earth.

Antonio is from my dear husband’s Lolo Antonio, whom he loved very much since his lolo still knew his name, Ren, despite memory loss and other signs of aging.

I am our son’s greatest fan because I can literally say that I can stare at him and be with him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week… without feeling bored and tired.

When my baby started to do his reflexes (that was according to his pediatrician) such as smiling, making faces and lots of facial expressions, he always gives me, my hubby and relatives the bundle of joy that we never felt when he was not with us yet.

Whenever he sleeps, I always love to stare at him, memorizing each line on his face, his facial features and everything.

When he yawns, I always take the chance to smell his breath… for it really smells so good as if his mouth has its own scent.

When I give him a quick yet soothing bath every 9 to 10 a.m., I always love to pamper him with the best, purest and most delicate baby products available in the market.

When he needs to be fed, I breastfeed him a lot. Though most of the times, I know that he still wants to be bottle fed even if he doesn’t say a word. So, I give him both.

These are just some of the million moments we share each day of our mom and son bonding time.

But, when the clock strikes at 7 p.m., I am no longer his greatest fan, it’s now his dad. It is no longer just mom and son bonding time… but, our most-awaited moment, our perfect family bonding.






Myraine

The W’s and H of Apologizing…

Apology is an expression of repentance or guilt over having said or done something, which is perceived and considered hurtful or detrimental. This also requests for pardon and forgiveness.

For many of us, it is hard to swallow our pride and say, “We are sorry.” If you experience such difficulty in resolving conflicts and arguments brought by hurting words and actions, here are some helpful points to humbly earn forgiveness while you keep your dignity.

• Discern and reflect. The first thing to do is to realize that what you did was not upright which may either intentionally or unintentionally hurt the other person/party.


• Mean the words that you say. Therefore, take full account on it. There should be no excuses, no alibis.


• Consider when, where and how to apologize. These may have effects on correcting mistakes, resolving conflicts and winning forgiveness.


• Know the exact words to say and express your apology. This can make you more comfortable and at ease. Lesser mistakes, lapses and misunderstanding may occur.


• Do the apology personally… face to face. Effort may mean something worth appreciating for. This also strengthens both sincerity and honesty.


• Remember that for a sincere and true apology to be complete, it needs a resolution, a promise or an assurance.

Apologizing may not be as easy as it may seem. However, the fruits of doing so can really bring a lot to you and may change the way you feel, see things and even the way you live.





Myraine

Words from the Heart

I am sorry for being too emotional,
both demanding and possessive.
I am sorry if I cry a lot…
It is you whom I can’t live without.

I am sorry if I give you sleepless nights…
for each fight and misery…
for the pain and agony…
I am sorry if there’s no serenity.

I am sorry if you think I am immature…
if I always give you pressure…
But please believe me that I love you…
Should I say sorry for that, too?


Myraine

The Fun of Breastfeeding…

I never thought that breastfeeding could be as painful as what I felt on its first few days or weeks. When I had to breastfeed my child, it even made me shout and cry aloud because it was really painful. I truly admired how my mom tolerated the pain just to feed me with the best milk and give me the nutrients that I greatly needed and deserved.

Despite the pain it brought me, I consistently continue and pursue to give him the milk that he needs. I even made researches on how I can produce more milk. I eat healthy and nutritious foods, fruits and vegetables; drink lots of water; take vitamins or supplements; and, continuous fluid intake.

Needless to say, breastfeeding gives me a good realization of how rewarding and fulfilling motherhood can be – a genuine essence of being not just a caring woman but also a loving mother.


Myraine