tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29829394167500245372023-12-17T23:30:43.056-08:00My Words , My LifeStories about the world todaytheonepercenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00200406094948398824noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-38314270574572494352018-03-08T11:25:00.001-08:002018-08-08T07:24:54.513-07:00A visit.Hello.<br />
<br />
It's 3AM and I'm revisiting this blog I made seven years ago, when I was in high school. I don't have thoughts I want to write publicly nor is this an attempt to revive this blog. It's been long dead. It'd take a miracle. Besides, if ever I wanted to express myself, there are many other avenues I could take.<br />
<br />
This is a relic. A reminder of my past. What I wrote about before and the feelings they inspired in me I can no longer find in myself. Yet this is still me. All me although through comparison, those two people are contradictory.<br />
<br />
Do I seek reconciliation? Probably. Do I think I'm closer to what's "right" now? That I've made progress? I don't know. I'd like to say I have, but self-criticism and overt self-doubt makes me believe regression is the path I've taken.<br />
<br />
That's probably not completely true.theonepercenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00200406094948398824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-14751996552887257202011-09-07T05:53:00.000-07:002016-12-18T18:59:44.501-08:00Winning Happiness<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My apologies again, guys, for not updating for a long, long time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have been working on another blog entitled “Isip-bata, Isip-katha” (Childish mind, Creative Mind). It has been a long and tiring battle. Struggling to post frequently is not my description of blogging. Still, I achieved first place! 15 entries were passed, and yet I prevailed!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You can view it here ; <a href="http://www.pilipinong-katha.blogspot.com/">http://www.pilipinong-katha.blogspot.com/</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXzioidkAGlLha8GDnPYTRz2Gaa6fAyVOel3Sb2LVsc3pI92hWUxNQ7xfEoB3rU7AuR5O_IOuYyK1bA90i9VqCbRxzaER7VArzBogGDVKdMxab1z0vWZimu_qBgn5nQWRn3cwLF2WB2vQ/s1600/hanna.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXzioidkAGlLha8GDnPYTRz2Gaa6fAyVOel3Sb2LVsc3pI92hWUxNQ7xfEoB3rU7AuR5O_IOuYyK1bA90i9VqCbRxzaER7VArzBogGDVKdMxab1z0vWZimu_qBgn5nQWRn3cwLF2WB2vQ/s320/hanna.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the article that announced the winners. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://ariellalisan.com/2011/08/31/buwan-ng-wika-2011-blog-writing-contest-winners-announced/">http://ariellalisan.com/2011/08/31/buwan-ng-wika-2011-blog-writing-contest-winners-announced/</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life has gone really fast. Time has escaped me once more. I realized that with this pace, you have to treasure your victories. I need to embrace my life as it is. Not asking for more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Farewell for now...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I promise I’ll write sooner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-90391707086069205182011-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:002016-12-18T18:56:20.523-08:00Dyslexia for Math<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oKXhVZhSdwrNkEuJX1O7uBF0f08bzaWxJRk-n2qwm8WQlJYWH96PJNo3m-j7bGDFiDzYBeSJUKmUEdRdyxrY6MvoJTCICjjsYe8QokovXSEEmFx5xegKoE_y0rfYtnKKShDO6oxUQavY/s1600/chickenmath2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oKXhVZhSdwrNkEuJX1O7uBF0f08bzaWxJRk-n2qwm8WQlJYWH96PJNo3m-j7bGDFiDzYBeSJUKmUEdRdyxrY6MvoJTCICjjsYe8QokovXSEEmFx5xegKoE_y0rfYtnKKShDO6oxUQavY/s320/chickenmath2.jpg" width="317" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Have you ever heard someone having Dyslexia for numbers ? Well, if you haven’t, then you should now believe. I think I’ve been struck with this impairment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
It’s no goolahoo or magic trick. I’ve been diagnosed, well, by myself and it’s serious. I can’t seem to stand numbers anymore. What was once to me easy peasy, seems to be a bunch of scribbles and lines that make nothing more than a piece of abstract and that makes me furious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It commenced that one gloomy Monday night. Our teacher in math had given another assignment and I was burning the candle. I could have solved all of them with ease as I usually do (I love Math.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> So I kept working and working while the night got older.I then decided to check my answers and alas! One by one, to my disbelief, all of them were wrong!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I could not believe my eyes! I have done every step correctly yet there was the truth right in front of my eyes. I was incorrect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I decided to work answer all the fifty problems again and again, in spite of that, nothing improved. That began my journey of burning the midnight candle. My eyes were tired, my brain was exhausted and my hands were beaten. My mind went blank and when I looked back into the book, everything was blurred and the numbers inversed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP-iCvZ5to6vciUTsRXuKXqSX6UkcDyqZnz8Bn3YK24DzJo7LMFmPZZTl5sG98acBLUD0LJVrbqGHfA3tTwEkpmxlQimNMQEx3B6GUAdIQS4QCBGY5GAWm6OZYpbDltD_PNrWLH5pv7SB/s1600/noteProfile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP-iCvZ5to6vciUTsRXuKXqSX6UkcDyqZnz8Bn3YK24DzJo7LMFmPZZTl5sG98acBLUD0LJVrbqGHfA3tTwEkpmxlQimNMQEx3B6GUAdIQS4QCBGY5GAWm6OZYpbDltD_PNrWLH5pv7SB/s1600/noteProfile.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Waking up to the new day, I never looked at numbers the same way again. Yes, they were not inversed anymore, but something woke inside of me. A dreadful hate for math and everything that has a relation to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Every single day, when my sir gives an assignment, I would curse at the numbers. I would ask them why they even existed. I would scream and beat the signs out of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> But you know what, I love hating, loathing, disliking and being disgusted with math, I really do. Why? For each time I look into our math book, I just had the knack and anger of simplifying them into small little pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> And you know what, my teacher would be proud and maybe, just maybe, do even the same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RupVwLjF8lM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
{block:More}<br />
<a class="big_ass_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/%7BPermalink%7D">Read More</a><br />
{/block:More}Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-37905690560526634322011-06-24T07:55:00.000-07:002019-07-31T23:11:32.153-07:00Folding for Origami<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrildxBXtP_kaG_1bqKappFRrHMDpe5Qb7OAxjtUJeTgBmuo3ii9-cr_sng9qj7_FYLRtwuQHFYLoRcaEeWTmySIuhJUJTsKCqohK0Ahmx9s2-lycTMkPFrVyI-w04I_m6QB-EaDxTdf8J/s1600/origami-word-cloud-eng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrildxBXtP_kaG_1bqKappFRrHMDpe5Qb7OAxjtUJeTgBmuo3ii9-cr_sng9qj7_FYLRtwuQHFYLoRcaEeWTmySIuhJUJTsKCqohK0Ahmx9s2-lycTMkPFrVyI-w04I_m6QB-EaDxTdf8J/s400/origami-word-cloud-eng.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever done origami before ?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, if you haven’t … You definitely should. The urge to make a three- dimensional animal or flower from just a scrap of paper has raised the number of origami makers by millions. I admit, I myself is a victim of the amazing craft. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh539TR9JDlmoZy5pVP5Dg3HXYpMwykzEY_KSSSX5iP0TDIFAXbeCoVk1ncGEhP-ub5EaPU2jsAgtSvWA98axt7wCCos8Pd-7qdaQWbvS0dh71O8q7QKOw3fjKCdzDyGHk_yVrGQ_LOVX5f/s1600/origami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh539TR9JDlmoZy5pVP5Dg3HXYpMwykzEY_KSSSX5iP0TDIFAXbeCoVk1ncGEhP-ub5EaPU2jsAgtSvWA98axt7wCCos8Pd-7qdaQWbvS0dh71O8q7QKOw3fjKCdzDyGHk_yVrGQ_LOVX5f/s320/origami.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As soon as I touched the smooth texture of the paper, I knew I had to fold it. As soon as I traced the pattered creases I made on the paper, it immediately turned into a wonderful swan. By the second I finished another work of art, I just needed to make another one, more spectacular. By the time I mastered the ropes, every paper found in my hand, in whatever condition it may have been, was beaten to perfection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Origami means “folding paper” but I warn you dear folks, it isn’t easy as just bending the paper back or forth. The models you see on the internet may seem easy and I viewed it once the same way too. But that was before the seemingly simple heart fold came to me as just an orderly list of steps in which I attempted to understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwJAOLl11CfTPokJaUQCf22fN2Qj70oBCn6PnhNThl5-qAk0x_CXWoJTaYp_TJb4bnY-BFKCVHOtIwfpTZaUbwGEQOHEzbGK3BdPjToxZDrJPGWd1yezolgewgaqrYmkVmlugE_lK9W2W/s1600/insect_origami6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwJAOLl11CfTPokJaUQCf22fN2Qj70oBCn6PnhNThl5-qAk0x_CXWoJTaYp_TJb4bnY-BFKCVHOtIwfpTZaUbwGEQOHEzbGK3BdPjToxZDrJPGWd1yezolgewgaqrYmkVmlugE_lK9W2W/s320/insect_origami6.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The end is where the secret of the art lies. Once you went through all the grueling steps, your frustrations and angst will fade away at the sight of that small piece of craft. Your heart would be filled with pride. There will be nothing else to stop you from wanting to feel it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But once again, Origami is hard, hard and wait… Hard ! So that is why Hannah-sensei (that's me, if you're wondering) will give you some tips and tricks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The internet is one source of abundant information and that is no exception to Origami. I have scanned several of the available resources online in pursuit to find the best one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatmU5W8aE93xEOtffKO7TTZdmcB5Mqy8z3KwZDXVsQe5-TTM74DHeuR7AE9U4CgeeYyksKipRHJQOUpIzGEWVxkLU6s2-Jy3YfmLjwp3hYJVg5_zrTJ0AZexp-DCEPUoy7eeFAqLq9N24/s1600/6079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatmU5W8aE93xEOtffKO7TTZdmcB5Mqy8z3KwZDXVsQe5-TTM74DHeuR7AE9U4CgeeYyksKipRHJQOUpIzGEWVxkLU6s2-Jy3YfmLjwp3hYJVg5_zrTJ0AZexp-DCEPUoy7eeFAqLq9N24/s320/6079.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the part, young beginners, where I , the kind and caring sensei, gives you the website in which I spent hours looking for. This is </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.origami-fun.com/">www.origami-fun.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you do not have the luxury of surfing the net or owning your own computer, (then it would be impossible for you to be reading this, but nevertheless) a book will suffice. Try scavenging an origami book at book sales. I've seen plenty of them in my regular visits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Anyway, if you're really not interested in making origami, please and please follow these instructions.(1) Read again the first paragraphs and force yourself to be moved by the words (2) Go to the link above and make a hundred models (3) Come back to my blog and write your happiness in making origami. If there if still no effect, well, I don’t know what to do with you .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But for avid learners, I bow down to all of you. The fate of the quality of life of a thousand papers lies in your hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Because as soon as you will touch the smooth texture of the paper, you will know how to fold it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">As soon as you will </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">trace the pattered creases you made on the paper, you will immediately turn it into a wonderful swan. By the second you will finish another work of art, you will just need to make another one, more spectacular. By the time you have mastered the ropes, every paper found in your hand, in whatever condition it may have been, will be beaten to perfection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">And, I won’t be stopping you.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdIS4eYvI-GJaYD1xM4EHHklWQ4_atPYLCYryPhzbq2get2jOyMXR10uxiJ_YumBvtEZva2QxlpMybXkxB8pdfvbYlHjatID82poeEiCTYyFJz8A5n_xeN6NMhCCi57vIIRECg2FE8IhV/s1600/Origami+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdIS4eYvI-GJaYD1xM4EHHklWQ4_atPYLCYryPhzbq2get2jOyMXR10uxiJ_YumBvtEZva2QxlpMybXkxB8pdfvbYlHjatID82poeEiCTYyFJz8A5n_xeN6NMhCCi57vIIRECg2FE8IhV/s320/Origami+Flowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!-- more -->Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-35141196501099131322011-05-16T00:04:00.001-07:002011-07-31T02:46:15.091-07:00Introduction to the Family that Never Sleeps<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">"The moment the wheels of the huge airplane gave a deafening thud and the whole craft shook , I knew.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I knew that time never can go backwards. I also knew that I could not redo the past. That dreams and hopes will never bring me back to where I want to be or I should be. That time and the whole entire world only goes in one direction, forward. There are no return trips or refunds so you got to enjoy the scene while it lasts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">And I all learned that all in a span of a second. Pretty fast, right ?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">But what made me think of it all was not the sudden thud of the aircraft but a long, long story of the story of where it all began.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Anger."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Well, well, well....<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> <u1:p></u1:p> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Did you guys enjoy the thrilling introduction to my sequel ? Well, I hope you do, there's more where that came from.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Anyway, just to give you a taste of what is yet to explode, let me tell you it is about our walk-in-the-rain, building-false-protests, the-flight-leaving-the-poor-family-alone-due-to-some-reason and more adventures.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">What's the catch ? You unwaveringly continue to read while I give my best to tell. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Deal ?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><u1:p></u1:p> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><br />
<!-- more -->Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-87379494431675051562011-04-12T06:49:00.000-07:002011-07-31T03:25:31.136-07:00Eyes for Alternative Energy<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amidst a huge shadowy swamp,a nervous eye opened, then followed by million others. A deafening silence then... BAMM! One fleeting second, they are all gone, forced to leave.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Their bountiful home was once filled with lush biodiversity, the sky filled with endless foliage of treetops and songbirds, the waters swarming with blurs of rainbows as hundreds of fish swim by and the land on which mighty elephants roam and tigers prowl has been a gloomy place since man cast a shadow over them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Broad daylight strikes and man keeps trudging on in the name of progress and survival, mindlessly destroying and weaving a dangerous path for all of them. Yet still they continue, knowing the consequence, but never caring.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The world on which once they lived on was never the same as mountains and mountains of trash cover the mighty land and encompass even the highest mountains giving no space for the panthers and zebras to lurk. The oceans that many moons ago were so blue was now reeking with oil and the skies that once carried us fresh air was now filled with the stench of pollution.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It already seems like the we are destroying our home to the point that it is beyond repair. Yet one simple action from you can make a difference. Earth salvation can start with a single step.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Changing your light bulbs to “ecosavers” or maybe using renewable sources of energy, is one way to start since today, we are experiencing alarming brownouts. Also, a drop in your energy bill can not only save the beauty of our Earth from being scarred of it’s resources but will lessen also your expenses. Who would have guessed, saving the world saves us money too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This kind of practical reasoning can lift our country from it’s crisis especially now that we are frequently hit by natural calamities like earthquakes and flood. And come to think of it, these instances could be of great benefit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We can put this to our use. Places like Cagayan and Benguet which are often hit by strong winds can be good places on where we can place windmills to generate energy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Philippines is known for it’s many geographical features and water forms. Waterfalls like that of Iligan and Bohol should be utilized of it’s hydropower and other falls found in our country. Surigao, being the surfing capital, can be a regular source of energy for it’s constant big waves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Geothermal energy can also be extracted from Leyte and other places in Luzon. It is also very cheap compared to other renewable energy. Natural gas is also abundant in places like Palawan. You can also save by installing solar panels and place them over your roof or better yet, create your own windmill at a high place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Furthermore, the lush forests of the Philippines and it’s diversity in flora and fauna exemplifies beauty like no other. Giving a home to plentiful species found here and only here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yet man has to keep moving and day by day we create waste. Trash that destroy these wonders that are proudly ours. Again, the solution, think practical. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are Filipino’s, accredited as creative people, ideas always buzzing around. Why don’t we find ways to reuse, recycle and reduce our trash (3r’s) ?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I know all of us has tried to recycle, creating “paper mache” or using “tsinelas” to create various kinds of toys. But what we have to do, is make it a habit. Spend a few hours every week to create your own piece of art. Relax, take a break and while you’re at it, make something valuable with your time. Little things like saving the world from it’s fate or spreading the word about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The sky is the limit, as they say, as long as we think practical. You can start the change. Think you, think of your family, the Philippine eagle ,Tarsiers, your country, your grandmother, your friends, your pet and all things tied with us in the critical state of the web of life. For we are just one strand. We have not woven this web. But just one small part of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">An eye opened, mine’s, to the beauty of our world, appreciating it and saving it .Will others follow. More importantly, will you ?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">*An eco-friendly article inspired by PSYSC, a science camping*</span></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-50688999985629915292011-04-05T22:59:00.000-07:002011-07-31T03:26:10.429-07:00Preparation for the PSYSC 2011 Essay Writing<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">*I'm sorry I haven't written in a while now. School has eventually taken it's toll on me and it has not given me the time to brainstorm nowadays. But anyways, there is this essay writing contest that will be held at Iloilo, Philippines. And so, I need to prepare for the essay should be about Green Chemistry and I don't know anything particularly about it. Hmmmpphhh...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, the selfish me decided to take advantage of this blog. How ? You may ask ? It's simple. I need a place where I can post my studies/discoveries online about the said topic. It has to be readable from my mobile phone so I can review while I'm there.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Then I thought, why not post it here and nag my boring life to my readers ? Accordingly, that's </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">why I'm here blabbering, blabbering about days here on earth. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hence, without further ado and gibberish, here's my long and very tedious research.*</span><br />
</m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">GREEN CHEMISTRY BREAKTHROUGHS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">IBM and Stanford University Unveil Green Chemistry Breakthrough That Could Lead to New Types of Environmentally Sustainable Plastics</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~development of new types of biodegradable, biocompatible plastics. The result of a multi-year research effort, the breakthrough also could lead to a new recycling process that has the potential to significantly increase the ability to recycle and reuse common PET and plant-based plastics in the future</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~“We're exploring new methods of applying technology and our expertise in materials science to create a sustainable, environmentally sound future,” said Josephine Cheng, IBM Fellow and vice president, IBM Research - Almaden.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">IMPORTANT TERMS IN GREEN CHEMISTRY AND RELATED</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> ~ </span></span><b>Carbon footprint</b> –the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~A rising tide lifts all boats</b> - This idiom, coined by John F Kennedy, describes the idea that when an economy is performing well, all people will benefit from it.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~Clear as mud </b>- very confusing and unclear.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~Down-to-earth </b>- practical and realistic.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~Four corners of the earth </b>-<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>absolutely everywhere.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~In broad daylight </b>-<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>seen and stopped.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~Many moons ago </b>-<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>A very long time ago.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><b>~Sky is the limit </b>-<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>no limits to the possibilities something could have.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do. ~Galileo<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~The stars may twinkle but the truth is hidden.<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~We see only what we know. <i>Johann Wolfgang</i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth. We are all crew. ~Marshall McLuhan<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span>~Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect. ~Chief Seattle, 1855</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><b> ~Foliage, canopy, aurora , lush , sapling, abundant, summit, lagoon and dew – </b>words that describe nature<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">LINES FROM NATURE ARTICLES</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">……I sometimes stare at the sky and wonder why we have made such a mess of things. I wonder how we can tear up the seas and use up the trees all in the name of progress. It is such a tragedy that we are damaging things so fast and they will soon be way beyond repair……</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">………..It is very sad to think future generations will not have the natural things to enjoy as we have had, and that they will be paupers when it comes to the offerings of the natural world. ……..</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">……..Nature can set a sky aflame at sunset or magically transform a familiar landscape into a snow-white wonderland. It can paint a rainbow in the sky, paint beautiful autumn colors on trees, or paint a clump of daffodils in the grass with glow of soft sunlight………..</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph"><br />
</div><br />
<!-- more -->Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-71070471102913929872011-03-23T00:31:00.000-07:002011-03-24T03:21:44.365-07:00Guitar Link<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Strumming strings. Fingers falling perfectly on the smooth wood forming the all to familiar arrangement. Sweet voices mingling with the melodies. All of these things pleased me as I watched in amazement. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJT_toYP08PXBRyD_DMBdl0_63lMdjkjVR8i2nG_6_hz-BQvKNdohzat4ObnpNJQCziojacMYJqZFpaq6RRcpRmLQVIAPDXUjFYAo-sL2WH25GaMQGW3D6maMM_IRE2JlscL1heviSZZ/s1600/guitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVJT_toYP08PXBRyD_DMBdl0_63lMdjkjVR8i2nG_6_hz-BQvKNdohzat4ObnpNJQCziojacMYJqZFpaq6RRcpRmLQVIAPDXUjFYAo-sL2WH25GaMQGW3D6maMM_IRE2JlscL1heviSZZ/s320/guitar.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was in my room . Then, my classmates sang with the magical instrument . The distinct sound they made lured me to the clutches of the guitar. Pretty soon, I was strumming and singing with bruised fingers and high spirits.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My sister was patient enough to teach me the ways of this stringed instrument. And from experience, I can say that it was damn hard. Deep scars were evident and scattered about my soft, baby hands.Patience was really a big problem since I would always pout and cry in frustration. But that did not stop me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All day, the guitar was found in my eager hands. I just can’t get enough of the way I mimic the sounds made by my favorite artists. I was flabbergasted by the way my fingers automatically found their places at the carved piece of wood. My life was filled with music as I continued to strum and strum through life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Through sunrise and sunset, I’ll keep singing and playing the guitar. I doubt I’ll ever stop. There’s just something about way my fingers hit the strings that touches the innermost of my being. It seems like the waves of sound speak directly into my heart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For guitar lovers everywhere, what do you think? What is this incredible link I feel between the guitar and me?</span></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-57974069124158162762011-03-21T22:39:00.000-07:002016-11-21T23:33:05.706-08:00Love Tames, Love Reigns<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hdog was any ordinary dog you can see wandering in the roads. But as the famous line from the Little Prince goes “I am just an ordinary fox. But If you tame me, I’ll be different than any other fox,”. In my limited understanding, I’ll strive to tell you how this blue-eyed puppy captured my heart .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oziXQyBCU4Jz-Kt0J6m17OcYuq2-Wx_nU8RDct4NLAaEcI2HwpkAksKjuxfyzNarY6NuE6CKRFS2cgHJRVnNLn_VHffnsotQUuhNBbkklUizGlrV05XFeVZfu5TzW4F4QwBXzBIG3seG/s1600/hdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4oziXQyBCU4Jz-Kt0J6m17OcYuq2-Wx_nU8RDct4NLAaEcI2HwpkAksKjuxfyzNarY6NuE6CKRFS2cgHJRVnNLn_VHffnsotQUuhNBbkklUizGlrV05XFeVZfu5TzW4F4QwBXzBIG3seG/s320/hdog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember when I first saw him. He was laying there, suckling on his mother’s breast, as helpless as a blind caterpillar munching on leaves. My heart immediately went out for him. I looked deep into his eyes and held his supple skin close to my arms. He whimpered and I held him tightly, whispering him lullabies. His blue eyes met mine and we looked into each other for a long time. I held him long after that. Dazed and amazed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Time passed. Still, that perfect connection grew . He would run as fast as lighting with his brawny legs. His fur growing dusty brown. Time was against us. But time made this love grow stronger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whenever someone would threaten to hurt me, he would come bursting, showing his fangs. Never will he stop growling and barking until the stranger leaved. I was scared at those times. But as those moments passed, those same vicious teeth nudged me and licked me as I cried. He would twirl his lanky body around me. Looking into my sad eyes, questioning me. I always remember those moments. Those moments that showed his unending love for me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His looks were not completely stunning, I admit , but neither was mine. People would look at me in disgust, thinking of how I could love an ugly dog. “All of you people are scarred on the inside but as may say , uselessly beautiful , but this dog, this dog is amazing on the inside ’”, I would boast. They would just stare at me, dumbfounded, and then running off with their expensive perfume and flimsy clothes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCkxsOLRWYVcMl6ZPMx3mUueQI0dk9mbh-arASP-VreCYQX_EqZiQypXDlw60AlCxGG9sOtxMzpcGCZrk7NYOmMoNw4S3MFF0aUOOuBMEan5DNWvLzgFrPuTxw63q56s5LSLdnej_y8k8/s1600/hdog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaCkxsOLRWYVcMl6ZPMx3mUueQI0dk9mbh-arASP-VreCYQX_EqZiQypXDlw60AlCxGG9sOtxMzpcGCZrk7NYOmMoNw4S3MFF0aUOOuBMEan5DNWvLzgFrPuTxw63q56s5LSLdnej_y8k8/s320/hdog+2.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know these feelings are shared throughout the world to people whose hearts were tamed. I know that many people also ask these questions. I know that I’m never alone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now again, as he looks into my eyes again, through those wondrous eyes. And as he cries with me during lonely nights. And as I pat his matted brown fur . I know that this ,splendid but ordinary, gentle but hardworking dog stole my heart and it was apparent that I also stole his.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-76062391472765997812011-02-04T22:20:00.000-08:002011-03-23T00:38:50.199-07:00Ugly<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Everyone in the neighborhood I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and shall we say, love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot has appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QNnxxKmfrbQhuTkZ2gr7dGnD3YwRrknvOWO8i0ALg8PST0fMD64ZiETNxzZGe-aoQXQvlxhic-jyFHqJdBCMGid6LIaWdoLB7gqGVt3Z7QPfy7TteAYGxkIo_FmFVDxYq48hdhRALFEc/s1600/ugly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QNnxxKmfrbQhuTkZ2gr7dGnD3YwRrknvOWO8i0ALg8PST0fMD64ZiETNxzZGe-aoQXQvlxhic-jyFHqJdBCMGid6LIaWdoLB7gqGVt3Z7QPfy7TteAYGxkIo_FmFVDxYq48hdhRALFEc/s1600/ugly.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stray cat on the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">His tail has long age been lost, leaving only the smallest stub, which he would constantly jerk and twitch. Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. “That’s one UGLY cat!!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction. If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around feet in forgiveness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Whenever he spied children, he would come running meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If ever someone picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor’s huskies. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly’s sad life was almost at an end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ugly lay in a wet circle, his back legs and lower back twisted grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur that ran down his front. As I picked him up and tried to carry him home I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. “I must be hurting him terribly,” I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring. Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3bw3UmTOm0fTCVDeg94acbHgnvBxiC0dZx9W-uDzbpcua9e7ciIUSben2d8tXnKb767mtkHMVHlkW7LrImbWwSNK-vT5fP790VM-MSi8TzzqhDVy8JsRXVNsdVodSxKx5xX14-3BBMj0/s1600/ll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3bw3UmTOm0fTCVDeg94acbHgnvBxiC0dZx9W-uDzbpcua9e7ciIUSben2d8tXnKb767mtkHMVHlkW7LrImbWwSNK-vT5fP790VM-MSi8TzzqhDVy8JsRXVNsdVodSxKx5xX14-3BBMj0/s1600/ll.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking outward</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, or even try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It was time to give my all to those I cared for. Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, beautiful, but for me, I will always try to be like Ugly. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-37691038864712233652011-02-02T05:17:00.000-08:002016-11-21T23:47:08.473-08:00"If Only's"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGAy4vCf_COqVvzWb8__tixheKINaB34me7dIRgP0338mRCdczRNbsrs1bhjGP9yJb49G4Tjml4iCTF2EhYwkil3NH5oNPc_CdNoz07nl2VrunDyZXNHsgKcwJ5Q4Df_N32zDpDtYznk4/s1600/fantasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGAy4vCf_COqVvzWb8__tixheKINaB34me7dIRgP0338mRCdczRNbsrs1bhjGP9yJb49G4Tjml4iCTF2EhYwkil3NH5oNPc_CdNoz07nl2VrunDyZXNHsgKcwJ5Q4Df_N32zDpDtYznk4/s1600/fantasy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Pandora's Box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Staring into the crowded mall, I thought of the never ending if only’s. If only I had studied. If only I had listened. If only I spent more time learning. Lots of "If only's" festered through my mind like flies to abandoned food.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Stop! Time for analysis. I studied for the Quiz Bowl of the 8<sup>th</sup> National Dental Month. But why did I not win? And here it comes again, ladies and gentlemen, the if only’. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> --------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">A whole new world opened. A world of fantasy. A world where I can do anything. It almost seems like a genie's lamp was rubbed. Where if only’s became reality. Fairytales and unicorns raced through my mind with those annoying two words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My mother always told me to ‘think outside the box’. In my perception, outside the box of unbounded imagination. We can’t think everyday of <i>what could have been</i>s, but what we can actually do. Stop taking a trip down to memory lane and forget your regrets. We have to move on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>What can I do? </i>I thought as I finally become aware of my surroundings. Well, I could start studying. I could realize my mistakes. I could probably tell my mom. I, I, I don’t know. Arggghh! I can’t think of anything . Beaten by my own anguish, I decided to take a peek inside the box.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Success! Yes! People are congratulating me. They are surrounding me. My mom's so proud of me. My teachers surround me with the widest smiles. Fellow students peer at me with secret envy. I was so joyful. I look down and see milk spilt across the clean tiled floor. Crowds screaming. Wait! Milk? This is so not part of my fantasy. I blinked the mist away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">-------------------------------------------------------------------- </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The real world crashed into me again, this time reaching inside the box of my imagination. And milk! Was that irony from the saying "Don't cry over spilt milk"? Was that even supposed to be funny? My mind barred me from probably the best moment of my life for such a corny joke! How could .... Wait! I need to move on. The world has to keep on spinning. Dreams have to keep on coming. Thoughts have to be analyzed. People need to keep living <i>and</i> …. My mother is impatient to go home and she needs me. Now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Oh well, maybe I can battle with my mind next time I raced to the car parked outside. With a huge sigh, I sat down. Okay, here's more time to think. But there are just so much more to do. So many reports to make. So tiring. So frustrating. I have to work fast. <i>If only I had a little more time …..</i> . Damn! For all that the if only’s are back again.</span></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-6875478705095349682011-01-26T15:35:00.000-08:002011-03-23T02:59:44.169-07:00Wipers<m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wipers . I loved to watch them . Watch them move lazily from left to right . They always cheer me up during boring rainy days . How they just move perfectly and constantly .Just staring , dazing , so hypnotizing .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a haze . My father was still laughing . Happy . We drove through the winding roads , singing songs. Suddenly , it rained . Oh yes , it rained . The wipers went up and I was filled with so much joy . I watched undisturbed. What came next was a blur . Yet still all I saw was those wipers , moving so joyfully .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<br />
<br />
I struggled . Why ? The police men were doing all their best to gather some information . I saw their face filled with impatience . I tried . I fought to know . But why above all I wanted to see , I saw those wipers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<br />
Now , as I have grown with age . I had struggled to bring back memories . And yes , for all my hard work , I still don’t understand . They told me that my parents died while a shower of bullets hit them. But why?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Why as I remembered , why as I fought as I grew with age I saw this . I saw those wipers again moving , dancing , but now they came to a stop . A stop so loud , it echoed through the mazes of my memory. A stop that left me clawing , gasping for my life . </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-31667374645302231502011-01-21T21:40:00.000-08:002011-03-23T03:00:18.081-07:00Inside a Cage<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ONm3qOlQI1FqpDwE8LnYAN-Zjh636SdZ7vEsPeFC9a1cml_3PBzfEm9IGgin3AzhUuHdXKU_HKZTv5ki7woUCS5A_XiUjfRAuyi7HP-SboSbUG0nyctRp4oMcp4kDLRQwlMC9iZLvDm6/s1600/dog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ONm3qOlQI1FqpDwE8LnYAN-Zjh636SdZ7vEsPeFC9a1cml_3PBzfEm9IGgin3AzhUuHdXKU_HKZTv5ki7woUCS5A_XiUjfRAuyi7HP-SboSbUG0nyctRp4oMcp4kDLRQwlMC9iZLvDm6/s1600/dog+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Backyard dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;">I don’t remember much from the place I was born. It was cramped and dark, and we were never played with by the humans. I remember Mom and her soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them dying, and I missed them so much.<br />
<br />
I don’t remember the day I was taken from Mom. I was so sad and scared, my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have been with Mom still, but she was so sick and the Humans kept saying that they wanted money and were tired of the "mess" that me and my sister made.<br />
<br />
So we were crated up and taken to a strange place. Just the two of us. We huddled together and were scared, still no humans hands came to pet us or to love us. So many sights and sounds, and smells! We are in a store where there are many different animals! Some that squawk! Some that meow! Some that peep! My sister and I are jammed into a small cage. I can hear other puppies here. I see humans look at me. I like the little humans – the kids – best. They look so sweet, and fun, like they would play with me!<br />
<br />
All day we stay in a small cage, sometimes mean people will hit the glass to frighten us, every once in a while we are taken out to be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle, some hurt us. We always hear "Aw, they’re so cute! I want one!" But we never get to go with any one. My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard them say she was sick, and that I should be sold at a "discount price" so I would quickly leave the store. I think my soft whine was the only one that mourned for her, as her body was taken out of the cage in the morning and dumped. <br />
<br />
Today, a family came and bought me. Oh, happy day! They are a nice family, they really, really wanted me! They bought a dish and food and the little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her so much! The mom and dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am. I’m named Angel. I love to lick my new humans. The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and sweet. They gently teach me right and wrong, give me lots of good food, and lots of love. I want only to please these wonderful people! I love the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her.<br />
<br />
Today, I went to the veterinarian, it was a strange place and I was frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend the little girl held me softly and said it would be OK. So, I relaxed. The vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard "severe hip dysplasia", and something about my heart……I heard the vet say something about backyard breeders and my parents not being tested. I know not what any of that means, just that it hurts me to see my family so sad, but they still love me, and I still love them very much.<br />
<br />
I am 6 months old now. Where most other puppies are robust and rowdy, it hurts me terribly to move. The pain never lets up. It hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard to breathe. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I am supposed to be, but it is so hard. It breaks my heart to see the little girl so sad, and to hear the Mom and Dad talk about "Now might be the time". Several times I have gone to that vet’s place, and the news is never good. Always talk about congenital problems. I just want to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play, and nuzzle my family. Last night was the worst, the pain had been constant. Now it even hurts to get up and have a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain.<br />
<br />
I am taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so sad, and I don’t know why. Have I been bad? I try to be a good and loving dog – what have I done wrong? Oh, if only this pain would go! If only I could soothe the tears of my little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but I can only whine in pain. The vet’s table is so cold. I am so frightened. The humans all hug and love me, and they cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and sadness. I manage to softly lick their hands. Even the vet isn't so scary today. He is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for my pain.<br />
<br />
The little girl holds me gently and I thank her for giving me all her love. I feel a pinch in my foreleg. The pain is beginning to lift, and a peace descends upon me. I can now softly lick her hand. My vision is becoming dreamlike now, and I can see my mother and my brothers and sisters in a far off green place. They tell me there is no pain there, only peace and happiness. I tell the family goodbye in the only way I know how – a soft wag of my tail and a nuzzle from my nose. I had hoped to spend many many moons with them but it just wasn’t meant to be.<br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"> "You see" said the vet, "pet shop puppies do not come from ethical breeders!" The pain ends now, and I know it will be many years before I see my beloved family again. If only things could have been different.</span></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2982939416750024537.post-30356428877599545202011-01-21T21:10:00.000-08:002020-03-22T03:13:08.807-07:00The Street Girl In GensanI stirred.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVXKON7Zg-pCPQKneYyiXABYZC7ErKNT_jsGPQLyWFEu1wo8FgCbn5MIwSZatv0IhwqSxrcmIGHa6TwDxeGZ4lGmxtGmvDKyOjAVOJKAKIxJykEzrRJRnBWqz78cluYLgLFpi_teIDMd3/s1600/poor+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVXKON7Zg-pCPQKneYyiXABYZC7ErKNT_jsGPQLyWFEu1wo8FgCbn5MIwSZatv0IhwqSxrcmIGHa6TwDxeGZ4lGmxtGmvDKyOjAVOJKAKIxJykEzrRJRnBWqz78cluYLgLFpi_teIDMd3/s1600/poor+1.jpg" /></a> My eyes retracted to the bright light beaming in front of me. I could not see clearly. I looked outside, through the tinted glass, only to see a young filthy girl just sleeping near the side of the highway close to the busy marketplace. She stretched, rose and looked at me. A long wistful look. I tried pointing her out to my friend Karen, but I was pulled back by my barely conscious mind. Sleep fell upon me once more. <br />
<br />
“Malapit na tayo, Hannah,” Karen said. I woke up, and by reflex, looked outside. I expected to see her, hoping we had not gone far, but she was gone. I couldn’t shake away her haunting eyes. I know she was still there, giving the same long looks .<br />
As we neared our alma mater, Alabel Science High School, I hastily slung on my backpack. I got out of the carpool. Dreading another tardy mark, I hurried about wishing that the first bell would not yet ring. As I took the first step inside, the bell rang loudly, reaching the far ends of the school site. <br />
<br />
<i>“Puttttt Puttttt!,” A loud noise jolted her from her sleep. She was thankful she survived through the night but now she had other problems, like a car honking loudly at her face. A new blue car came into view. She quickly got off her feet and carefully folded the soiled piece of carton that had helped her through the rough cold nights. She felt hot and sweaty and decided on a little walk.<br />
<br />
This is her playground, the busy streets of General Santos City. It was a beggar’s paradise. Many people meant much money for her to beg, much for her to steal. She knew that money was very important for survival. It is here where she could find a hundred stalls willing enough to give scrap food. It is here where she could scour a lot of booties in garbage bins. Yes, this is paradise for her. Nothing is more important than begging and stealing, not even going to school. She thought school made no sense.<br />
<br />
She found herself walking aimlessly through the streets and finding a spot to beg . After hours and hours of waiting, a kind generous heart approached her. He held her gaze while guiding her hands to hold a plate filled with such delicious things. She smiled. It was the best day of her life.<br />
<br />
She stood up and walked with a proud grin on her face. She found a discarded clean cellophane and emptied the contents of the paper plate. She tied up the loose ends of the cellophane and continued to beg. <br />
<br />
Through the heat and fumes, she waited patiently for lunch time, her ecstasy building at each passing minute. She wiped all her sweat with her tattered clothing, keeping the hunger to herself. Time passed like seconds as she slowly opened the cellophane contents to savor the moment .<br />
<br />
A painful punch landed on her cheek . She fell and bled. Through her blurry sight she saw a couple of boys picking up her treasure. That was when everything went black for her.<br />
<br />
She blinked and she saw it was nighttime and she was still there lying on the floor bathe with her own blood. She didn’t bother to stand. Her life was a spiraling mess and she was tired of always trying to fix it. She wished her life were different.<br />
</i><br />
“Putt! Putt! Putt!” Carpool’s finally here. Another long, tedious day finally ended. Brain-wretching algebra problems, drearily long lab reports and mind-numbing science experiments has eventually taken its toll on me. Dragging my feet I boarded the van. I closed my eyes. Sleep was a welcome relief.<br />
<br />
But my subconscious mind won’t let me rest. Three essays and one oral report must be done before midnight. Must set alarm at 4:30 so wont be late again. So draining. So frustrating. So exhausting. I wished my life were different. <br />
<br />
"Hannah, malapit ka na bumaba.” Karen shook me awake. I stirred. It was getting dark. I could not see clearly at first. I looked outside, through the tinted glass. The carpool parked at our drop off point. I got out and weaved my way through the busy market place. <br />
<br />
A feeling of unease came over me. My foot hit something sticky and my eyes met hers again. Blood drenched she looked at me from the ground. A long wistful look. I called for help.<br />
<br />
Maybe my life need not be different. Maybe I should be thankful my problems and challenges are lighter. Maybe if I try harder life can be better for her too. <br />
<br />
<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02685953993289148122noreply@blogger.com2