Emma with A twist

I have been wondering if J.Austen's "Emma" will still be held a very good one if things turned out this way in the story:

Mr. Elton,in my twisted story, did not marry another woman despite Emma's first rejection--- a rejection she made not because she did not like him but rather because she is not ready for a serious reationship. He will turn out to be the third person that will hinder the blossoming relationship between Mr. Knightley and Emma. In this part, Mr. Elton will be the cause of Mr. Knightley's jelousy. To make things harder for Mr. Knightley, Emma's father did not favor the paring of Emma and Mr. Knightley due to age difference--- it is like an over-my dead-body stand point...

This is not a good ending right? So I'll leave the " what happens next to the readers" ^_^

Something for Christmas

I received this text message from Irene last night. It was the most beautiful and meaningful CHRISTMAS for me.

C - Christ gave
H - Himself as
R - Reminder so that
I - Individuals know the
S - Sacrifices
T - That He did for
M - Mankind to
A - Acheive the gift of
S - Salvation

Now I am wondering whose brainchild is this...

I finally got contact lenses

I just had my extended contact lenses yesterday (Mhaleen also got hers). It took me about an hour to get the hang of putting and removing my contact lenses. Whew! Thank you to Ms. Cynthia and Dr. Alvin Dy for being patient teaching me the "to do's".

I am very glad to finally decide to have one( my christmas gift for myself). All my qualms regarding contact lenses were proven to be in vain. It doesn't hurt. I easily get comfortable wearing it. I hardly feel it in my eyes.

But ofcourse it is not good bye to my transitional eye glasses.

simple truth

"If you are stressed you'll get pimples. If you cry you'll get wrinkles. Then why not smile and get dimples? "

a short reminder to keep smiling... ^_^

FAVC games'08

Yehey! FAITH grabbed 1st place (over all)... I especillay loved the basketball championship games.

Gotcha Rilla!

I am very glad to finally have a copy of this book yesterday. One more book (Anne of Windy Poplars) to go for me to have a complete series of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series... ^_^ I will reread the series in chronological order once I have a complete set (because I acquired the book insequentially)

The novel was about the experiences of Rilla, the youngest daughter of Anne and Gilbert, before and during the WWI. I found the book extra interesting because of the plot (era of WWI)---not that I am a war-freak, but because I am overwhelmed by the resilience shown by people who lived during the war.

more notes soon...

Passing by Mansfield Park

The reviews indicating Mansfield Park as the most controversial novel By Jane Austen drew me into reading the said novel more intently (and actually reading it again). I ask myself WHY it is controversial when it deals common issues including family, seperation, intellectual arrogance (sorry for the term, but the two Ms. Bertram and Aunt Norris belittled Fanny all through-out the novel), marriage, and friendship---common issues in a plot ages older and viewed or taken in another perspective by our generation.

Recalling the traits and role of each character help me discover the cause of controversy of Masfield park---the extra marital affair of Maria Bertram and Henry Crawford and also the relationship between cousins Fanny and Edmund.

But I need to do additional reading and search for materials that will support (or to contradict) my claim.

More notes soon...

Congrats my Engr friends!

I am very glad and proud to share the news that the following passed the ECE Electronics Engineer Licensure Examination held last October 25:

* Nestydune Amante
* Favis Joseph Balinado
* Maricar "Karen" Caringal
* Sherwin Hulgado

Congratulations my dear friends! Blow-out!!! ^_^

Another Image of Poverty

I received an email about the 2008 Blog Action day wrap up. It showed list of blogs that supported this year's topic (the list were divided into different category). The blog title which caught my attention was 17 Images of Poverty by digital photography school. The blog showcased a collection of pictures highlighting the different faces of poverty. Among the snap shots, I was moved most by the image taken by Thomas Hawk. The man named Christopher clasped his hands as if praying (but it actually tells a different story). It left me thinking that in a way, I am also in poverty--- I am poor in terms of spirituality. There are times that I feel lost... that I don not have enough faith to hold on to(though I am no atheist)...

Last April I told Reynan about my delimma on this particular matter. He only looked at me and shrugged his shoulders. Then our conversation went about other matters. I do not know if He took my disclosure as a joke or He simply opted not to make any comment since we were only newly-acquainted then (maybe it is high time I ask him again regarding his say).

I think I can claim (but not proud to do so) that I am a living image of poverty. I am no frequent-reader of the Bible, I do not attend mass whenever I do not feel I am ready enough for the eucharist, and I feel I do not have enough faith in God. These things alarm me. These things made me realize that I need to seek help---Well, I did. I asked God's enlightenment and maybe Thomas Hawk's "Christopher" is one of God's way of telling me that knowing my need (a stronger faith) and shortcomings is the first step in rising up from the poverty of faith.

Any help?

My Emma Within

At last! I was able to finish and post this entry (after a month of leaving it as a draft) as part of the Jane Austen Book Club spearheaded by witsandnuts.

I thought of "My Emma within" as a very fitting title of this entry for two reasons: First, I'll put into words my perspective of Emma. How I have understood her thoughts
and actions (though I perceived her to do things the other way around) and Second how I have seen a bit and piece of Emma on my own thoughts and actions then and now(this part is patterned after "the child within" concept.)


EMMA IN MY NAKED EYES
With the predictable plot (the almost never-ending match-making) and the irritating attitude (and plot) of Emma, here are what I have observed:

She is respectful. At the first part of the novel, it was explicitely mentioned that Emma gives high regard to Mrs. Weston,her governess since chilhood. Emmma listens to and considers Mrs. Weston's thoughts and pieces of advice, not to mention how courteous she is to her teacher. The kind of relationship Emma has with her father is also something to look upon. Her respect towards her father is always there. She thinks about her father's possible reaction and health condition before making certain decisions.

Emma is outspoken and stands on her beliefs. It can be noted from the onset of the novel that Emma speaks her mind and have the tendency to end up with an argument; not because she likes to argue but because she wants her side or position on a particular issue be heard and understood. If she believe in something she will stand on it until it was proven very unlikely and really distasteful. Emma was also characterize to be the type of person to accept criticisms (but ofcourse her realizations comes days after the occurence of some heated debate).

She admits mistakes. This is the hardest thing to do. One thing which I like about Emma is her will to admit her mistakes. She may not voice it out at once, but in a subtle and in the most Emma-like way she was able to acknowledge her shortcomings. But this same trait makes her also irritating.

A certified match-maker. Mr. Elton, Mr. Churchill,and Mr. Knightley (and never Mr. Martin)are the three men whom she match-make with Harriet, the daughter of nobody (in the end was said to be a merchant) whom she have taken into her wings. But then, despite Emma's schemes, she failed to arrange a marriage or even just a couple out of the mentioned gentlemen. The first married Augusta, the second was secretly engaged with Jane fairfax, and latter was actually in love with Emma. What may have made her fail with her match-making was her blindness regarding Harriet's real love interest and her intent focus on social status that equals Harriet (financial and social status are for her contributing factor to a possible pairing/match-making).

Love makes the world go round but-not-for-me attitude. Emma delights in match-making but vowed never to marry---her reason was her father's health (what a crap, right?). But this belief or attitude was not meant to last because jealousy of Harriet (who assume that she got the affection of Mr. Knightley). She realized that she love Mr. George Knightley since she hardly determine when.


MY EMMA-LIKE WAYS
I was bale to relate with the story, specially with Emma, because I saw some part of me in her. I labeled these similarities as My Emma-like ways:
* Like Emma, I have great respect and regard to my educators and mentors. I value their role in making me the way I am now.

* I also speak my mind (and actually tries very hard to think hard first before I speak) and stand on my beliefs (I sometimes end up making enemies).

* Emma's joys and struggles were confined in a small place, to Highbury. She stayed in Highbury by choice (despite her wealth). I also have few travel opportunities, but it is due to to financial constriants.

* Match-making is also my strong point. It makes me jolly whenever I can pair my assumed well-suited friends with each other (but only a few end up as couples). Honestly, I also have some factors to consider before I even act on matching two of my friends or acquaintances. I scrutinize if they have complementing triats. (hehehe) Oopps, here is a BIG BUT--- I hate it when I am the one who is being matched. *grrr* (hehehe)


HERE ARE THE LINES THAT STRUCK ME MOST:
"... no man can be a good judge of the comfort a woman feels in the society of one of her own sex after being used to it all her life" – Mrs. Weston

"Vanity working on a weak head produces every sort of mischief." – Mr. Knightley

"It was foolish, it take active part in bringing any two people together. It was adventuring too far, assuming too much, making light of what ought to be serious- a trick of what ought to be simple." -Emma’s realization

"There is safety in reserve, but no attraction. One cannot love a reserved person." – Frank Churchill (Oh my! should I start being less reserved to attract attention and affection?)

"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart." – Emma to Harriet

This novel made me ponder three things: use of wit and tenderness of the heart, respect, and sincerity.

Family planning at Laiya

This are some pictures of the seminar I attended regarding Family Planning.




















Di you notice that there are no family planning -related pictures above?

Postcard from Ms. Firefly

This is the first postcard I ever received and also my first Irish-made stuff possesion.... Being my first for two resons makes this one special. This may be too simple for others but this one is a treasure for me... Thank you Ms. Firefly!




And here is Ms. Firefly's message (I like here penmanship)...


Now I am thinking if its possible to ask my friends abroad to send me postcards too... I am a hopeful heart for simple joys.

A Click for a Cause

I was channel-hopping last October 1 and was able to watch a news at Channel Net25 featuring poverty and some ways which every one may take to help alleviate it. Freerice.com was one of the two games mentioned (the other one was food force)that aims to help end hunger.

In FreeRice one's knowledge on Arts, Chemistry, English, Geography, Language learning and Math is challenged and gauged (the difficulty of level of the game depends on on'es answers). Every correct answer I make is converted into 20 grains of rice (through the help of the sponsors). It is actully a small amount of rice, but if I play a lot and accumulate a number of points I am sure I will help generate enough rice to feed the people need it. Honestly, I try my best to make some review (yes I cram) before I play so I will be able to earn big points. This UN World Food program imparts to my learning, gives me entertainment, and makes way to my undertaking to help.

It amuses me that people like me who look for entertainment can both be diverted and be of aid at the same time with just few (or more) clicks. FreeRice is really a work of technology with a heart(and of course with the help of sponsors).

Almost Every breaktime, I try to visit freerice. I really love seeing the bowl gets filled with grains of rice. I feel my heart leaps due to excitement. I told about my bro and Mhaleen and my other friends about FreeRice. Know what? They also enjoyed (and still enjoy) the games and like the advocacy of FreeRice.

How about you? I'm inviting you to visit Freerice.com and click for a cause.

Michael V at RDAsia

My mother suggested to me to buy a thing ot two aside from books(from booksale)this pay out. I heed her advice. Last September 16, I bought a copy of the September issue of Reader's Digest. ^_^ (hehehe, at least this time I bought a magazine, not a book)

I am gald and proud to have a copy of this issue coz it features (cover and story) Michael V, my most admired Pinoy comedian, who happens to be the second Filipino to be feautured by RD Asia. Keeping this copy is actually my proud-to be-pinoy intent. This issue is actually my first owned RD Aisa issue. So I was able to shot two birds with one stode when I bought this issue.

How about you? Do you have a copy of this issue?

Memoirs of a Geisha

Arthur Golden's thoughts/lines in Memoirs of a Geisha that struck me:

* "... I won't pretend these parties did anything to lessen my suffering; but they di help remind me just how selfish my suffering really was."

* "Friendship is a precious thing, Sayuri. One mustn't throw it away."

* " I'm a very easy man to understand, sayuri. I don't like things held up before me that I cannot have."

* I never seek to defeat the man I am fighting, Iseek to defeat his confidence. ..."

These are common thoughts. It's very good of Arthur Golden to have stated or used those thoughts strikingly. The story moved me.

Innocent excuse

A BIG THANKS to the word for word is word!

Through mentioned blog, I came upon tartx's Blogging Without Obligation. Now I have an innocent excuse whenever I cannot post blog entries, or even just a blog entry, as much as I want to have(just like what happened last july).

Ofcourse bloggers have obligations like observance of intellectual property rights---and this is the obligation I will not dare try find any justifcation to defy. But this is not what B.W.O is about.

Tartx's B.W.O. aims to promote blog entry posting only whenever and wherever a blogger can with no "sorry-for-the-lapse-in blogging" instances.

As what tartx said "Take the idea and run with it. . .or walk away."

I took B.W.O. as part of my blogging. Will you also take it?

Scrapbook Accessories Project: # 1 Tsinelas

My college year’s scrapbook is 476 days behind schedule today, August 18, 2008. (my original target date of completion was April 30, 2008).

My resolve: I will give ample time doing some handmade and recycled accessories for my scrapbook.
Due date: October 30, 2008

Opps… it’s a bit of hard work (collating materials and making something else out of it) for a short period of time.

Here is my action plan to make my resolve possible: I will make an accessory or make some touches on my scrapbook every other day --- Or should I say every other night, since my free time is when I am home after office hours?

My first scrapbook accessory project: tsinelas

I have two pairs of 50cm x 20 cm miniature paper slippers or flip-flop or whatever you call it. Both tsinelas are made of used brown folder but with different kind of covers (dyed bond paper and Hershey’s nugget wrapper). I placed a double adhesive at the back for easy sticking.

I’ll update this post for the pixs.

Posing for Pictures

Say Cheese!

“Life is like posing for pictures. We pose the way we want to be seen by others, but stolen shots are better because they capture who we really are.”

Who would not want to be seen at his/her most beautiful angle?
Aren’t we all wearing fine-looking masks so as to hide some of our deepest thoughts and imperfections?

Personally, I want to be seen as cheerful as I can be. I even practice the way I will smile on photo op. (My mini mirror is my buddy during those times). However, there are times when my real feelings show --- and I can’t help it. The latter reveal the almost would-be-unknown part of me.

Thank you! Angeline for sending me this SMS.

Googlympics 2008

Brains behind Google.com are really great and very creative! The logo is always timely. No wonder Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is features in their logo. ^_^

Domino Effect

I was very frustrated yesterday--- and its work-related. It would be unethical of me to discuss here the details behind my frustration; so I’ll only post what I felt and what I thought of the situation briefly.

Here goes the subjective Renin:

If only the other member of the group/org. did their part promptly, the service I am tasked to render will be done with out hassle at all. But the sad truth hurts (and left me hurting and not in the mood yesterday).

I find it hard to accept that our department becomes the reference point of fault when we are not actually at fault. This made me very frustrated.

I have thought that what happens to us is like the domino effect: Even if we, in our department, do our best to perform our assigned tasks on time (if not ahead of time) the result will not be satisfactory if the other department can not (the instances I try to understand) or will not (the times that makes me frustrated) try harder to provide service on time. Our service depends on the other department, if they perform poorly, we also end up with poor performance. :(

Metaphorically, my frustration is caused by a domino effect (minus the assumption that the linkage is only a hypothesis, because I do not think so it is a mere educated guess).

Yes, domino effect or is it not?

photo credits

Umbrella

A brief reminder about faith from a brief story:



This is a very god example of one's trust and will to hold on to what one believes with---to also do something tangible on what one affirms. Indeed, actions speak louder than words.

credits:
*photo
* Special thanks to Jen for sending me the stated message thru text... ^_^

My Fave Toni's Blog

I love Toni’s if-books-were-food entry, then and now...

> It reawakened my bibliobby ( I refer to my hobby of reading books).

> Those mentioned added spice to my list of must-have books.

> It prompted me to allot a space in my mini-library for other authors.

Note: I was unable to join the book carnival, though. :-(

P.S. Happy 5th anniversary Ms. Toni! ^_^

My happiness

Indeed! Happiness can come from the simplest of things [toni]

Last August 2007 I made Happy, Jolly, Glad... Name it! where I list down the things that made me happy.

I believe, then and now, that happiness is relative. I now add it lingers no matter how short the duration I felt or realized it...It takes root from within... Is it also true to you?

Here is my renewed HAPPINESS list:
* a sound sleep and WAKING UP without being forced to
* reading Lucy Maud Montgomery's works
* mayonnaise
* unexpected text message from ---
* Approved loan application of my co-employees
(a Thank-you-God-moment for me)
* noticing how the cactus I bought grows
* seeing flowers bloom

I also find two blogs on happines that inspired me:
Treasures from Heaven and rejesus blog
(though these did not discussed happiness from simple things)

photo credits

Letter to a Soldier

Lynel sent me this message thru SMS yesterday afternoon. It made me stop for a while and reflect.

Dear Soldier,

I see that you’re tired. I tell you, drop your sword and put down your shield. Why worry about the fight? After all it is not your battle; it is mine. All you have to do is to be in the battle field. Then against the thousands who tried to destroy you, there I will stand and rescue you. Winning this war requires neither only me nor only you. But rather, ME and YOU. Just do your best and I will take care of the rest.

Your commander,
Jesus Christ

GoogleMyWay Your Way

I read about google my way from Toni’s blog and tried it (made one) immediately. Its cute! ^_^

I also received an ainvitation to make my own from Sir Rarad.

The first word I searched using Taste Buds Corner is “renin.” This google my way amused me and led me to a new light regarding my name’s etymology, discovery, and scientific use.

Try GoogleMyWay and enjoy too.

KURTtle

Wheel of Heart

I made this crochet fillet heart so I'll be able to join in Toni's February Blog Carnival (for the first time I intended to join).
This one is an attempt to make something out of my own imagination after I saw a cute crochet heart. I am currently writing its pattern. Actually , I am planning to make a stuffed heart out of this simple heart pattern. ^_^

Ask Angela

Ms. Eva lend me this book last Monday during lunch break. She was so enthusiastic while handing it to me. She even told me a gist.

I didn't read it immediately though(which was my usual response when receiving a a loaned book)simply because it is about a dog (I was not a fan of dogs, I am a pussy lover). So I left it in my bookshelf until I decide to browse it this morning.

I told myself "I shouldn't have delayed reading it." I admit that the book touched my heart. I have realized a lot of simple and important things from this book. Those things that I have neglected since I can not remember when.

Here are some:

* Count your blessings.

* There really isn't any special place that we're going to, like a destination. It's all in the walking. So lighten up and enjoy the trip and sniffs.

* Life goes better with someone to play with.

* Trust and affection may come as gifts, but are most often earned through patience and an open heart.

* Make a fuss over friends you see. Greet them as if it's been years since the last time you met... Really share your glee because every one deserves to be treated like a celebrity once in a while.

* When giving a hug, be polite and ask first. Notice that in a hug there is no difference between the hugger and the hugged. Hugging is an equal opportunity way of giving what you need to get, ang getting what you need to give.

* Even when you adore someone, keep in mind that everyone needs some room for their own body. Everybody takes up space and needs some free air around them to breathe. It is real act of love not to rowd or smother with love the one you love.

* For thrills and excitement, take the road less traveled. There is nothing like a new views and fresh frangrances to add bounce to your step.

* Set aside five minutes for quite each day. Allow nothing to get accomplished in this period.

* Recognize how you feel when you're scared. Grow used to it. Don't plan on doing anything really courageous without it.

* Daydream.

This book is very inspiring. It is empowering. The approach of the author is also awesome. This is a must read.

Trials and Washing machine

Trials like washing machine, twist us, spin us, and knock us around.But in the end, we come out cleaner, brighter, and better than before.


Indeed. Things that appear difficult, tiring, and time-consuming are actually the ones that bring the best in us in the end. They may hurt us in the process, but they are the ones that lingers.

Another reminder from Jen (thru SMS). Thanks!

Silas the caterpillar

Isn't this caterpillar cute? Currently, it is an accessory that gives attitude to my cream, Secosana bag.

note: more info soon.

Empowerment

This post I viewed form Toni is very empowering. I'll definitely have a hard copy of this handy.

You are the apple of my eyes

This key chain apple was made out of sheer experiment. The pattern for apple coaster I was following, then, indicated to use a worsted thread, which I do not have, so I used mercerized thread instead. Presto is this key chain apple! Does it looks like an apple? I hope so.

Pen Pal Acorn

Recently, I made an amigurumi acorn (thanks to planetjune.com for the free pattern. It reminds me of Sir Henry who frequently used it as example during his discussions on our Philosophy subjects way back my college days. I made my crocheted acorn into a pen pal by weaving 50 chains that serves as tie. However, Suzie asked for it and used it as her ID accesory.

I'll post pix soon.

Crochetd Turtle

This is Kurt, my crocheted turtle. He is currently my mom's newest key chain.