Blogging Experience

                I will keep this post short but meaningful. Blogging for this class made me more vocal and more open-minded. I actually enjoyed blogging now because I was able to share my thoughts on different areas of life even if our professor gave us certain topics. Aside from sharing my thoughts, I also had the chance to understand others beliefs or stands on some points. It was really nice to know some stories from the other students and I actually got inspired on some of them. I enjoyed reading everyone’s blogs because I made sure to read at least one post from each. Blogging is fun but I doubt I will maintain this blog because I have a personal one already. However, I will definitely not delete this blog because it’s also a part of me and it’s a nice experience to look back at. To my classmates, I know I did not get to know all of you but I wish you all the best. Keep striving and let us all enjoy life.

A Truly Great Day

                One of my most unforgettable memories happened last year. It was the day before my birthday. I consider it as a truly great day because it was probably different from the others. Back then, I would always celebrate my birthday with my friends and family. But last year I only celebrated it with my closest friends because my parents and my brother were already here in the US.

                My celebration started in the afternoon. My friends and I went in the mall a bit early to choose a good restaurant. After we made our decision, we roamed around first since we still waited for the others to come. When we were already complete, we went to our chosen restaurant and started to order several dishes. It was quite hilarious because it was our first time to eat there and we did not know what to order. We decided to choose a variety of dishes so we could enjoy our dinner. Once our order came, our table was really full. It made us think if we could actually finish everything. Then we ate, talked, and laughed as if we were at our own world. We did not care if there were other customers in the restaurant. We just enjoyed ourselves.

                After our dinner, we still stayed in the mall to hang out for a while. Later on some of my friends already went home and my two bestfriends and I went to our other plan. We planned to watch a pageant because our guy friends were part of it. Those 2 guys were really important to me that’s why we supported them in the event. Sadly, both of them did not get any awards but I was still proud of them. The pageant ended at midnight and we still did not go home because it was already my birthday. We just stayed in the venue and took a lot of pictures. Afterwards, my auntie went to pick me and my bestfriend up since it was really late already.

                My friends made me happy on my day even though my family was not with me at that time. I am truly thankful to have such friends and I would not trade them for anyone. 

3 Important People

If I would be a stereotype person, I would probably say that my Mom, Dad and brother are the three important people in my life. Yes, they are truly important to me and I could not imagine myself without them. However, I would also like to introduce the other three people who I look up to and at the same time inspire me.

                First is my Grandma. I really consider her as one of my inspirations. She is already 76 years old and she actually looks young and energetic for her age. I look up to her because even though she was not able to finish her studies, she still worked hard just to provide for her family. She is also thrifty and rarely thinks of her needs first before the needs of her children. Humility is her best feature. She has the purest heart among the people I know. She does not think highly of herself and always reminds us to keep our feet on the ground no matter what status we gain. Health is also important for her. She makes sure that everything she eats is not bad for her health, especially now that she is old. She still exercises regularly and does not have any vices. I am really happy that I am really close to her and she will always be in my heart.

                Next is my older cousin. She is like an older sister to me. We are not close before but ever since I moved here in the US I realized that I can actually talk to her about anything. Even though we have like 5 years of age gap we can still understand each other. She already finished her studies and I want to follow her footsteps. Traveling is one of her hobbies and she already went to a lot of places. Like her, I also want to go to different places once I find a rewarding job. She is a BS Biology graduate but she has started doing business with her friends. For her, as long as it is not your limit you must strive harder and aim higher. She pushes me to do better and I am grateful to have her support.

                Last but not the least is my boyfriend. It is cliché to say that he inspires and motivates me but really he does. He is not a distraction in my studies because he also prioritizes school. He graduated in high school with honors and solving Math problems is his past time. He is a drummer, a guitarist and also a frustrated singer. I might sound like a too proud girlfriend but of course I am. Who wouldn’t be proud to have someone like him? Someone who is so loving, faithful, responsible, and has big dreams in life. We may have a long distance relationship but I know how important we are to each other and distance will only make us stronger. Indeed, he occupies a big part in my heart.

Social Networks

            Computer games are not the only ones popular to people today but also the social networking sites. Nowadays, people are getting fond of joining different social networks. If you enjoy connecting to people, you will surely enjoy social networks.

            Social networking sites are sites where you can bond with your current friends, reunite with old friends and meet more new friends. Aside from that you can also express yourself through it. Some social websites can also help people make business contacts or find a job.

Now, Facebook and Twitter are famous sites that maintained their prestige over the years. I joined Facebook because of its several features. Facebook made it easier for me to connect with my friends from other countries. Also, I really like how it becomes my photo album and at the same time I can also upload videos. The privacy settings is a point, too. I think it is really important to everyone to still maintain privacy even using a public website.

Twitter, on the other hand, is also a good means of communication. It does not have a lot of uses as the Facebook has but it has its own useful features. If you like to be updated on your favorite artists or celebrities, Twitter is the answer. It is also like an online newspaper because you will not be outdated of what’s happening around the world. This is really nice because you don’t need to watch on tv anymore. It has a privacy setting, too, if you only like your followers to see whatever you post.

            Indeed, these websites can help people make their lives easier and more exciting. However, too much of these may lead to unpleasant happenings. So always remember that too much of everything is not good for us. It is really convenient to chat with your friends and relatives through these sites because it is free. I would probably encourage everyone to have such because these can really help in terms of communications and enjoyment. Nevertheless, always keep in mind that you must be responsible of what you post. In short, think before you click.

FFN: An Eye-Opener

                Fast Food Nation has really affected me on some points. The book has shown me several unpleasant facts about fast food that made me change my eating habits. After I have read the first few chapters of the book, it made me think how unhealthy these foods are. Most of the chapters really grossed me out. I could not believe that these foods that we always enjoy eating are prepared that way. Also, I felt concerned about those children who often have fast food as their daily meal. I realized how these kinds of food would affect them at a young age.

                Now, I am trying my best not to eat fast food. I also started to lessen my intake of pork and beef after I read the chapters about meat. I am not as excited to eat such foods as I used to. It is really difficult to completely stop eating meat and fast food, especially when my family often eats it. I would not deny that there are still times that I eat meat, but I make sure that it is just a small portion. Hopefully, I could maintain this kind of eating habit because I know my body would thank me for it. I would not rush the change, but I would make sure that I am in the right path. I believe I am doing the right thing, and I would encourage my family to start a healthy lifestyle with me. Fast Food Nation is really an eye-opener.

College Life

                Before I write about how my semester is going, the truth in my previous post is the #5. My boyfriend went to Hong Kong last year and got me a shirt there. That was his very first gift to me and I treasure it so much.

                This is my second semester here in Oxnard College but supposed to be my second year as a college student. Like what I have written on my first in- class essay, I have already begun my first year in college in the Philippines but started all over again since I moved here. Now, I am a full- time student and am taking up five subjects (14 units).

                Since I only have five subjects this semester, I still have a lot of free time every day. My classes are from Mondays to Fridays but I get to go home early always. Also, I do not need to wake up early because my classes start at 9:30 and the school is near our house. These are some of the things that I like about school here. Back in the Philippines, I must always wake up early because classes there start at 7am and I still needed to travel about an hour just to get to school. It’s a routine that I have been used to before.

                My classes are going really well except for one. I admit that I procrastinate at some times but I do not know if it is just me or the professor is just too much. Nevertheless, I enjoy every class that I have, especially the ones that have interest in. My professors also affect my perspective on their respective subjects. Most of the professors I have are entertaining and great which make me focus during class discussions.

                College, for me, is really important. I seriously want to finish it early and have a rewarding job. I know that I still have a few years to do it and I must do my best in everything. This goal of mine is what keeps me going. Of course, my family is my very first inspiration. They support me in any way that they can and I am grateful of that. I strive to fulfill my dreams, not only for myself but also for my loved ones.

Find out the truth!

1. Cooking is my hobby.

2. I already had 3 boyfriends.

3. My family and I went to London last summer.

4. I am lactose intolerant.

5. My boyfriend got me a shirt from HongKong.

6. I just recently turned nineteen.

Halloween Treat

          Since it is almost halloween, I decided to share this short video of my crazy little brother and cousins. This is what we did last halloween. We were totally bored at that time so they rehearsed a dance and made me video their act. It was really funny when they wore those costumes because they wanted to be mysterious. It's actually fun to have crazy moments with the family sometimes. I love them!

Realization

                Most of us have become indecisive at some points in our lives. Be it to choose what course to take in college, to try something new and extraordinary, or even to leave your comfort zone. We have our own shares of indecisive acts that make us consult other people for their opinions. Sometimes, we use a lot of time just to think about our decision especially when it contradicts the opinions of others.

                Honestly, to decide upon something is really my weakness. I am not quite a risk taker or a quiet observer. I know for myself that I am dependent to people around me but I also want to prove to myself and to them that I can be independent.

                To be independent- that is my goal. I was given the chance to do it when I was left in the Philippines for almost 7 months to study. I really thought it would be easy but it was not. To be separated from my parents for a long time was actually difficult. I learned how to budget the money they give m, to manage my time in everything, and to stand in my own feet. Yes it was fun to be away from them sometimes but there was an uneasiness feeling that’s present. During that time I knew I need to be tougher, for myself and for my future. This realization made me a better person.

                Risks will always be a part of our lives. There are times that we need to take some risks in order to grow. Independence is connected to it. We will not survive if we will always be dependent to others. In life, we can only depend on ourselves. There are people around us who can help us but we need to learn how to help ourselves first. Indecisiveness will not do us any good. Our decisions will always affect our lives whether we like it or not.

Family: A Gift from God

                “You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” 

-- Desmond Tutu

                Each person has a family to be called. The family that I have is imperfect but still happily together. I have a mother who teaches me a lot of things and also expects a lot from me. The father that I have is really strict in terms of everything but still supports me in any way he can. I also have a little brother who sometimes pisses me off yet knows how to be affectionate anytime. My whole family may be small but my life will not be complete without them.

                All my life, I have been with the three of them. Like what I have said above, my family is imperfect. There are some trials that have come our way before and maybe there are still some that will come. These problems have made our relationship as a family stronger. I can say that we have surpassed everything altogether. I am very grateful because we support each other in anything we do and there are no major conflicts between us. Also, to have a complete and happy family is a real treasure of mine.

                Aside from them, I consider my aunts, uncles, and cousins as my other family. Close family ties is known to be an important family value in Filipinos. It is actually nice to have other relatives who can understand me and also care for me. In addition, I can go to their houses without feeling neglected. They always make me feel welcome and I am also thankful for that. The additional support that I get from them really helps me to go further in life and also makes me feel loved.

                It is true that no one can choose their own family but if I am given the chance to choose mine I would rather stay with the family I have now. They are not perfect but I think their imperfections make our family unique and happy. I believe that God has given this family to me and me to them because we will complete each other’s life. I do not know what will happen to me if they are not here with me. This family is one of the most precious gifts I received from God. I am blessed to have them with me throughout my journey. No one can steal the love, support, and care that I get from them.

A Moment to Remember

           The minute my parents told me about our immigration I was totally dumbfounded. It was actually planned ahead of time since my mom and my aunties had worked here for more than seven years already. They petitioned for all of us in order to be together here as a complete family. I knew it was going to happen but I did not expect it to be so soon. For 17 years I lived in the Philippines. So when I heard about the news I had second thoughts. Questions and doubts occupied my mind and I could not think properly. I knew life here would be different from where I grew up since the culture’s not the same. That was what I had heard and read about USA. I asked them if I could travel alone and they agreed. Fear invaded my body and soul when they told me that I already had a ticket.

            After they spilled the beans, my mom and I actually had some arguments regarding school. I was currently a college freshman when they told me this. They said that I could finish my first semester there but I needed to leave afterwards. I wanted to stay in the Philippines to get my Bachelor’s Degree first because I did not want to start all over again. Another thing that bothered me was the curriculum here. My friend, an immigrant here also, told me that it would take more years compared to college in the Philippines just to get a Bachelor’s Degree here. What she said stayed in my mind. College in the Philippines is pretty simple. I just needed to pass the entrance exam then pay for the enrollment and it’s done. The list of subjects for every semester and the class schedule is provided by the school right after the enrollment. But when my parents said that I must follow them here I had no power to disobey. It was somehow against my will yet, of course, I wanted to be with my family too.

            Time flew fast and it was only three days away from my departure. My closest friends knew about it so they decided to give me a little farewell party in one of my friend’s house. When everyone arrived, we were surprised, for most of us wore white shirts. It was not planned so it was really surprising. At the party, we had karaoke and a lot of foods. We sang our hearts out and ate everything until we were full. We made every minute or I must say every second memorable. It was truly a day to be remembered. Those friends of mine are the craziest, silliest, and funniest people I met. They are my second family. Before the party ended, they all wished me good luck then hugged me afterwards. Some of them were teary-eyed and I jokingly yelled, “Walang pwedeng umiyak! Bawal umiyak! Batas ‘yan!” (“No one’s allowed to cry! No crying! That’s a rule!”) I was teary-eyed myself but I did not want them to see me in that state.

            As much as I wanted to stop the time, the not-so-much-awaited date finally came. I woke up extra early to prepare for my flight and to meet my boyfriend and three best friends first. The four of them planned to see me before I go. I started the day positively and pushed away the hint of sadness that was about to build up. My boyfriend brought me a bouquet of pink roses which are my favorites. His eyes showed how miserable he was when I looked at him closely. We stared at each other for a while without uttering any words. Since I wanted to enjoy my last day in my beloved home country, we all decided to watch a movie in my little room. We laughed, we joked around, and we ignored the fact that it was only a few hours until I go. We tried to cover the melancholic aura in my room. I was very grateful for them to be with me during that time. They never failed to make me smile.

            “It’s time.” It took me a lot of courage to say this to them. They were all sad yet they tried their best to smile for me. As my uncle put my luggage in the car, I bid them goodbye. It was so hard but I needed to. I hugged them one by one and it took my boyfriend some time to let me go. He held me tightly in his arms and I felt safe. They could not come with me at the airport so we cherished the last minutes we had together. That was our last physical contact.

            When I arrived at the airport, I looked for my phone to see the time and counted the remaining hours before my departure. My boyfriend and I stayed connected with each other and we just basically talked about what would happen to us. It was really heartbreaking when I heard him sobbed on the other line. Both of us felt the pain brought by my immigration. Even though I already boarded the plane, we still did not cut the call. I did not pay attention to what was inside the plane by that time since I was too engrossed with our conversation. “I will come back.” I said to him. And he urgently replied, “I will wait for you. I love you.” That was enough to let my tears out. I ended the call right before the plane took-off. To forget the anguish I felt at the moment, I scanned the pictures of my friends and me in my camera and laughed at the memories I had with them. Also, I smiled at how sweet my boyfriend can be after I reread some of his messages. After a few hours, I looked around and saw some of the passengers were asleep and others were watching a movie. Due to tiredness, I just decided to succumb in my sleep.

            Awakened by the noise created by some of the passengers, I realized that we were so close to our destination. My sullen thoughts decreased and I actually felt excited. I was thrilled for I was about to see my family again. To travel alone was such an achievement for me. It was a new experience. As soon as our plane landed, I was escorted by an airport employee, a cheerful old lady, because I was still a minor. The process was pretty fast and once I got my luggage I was off to find my family. The moment I saw my dad and my little brother waved at me I literally ran like a kid. My mom was not able to come with them due to her work but I did not care. I was just very glad to arrive safely and to be reunited with them.

            On the very next day after my arrival, realizations dawned at me. My world had changed and I did not know where to start. It was unbelievable that it only took about 13 hours for my world to alter. I was so thankful that my family were here to guide me all throughout my journey. To adapt to a different environment is somehow difficult. I knew I will fully accept everything soon. After all I considered California as my new homeland now.

            I believe that God has a reason for what happened in my life. Maybe He has prepared something really amazing just for me. Still, I am happy for I never lost communication with my old friends back in the Philippines. My boyfriend and I also managed to maintain our relationship. The distance between us only makes us stronger. If I had the chance to change anything before I would not take it. What happened back then made me tougher. To know that I am loved by many is enough for me to endure any struggles that will come along the way.

            “Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”

– Oliver Wendell Holmes

Get to Know Andy

            A quiet, serious, and hard-to-talk-to person – that was my very first impression of Andy. But guess what? He is a complete opposite of those qualities. In a short period of time, I was able to see some of his good traits. Andy is friendly and easy to talk to but he is not the type of person who will approach anyone out of the blue. Also, I find him funny in some ways which makes it easier to get along with him.

After my interview with him, I understood him better and I want you readers to know this guy too.

            Andres Cuevas was born and raised here in Oxnard for all his life. He prefers people to call him by his nickname which is Andy. He just graduated from Hueneme High School last June and he considered it his most memorable moment since his grandmother was there to congratulate him. Now, he is a freshman student here in Oxnard College and is only taking four subjects. He actually enjoys college because classes are not early. “To wake up late for my classes is the greatest feeling ever!” He said. Since he does not have a lot of subjects this semester he still has a lot of free time. Basketball is his past time and he is actually a fan of LA Lakers. He has more time to spend with his family also because he does not work yet. College is his priority but he tries to find a part-time job at the moment. “I want to finish college for me to earn a lot.” This is what he answered me when I asked him why is college important to him. “My cousins all made it to college so I consider them my role models. I see myself graduate and work for the Hueneme School district with my uncles.” He added.

            “There is always a giant rock in my path saying I can’t do it. But that only makes me try even harder.”  This remark of him made me think that he will go far. I know with his determination and perseverance he will achieve his dreams. It is so great to meet someone with a positive outlook of life. It is truly nice to have met Andy.

            If you want to know more about Andy, visit his blog here.

Texting: A Guilty Pleasure

            Nowadays, texting is considered as one of the most popular means of communication. It is used by almost everyone, especially by the teenagers. Many prefers it than leaving a voice mail since they can proofread their message first before they send it. They are more capable of explaining their thoughts clearly for the receiver to understand. Also, people tend to be stronger when texting. What they cannot say in person or in call they can say in a text message. Maybe this is because they will not directly know what the reaction of the other person is. The receiver has the decision in replying to the text.

            However, there will always be a negative side of this technology. Like what I have mentioned above, teenagers are more likely to use it. Some are getting addicted to it to the extent of using it while driving which sometimes leads to an accident. Texting also affects the spelling or the writing skills in general of most students since it introduced a new lingo that just abbreviates words, or makes the words shorter. This type of communication is kind of responsible in lowering other's self-esteem too. Since they are more confident in conversing in text they somehow find talking and meeting people in person quite difficult.

            Texting, in general, is a guilty pleasure which can be helpful or harmful depending on how people use it. People will always have the choice if they will let it control them.

Reality TV

                All of us must have watched any reality shows on TV. Who would not be able to watch one if every channel has at least one of it? I have actually watched a bunch of reality TV shows ever since I was a kid. Like any of us, I have my favorites and some I do not quite like because of what happens in the show.

                Some of my favorite reality shows are the American Idol, America’s Next Top Model, and The X-Factor. I enjoy watching these shows because they serve as inspirations to viewers like me. Also, the shows itself help the contestants to improve their talents and hone their skills. In addition, I like watching the contestants showcase what they can do because I am not so talented myself. There are times that I get insecure too but I just push it aside and think of the qualities I have. Other shows that I like watching too are The Biggest Loser and Teen Mom. The Biggest Loser is really a good show with a good purpose. It is not a show which discriminates fat people but it gives hope to others who want to have a healthy living. The sole purpose of it is to let people know that if we will not watch over our health we can suffer for the consequences of it. With determination, sacrifices, and effort it is not impossible to change the old bad habits. What I like on Teen Mom is how they surpassed the struggles they faced by having a child at a young age. It shows people that there is still hope for those who are experiencing the same. The above said reality shows affect me in a good and positive way and I guess that is what they want the viewers to feel.

                As I have said in the beginning, there are some of which I have second thoughts in watching due to their contents. For example, Toddlers and Tiaras covers the pageant life of little kids who are supported by their parents, mostly the children’s mothers. I admit that I somehow enjoy watching it because who would not be amused by the kids’ determination to win such pageants at an early age. Also, the contestants are too cute to be ignored. However, I am disturbed when I am seeing babies in the competition. I watch some of them cry, and others are too sleepy. It would be understandable if they are ages six and up but below that age is too much. Some of them might not even understand what is happening. Another show that makes me think differently is The Bachelor. I know everyone wants to find the perfect partner in life but I would prefer meeting that someone somewhere rather than due to a show. It just does not make sense to me because love is a serious matter to deal with. I feel like the women in the show are fighting each other just to get the said bachelor. I do not completely like these shows but I still watch them sometimes just to kill time.

                Nevertheless, reality TV is made by the companies depending on what the audience would like to see. For when the viewers enjoy what they offer they will surely benefit from it. It is just a give and take process in our society.

Die Early or Live Healthily?

               Fast food is really a big part of my childhood. I remember my parents often tell me that when I was just a kid I always cry whenever they do not bring me to McDonald’s. I do not even recall that I was such a brat before but I can say McDonald’s is really one of my favorite fast food chains around the globe. I normally order happy meals back then because they usually come with a toy. There were times when my brother and I will ask our parents to buy us our favorite fries, burger, and ice cream when they go off from work but they do not always grant our wishes. My parents are not totally fond of fast foods so they do not want us to eat those habitually. Though, another thing I remember was when I celebrated my birthday party at my school. My parents decided to just order fast food meals and they delivered it to my classroom. My classmates, obviously kids too, enjoyed their meal as much as I did. It was really a happy day for me.  Maybe it is right for me to say that back then my week will not be totally complete if they do not let me eat even just a bit of fast food. I love my parents’ homemade meals but I guess there is really something in a fast food meal that I could not resist.  Well, that was just before.

                Ever since I understood a lot of things under the sun I became more concerned about my health, especially my life. School is one of the reasons why I became more knowledgeable and I’m really grateful because I was given the chance to study. One thing I learned and still remember is the food pyramid. It made me realize that I am eating unhealthily. Including to these unhealthy foods is fast food. It is true that fast food would be very convenient for me since it is cheaper than the others. Yet, it can be a cause of deterioration of my health so I decided to change my eating habits. I admit that I still eat fast food but not as frequent as before. I rarely ask my parents to buy me some snacks at any fast food chains when I’m hungry. Instead, I nag them to teach me how to cook. This actually works for me since I have totally no idea about cooking before. I know I will not be able to erase fast food in my system but I try to suppress myself to eat those foods now. If I am to choose on fast food or healthy food I would choose to eat healthy. It may not be quite pleasing to my taste but it will make me healthy. I want to live longer with those good foods rather than die young and eat my once favorite fast food meals. I know it is hard to change at first but I believe I will get used to it as time passes by.

Past, Present, Future

              Who am I? Well, let me give you an idea of who I was before. Back then, I was just a little girl like any other kids my age. I was a girl who was already contented and happy just by playing with my little brother. There were times when I also dreamt of being a princess because of Disney Channel. I was a girl who also cried because of my parents’ lectures. Being raised from a Filipino family is a bit hard. I needed to meet their expectations in order not to get a scolding from them. But I did not get mad at them because of those times. I knew from that time that they only want the best for me. I even remember my mother saying I must dream high. Due to that, I started dreaming early and am still dreaming until now.
             Many years have gone by and this is me now. At this very moment, I am a teenager who enjoys life yet takes it seriously too. My closest friends know me as jolly and crazy. They even call me “paparazzo” sometimes because I like taking photos secretly. Strangers might say I am quiet and shy. It is partially true at first but get to know me and those will change. Nonetheless, I will describe myself as mature enough in handling some matters in life. I may not know everything but I know I can deal with anything. Same with the other teenagers out there, I am also in love with someone. I am in love with the guy who treats me like his princess and sincerely loves me. Maybe some of you would say I am just blinded by love. Maybe I am but I am saying this because even though we are apart for now he never fails in making me feel how much he loves me. However, being in love does not mean that I will prioritize it over college. Instead, my love will serve as my inspiration in studying. Knowing that my family, my friends, and my boyfriend support me makes me more confident that I can achieve my dreams.
            Someday, I know I will be a successful woman like my mother. I will also be a registered nurse to be exact. She is actually my very first inspiration since she helps a lot of people and still manages to be a good mother and a loving wife. My father is also one of my inspirations. His way of raising me and my brother is matchless. Aside from being successful on my career, I plan of having my own family who will be with me through good and bad times. I will make sure that my future children will always feel the love and care they will need. Lastly, I will let God guide me. I may decide on my own but I will always put Him first above all. I will always thank Him for everything because He is the main reason why I am here in this world.