JOURNAL ENTRIES for ENGSPEC-17 Creative Writing

My Expectations for My Creative Writing Class

          I always have the feeling of excitement to come to my Creative writing class. It is a bit challenging, I know. I make sure to work hard to learn the things that I need in order to pass this subject. I have to change my perspective towards writing and be optimistic about it to draw out more ideas in writing.

          The best thing about writing is, I can express myself artistically. For this semester, I am expecting to know new things about writing. . Writing allows me to be creative and a good avenue to pour my heart out. If I have things bottled up inside me, I will put into writing. I am a type of person who is not that comfortable in sharing my deepest emotions.

          This subject will enhance my writing skills and requires me to read more. I am hoping that this course will help in my chosen profession. I know that there will be collaboration and cooperation with my classmates. I am so happy to be a part of this class.

          For our course professor, I am expecting her to be supportive and understanding. I know she is. I hope that she will give us opportunity to enhance our ability. I know that she will be sharing her expertise in the field of writing. As an aspiring writer and a reader, I am hoping to learn new techniques in my future writing tasks.

I am expecting unity among my team and professor in completing this semester.

Promises to Keep

          As a simple person, I have promises to keep for myself. I will accept everything that I am and everything that I am not. I will value myself and think that I am self-worthy. I have to be confident. I have wasted too many days comparing myself to others wishing to be someone I am not. Everybody has their own strength and weaknesses. It is only when you learn to accept everything you are and you aren’t that you will truly find happiness and success in life. I will appreciate others for who they are and not for whom I want them to be. In this way, I will get the best of them. I promise to speak kindly and consciously to others and to myself. Opening my mind before opening my mouth should always be considered. If I will let my emotions rule over me, I’ll have extremely tough time in recovering the words I have said. I will make sure to say inspiring and comforting words to my family and friends.

          I will stop trying to control everything. It is important to admit that we can’t control everything in our lives no matter how many safeguards we put into place. We don’t have to control everything to find peace and happiness. Allowing life to just happen and flow as it does without constant micromanagement. I will appreciate the beauty of small moments. A positive person lives a positive life and there is always something to be thankful for and something to smile about. I believe that the happiest people are not those who get everything they want: they are those who, while in pursuits of worthy goals, notice and appreciate the beauty and sweetness of everyday moments. Last thing that I promise to myself is to grow from my challenges. What comes easy won’t always last, and what will last won’t come easy. I may be stunned, awakened and changed by what will happen to me but I have to choose to grow from it. I am determined to live a happy life no matter what obstacles may come. I will turn my tales of fury into the tales of glory!

All About My Body

          Losing weight is a struggle and unique for each individual. While some manage to drop that pounds with extra trips to the gym or cutting back on junk foods. For others, their problems run much deeper than bad habits alone. In my case I got bigger as my self-confidence got weaker. I found comfort in food after I decided to work and study at the same time. I grew up in a household of overeaters. If I go to shop for clothes, I would normally hear words spoken loudly and rudely in a well-known department store; “We don’t have anything that fits you here!” “Your sizes are somewhere else.” During that time, I wanted nothing more than to be somewhere, anywhere at the moment to escape from the shame and embarrassment as other shoppers turned to look at me, the woman who was too large for that department. Comments like that, not to mention the gestures that are typical here in the country especially when you are almost 200 lbs. Those people assure that I am lazy or undisciplined or apathetic. I want others to see me as a strong woman and a capable person that I really am.

          Now because of proper diet and exercise I managed to lose those extra pounds and able to maintain my weight for a year. I eat healthy foods and exercise at least three times a week.

          I thought that once I slimmed down, I’d escape the harsh judgments of other’s, but that was not so. Yet, I am healthier and fit than I used to be, but some people seem to view me as a formerly overweight person who needs to be monitored especially in eating. One friend would tease me that she caught me going to a fast-food store for lunch. I told her that it wasn’t me. I found out that she’d seen me turning to a health club which happens to be near a fast food store.

          Whenever I catch myself jumping to conclusions based on what I think rather than what I know, I feel ashamed. I know how hurtful and demoralizing it is when people do it to me. People who are overweight deserve compassion, acceptance and encouragement not judgment especially when the person doing the judging is far from perfection herself.

How I See Myself Five Years from Now

          If we say five years, we might say that it is a long period of time. Time flies so fast. I started with small steps and set my goals. The first move I made was to make sure that I accomplish all my goals in life by finishing my studies. Now that I am in my senior year, I should be positive that my career goal will happen within the next five years. I always dream of finishing a course. Even though I am already working in a BPO company but I am still longing to finish a college degree. My husband is someone who encourages me to pursue my goals. I know it is impossible to study during and work all night. I just pray and ask guidance from the Lord to give me strength to face my challenging life. My family is my inspiration and the reason why I keep going.

          To make sure that I achieve my goals, I will never stop believing that I can. I will continue to inspire others to work hard. I will keep on enriching myself like enroll in a computer class, go to the gym to keep myself fit. By doing this I will equip myself to face the world.

           As I mature, I realize how important it is to accomplish your desirable goals not only for my personal satisfaction but also to have a better life.

My Favorite Bible Verse

          My favorite bible verse is from the book of Revelations. I read this to my grandfather the night when he was confined in the hospital due to prostate cancer.

          “Then the angels showed me the river of life giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down to the middle of its street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces the fruit twelve times a year, once a month: the leaves of the tree serve as the medicine for the nations. Nothing accursed will be formed there anymore. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their forehead. Night will be no more, nor do they need light from the lamp of the sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they will reign forever and ever. ” Revelations 22:1-5

           This verse is special for me and this is also my grandfather’s favorite. He is the person that teaches me to appreciate the beauty of the scriptures and how helpful it is in my life. It never fails to inspire me. My grandfather is currently suffering from Prostate cancer stage 4 and he is suffering from pain. Even though we could not hear him complain but I could feel his agony.

When he feels better, I make sure to find time to talk about the readings that I has and the things I have learned from the bible.

The verse is important because it gives hope, a hope that frees our soul from worrying about tomorrow. Life may be so difficult but knowing God’s promise for eternal life, we need not to worry.

My Favorite Quotation

“Finish each day and be done with it, you have done what you could;

Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day;

You shall begin it serenely and with too high spirit to be encumbered

with your old nonsense.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe that some quotes that have come from human mouths are divinely inspired. My favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson. His early preaching had often touched on the personal nature of spirituality. He became known as the central figure of his literary and philosophical group now known as the American Transcendentalist.

My Favorite Song

Forever

We've come so far
To leave it all behind
I wonder why
Why did you go away?
And left me all alone
No words can say
My love, please stay.

Refrain:
You and I, we have moments left to share
(Moments left to share)
You and I, we can make it anywhere
(Make it anywhere)
You and I, we belong in each other's arms
There can be no other love
Now, I know that we could have it all forever

Each night I pray
That we can be together once again

Forever more
We'll stay and love this way
No matter what they say
Until the end.
(Repeat Refrain)
Oh, oh, oh
Ahh, ahh, ohh
Woh, I'm... 
(Repeat Refrain)

Coda:

Ooh
Now I know that we could have it all forever... (2x)

             It’s amazing how much memory we can associate to a particular song, especially love songs. If there is one type of song that we will never grow tired of it is the ever popular love song. Mellow or upbeat, whatever the tempo or the lyrical content; love songs remained attuned to our musical tastes. My favorite song is the ever famous song entitled “Forever” by Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez. This is also my husband’s favorite. We sing together on some occasions. We impress people with how we blend. We also made some minor revisions of the tune to make it unique for both of us. I never realized how I love the song until I have to write about it.

            The song sounds so cool and it has a very enticing melody. The story of the song is about lovers we were madly in love with each other. They strongly believe in forever even if at times they have to be apart. Their love is so strong that even trials could not come between them. When they finally had each other, they promise not to let go. The love they have is greater than their struggles.

My Favorite Food

           Each individual has various tastes when it comes to food. Some people like hot and spicy food while others prefer salty or sweet food. I really love pork adobo or locally known as “Humba”. Every time my husband prepares this special dish, the entire family will be filled with joy because of the aroma of the dish. Humba has an old-aged recipe which is unique for every Filipinos. All the ingredients must be carefully picked and it should be fresh. The pork meat should be lean and marinated with some special sauce and secret spices. It has to be fried first before the final cooking to achieve its exact color and texture. It has to be fried for at least 15 minutes. It should not be overcooked or overdone. When the meat becomes golden brown it indicates that it is ready for the final process of cooking. All the spices and sauce should be mixed with the fried meat. We have to use low heat to allow the meat to tenderize and the sauce to caramelize.

            Humba is a perfect dish for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, fiestas or any special gathering. This is the dish that I forward during fiestas and social gatherings. It is a simple dish that can easily be prepared however it can satisfy the whole family. It can be paired with plain rice and sodas. This is a dish that makes any occasion festive.

My Favorite Person

          Do you have that person in your life that makes you happy and smile? That one lucky guy is my partner in life. He is very talented and a nature lover. He helps me with studies and household chores. He loves to sing with me and loves to cook food for the whole family. I couldn’t imagine life without him. My husband is a chef and a nutritionist. Whenever I need help in cooking or anything else in school or at home. He is the one who taught me how to cook rice perfectly and some other delicious recipes. Well my husband and I very similar. We both love music. My favorite part was during weekends when we have videoke time with the family. Our dream is to perform together using his guitar in front of a crowd.

My Strengths

A Christian is not only human but a spirit. Whenever we are weak, we do not fall back to being

human, but as Christians we allow ourselves to get that strengths from the Lord. I believe

that life is a learning experience and being able to recognize our own strengths can help us

become better individuals in anything we choose to do. Whether it is positive abilities and

abilities and skills that can help us achieve our goals

or negative personal areas that need improvement. Knowing yourself and what you can do, can

help you recognize and overcome your weaknesses. One of my greatest strengths at work that

I have recognize would be my ability to be a well-organized individual. Putting things in

the right place will help you finish your work faster and better. Self-assessment is also the

process that can help us examine ourselves and discover more. This allows us to look for areas

of improvement and work on this to have a lifelong journey with progress. I believe that I am organized and

punctual. These qualities enable me to stay in the company

for almost three years now. Dedication and honesty are of the utmost

importance. I can work without supervision and do my job effectively and efficiently. I never feel

lazy when it comes to doing my job right. I make sure

that I excel in the things that I love to do. I am not

really into perfection but I want to see progress.

My Weaknesses

As a fourth year student, I have learned a lot about myself and what I want in life.

Some of this self-realization that I really want to pursues my studies. I have to set goals

that will help me eliminate my weak point and improve my strengths.

Every person has a weak point in their personality that sometimes embarrass me when brought up

in conversation with some friends. One weakness that I noticed is that I have addiction to

excessive sleeping. This is a serious problem since I need to be awake in my job to fulfill

my responsibilities. I realize that my creativity and brain output is highest and

at best quality in the early hours of the morning. Since I began schooling and working at

the same time, I only have few hours of sleep. This may be the reason why I am always longing to

sleep for a long time. I found a solution to my weakness and that is having an extra dose if caffeine. I was never a

coffee drinker but then when I started with this lifestyle, I started my addiction to brewed coffee.

Every time my family comes home from other countries. , the best gift I would ask is the dark

roasted coffee. Now I sip at least fifteen cups of coffee to keep me awake and do the things

I have to do. I am stronger than my weaknesses and I always tell myself that I can.

My Triumph

I consider my family as my greatest triumph. They are the reason to wake up eveyday. My husband and I decided to have only two children. I always wanted to have three kids so I can easily manage them. My goal is to support my children until they finish their studies. I want them to be happy and healthy while achieving their dreams in life. I want them to enjoy their childhood. I will not let them experience the things that happen to me when I was young. As a parent I will make sure to fulfill my duties and provide their needs not just the material things but also love and affection.
As a couple we make sure to talk about the future of our children and how we will fulfill them. It is a lifelong commitment to love them unconditionally. The strength of the family especially the children is from the spouses.
We make sure to spend quality time for the children. They also need to relax and play with us and their friends. My family is a gift from God that I have to treasure.

My Dreams in Life

Can a person exist without a dream? Definitely harder ever. Everyone must have a wish for his life not just for physical existence but a real and happy life full of aims and ambitions. A person needs to work hard to achieve those dreams and enjoy life at the same time. I personally have largest wishes. I wish to travel to the United States and migrate with my family. These dreams makes my life go round because I do whatever it takes to make them come true. One of my precious dreams is to visit one of the splendid capitals of the world, London. After I first heard of this charming city and saw the pictures of it I fell in love with it right away. They say that ancient cities have special air and smell. I want to go with my family not only to visit the sites but also to try their food. They say that the streets have scents and when you breath with it, you experience people's senses and thoughts. I also think that to see London is to see the world. I mean if you go there you can meet people from around the world. People go to London not just to travel but also to study, work or to migrate.
I believe that one day my dreams will all come true.

My Parents

I think parents are couple who created a new life together. They have to protect, guide and give a good future for their children. I also think that parents shape their children's personality by how they treat them. They are also responsible to make their children go to the right direction. It is also necessary for parent's to be their child's best friend so they will develop sense of trust. They should be the one who will teach them good values and to love God. Children will not remember parents for the materials they provided but for the feeling they cherished them.
Unfortunately this is not what happened to me as a child. I came from a broken home. My parents were separated even before I was born. I was raised by my grandparents. I managed to live a happy life even if I grew up without the love and care of my biological parents.

Note: I cannot disclose all the events of my life.

Life of a Star

What does it mean to be famous? One definition is having widespread reputation, usually of a favorable nature, renowned, and celebrated. I want to be famous in singing not just to impress people but to inspire them.
As a simple person, singing helps me a lot when I'm stressed. Nothing helps me more than music. My passion for singing comes from deep within my soul, mind and heart. When I sing, I sing with all of me, putting everything into it. I have always has a great passion for singing ever since I was young. Although I am shy and still get nervous and shaky in front of other people, in my own time singing is my cigarette, my alcoholic drink and my escape from all the anger and pain. From the time I could speak my first words, according to them I was singing.
I want to famous in singing because that is what I love to do. Singing in front of the crowd for me is a dream come true. Hearing positive comments and loud applause makes me feel special.

How the Zebra Got It’s Stripe

Long, long ago in the grasslands of Africa, the animals experienced famine and drought. All the animals were starving and beginning to lose their beautiful fur. They had a meeting and decided to do something about it. Suddenly Snake had an idea.

“Maybe we can go to the Wise man and see if he can help us.”

“That’s a great idea, replied the Bird.”

So the animals sped off to see the Wise man. When the animals got there, the Wise man was outside his hut.

“Man, can you please help us?” asked the Snake. “We are starving and we lost our fur.”

“Sure! Come back tomorrow at exactly six in the morning.”

So the animals set off back home. The next morning, all the animals except Zebra went to the Wise Man. Zebra was too busy sleeping. All the animals went back with their beautiful and shiny fur and a full stomach. When Zebra got to the Wise man’s hut, all that was left was a little ripped black shirt. Zebra decided to try it on. It stretched onto his body and started to grow on him.

And that is how the Zebra got its amazing stripes.

September 25, 2015

An Open  Letter to My 15-Year-Old Self

           There were a lot of  things that happened when I was fifteen.  I wrote scrapbook.  I made diaries.  I graduated from high school.  I took year off from school.  I had my first real relationship.  I moved to another city. I made amazing friends. I fell in love. I was grieving for my lost father.

          So really, everything happened in my teenage years.  So much happened that it’s hard for me to remember what life was like before all of this — or what I was like before all of this, even.  When I think about myself at 15 — a high school graduate, living in an attic apartment with two lovely roommates — the person I vaguely remember is completely familiar to me in some ways and maddeningly different in others.

          A while back, I was reflecting on the differences between then and now, and just for fun, I wondered what I would tell my 15-year-old self if I had the chance.  I think it would go like this:



Dear 15-year-old Self,

          You are the stongest woman I have ever known. If I were to live a life with the same situation like yours again, I don't think I can. I am so proud that you made the people around happy and helped them in your own little way. Your hands were not that strong but you experienced a hard work that no other teenager ever experienced. I know you were broken but you managed to mend those broken pieces and regained your strength and maintain kindness in your heart.

       I know it is not easy to live a teenage life without parents but you are very strong. I couldn't imagine the life of my children without me and their father. I know life is cruel to you but you never forget to kneel down and pray. That is one thing I admire about you, your relationship with God.

       I will never be tired of telling my children how hard your  life was and how you were able to survive. What a tough woman you will become in the future and will become the most loving mother.


With love,
My grown up self

September 24, 2015

                                                       Hunger Leads to Desperation


          Hunger is one piece of a complex of interrelated social ills. It is linked intricately to global economic, political, and social power structures; modes of development and consumption; population dynamics; and social biases based on race, ethnicity, gender, and age. So if I were to describe  the color of hunger, it is black and it has an unpleasant smell. It is not just a simple thing but has a deeper meaning from the history up to the present.

           If we defy hunger it is a condition in which a person, for a sustained period, is unable to eat sufficient food to meet basic nutritional needs. So if you are unable to eat the food that has adequate amount of nutrients that your body needs, it will lead to malnutrition so therefore it is not desirable.

           The world community has both the knowledge and the resources to eliminate hunger. Putting these tools to work requires us to ground our choices–small and large, individual and collective, political and economic–in ethical values, including empowerment and justice, stewardship of common resources for the common good, and affirmation of diversity. We must work hand in hand to lessen hungry children in the world.
As what Pope Francis said, "When there is hunger there is desperation."


#creativewriting

September 23, 2015

"If I Had One Day Left to Live"

One day left? What a horrible and wonderful thought at the same time. In reality, we never know if we have one day left. Therefore, knowing would definitely be a plus.

I would certainly want to spend my last day with my family. Instead of crying and worrying, I would want to spend it celebrating and "going out with a party.

If I have only one day to live, I would go around and tell my true feelings to everyone before I die. I would write a death message saying how my life was giving thanks to a lot of people. I would not go to any activities or go to school. I would stay home and probably start praying to God for this wonderful life I have, and how much I will miss a lot of people. I would not probably spend the last hours of my life in bed, not sleeping just thinking over my entire life and the successful things I've done. I would think of the things that didn't go so well in my life and how I could've changed it yet, it's too late. I probably spend my remainder of my money to  give to a church, charity, and family. I would also have a long talk with a lot of my family relatives telling how they impacted my life. I would like to spend it joyfully.

#creativewriting

September 22, 2015

My Ideal Marriage

A popular saying goes, "Marriage involves three rings: the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering."

           Good communication is the key to any solid relationship, most of all, marriage. I want my husband to share his thoughts with me. I want to hear his dreams and to share in his struggles. On the other hand, I will also want him to be ready to listen to me, and interested to know what is happening in my life. There should be no secrets between us.

Our life is full of challenges. We can expect to face failure as well as success; heartache as well as joy; boredom as well as excitement. So, the my husband has a positive attitude and a good sense of humor. He is always witty and say things which make me laugh. My husband is the one who can see the silver lining behind every cloud, rather than focus on the flaws in every situation. With such a man, I am encouraged to look at life in a happier and more positive way.

          Above all other qualities, my husband is faithful. He is someone who really believes in that marriage is made to last "till death do us part". He is totally committed to our relationship, and willing to stay for the long, "in sickness and in health, for better or for worse"; as couples promise in the wedding vows. I am hoping that my husband would not be distracted by other women; not even when I have lost my looks and that he would be a "one woman man". In return, I will also promise my total loyalty and faithfulness to my husband.

            Actually, there are many other qualities that make a man perfect husband material. For example, one obvious quality would be the ability to provide; and, though it is not the most important quality, physical attraction must be a part of the equation for a marriage to work well. However, while it is easy to make lists, finding a man to live up to them will be very difficult. Furthermore,my advise is, instead of focusing on my requirements for the perfect husband, I think one should recognize one's own imperfections, and set about correcting them. As Barnett Brickner said, "Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate."

           For people who are still single, pray for a good partner. I did that when I was still fifteen, until I found my husband at the right time. We face many trials in our married life but we commit to love each other and continue to love our children forever.

September 21, 2015

Escape from Banality

Sleeping is my only time for myself. If I want to escape from the pressures of life, I would rather sleep and dream about the places I have never been to. Dreams are part of the reality of the individual having them. My own dreams are real for me. When I am awake, I am aware of my life, my actions, consequences in the reality in which I live in. when I am dreaming I feel everything that is happening to me in my physical body. It feels like the neuron's firing in my brain, the fear or the happiness that I am feeling. 

Aside from sleeping, I also read books to escape from the banality of life. When I pick a book I enter a different world. The author of the book uses aspects from his or her life to create a world in his work that others can see. By opening a book and starting to read about the world that is unfamiliar to me, I enter into the author's imagination. Books are then example of a way to leave one's own reality. when I want to get away from all the pains in life, all I have to do is pick up a book and enter to a new world. Movies and other activities are also effective. However, these ways are just temporary. Though it may sound appealing it is not possible to exit one's own reality for good. Our reality is connected to our identity. If the reality is gone, then so is life. 

September 18, 2015

  "If Eyes Were Placed Elsewhere"

If given a chance to change to place my eyes where I want them to be, I would not change anything. God perfectly placed it where it should be. His creations are perfect and I no one can question it. When driving I can see things clearly, especially the at the sides using my peripheral view. When I see my children, I see them perfectly in front of me. When I read a book, watch movies or do anything, I can focus because of my clear vision. I appreciate the beauty of nature because of my beautiful eyes.

I love my eyes, I should take care of them.