Xmas is around d corner!!

What kind of Xmas will you have this year? Are u really gonna be full of the 'Xmas spirit'? Are u gonna manage your spending this year? Hmmm....that's a lot to think about.

Personally the 'Xmas spirit' is already attacking me,lol. I think having a toddler & one whose b-day is at the beginning of December expedites these feelings. I'm experiencing lightness of spirit already. I'm feeling happier & looking forward to end of term. The end is in sight of a long work term,lol!!

Of course at the same time I'm quite aware of the world economy & its effect on my country. I'm aware that quite a number of persons may not have such a bright Xmas because of the flood. Hmmmm....so what should I do: mope around with the world on my shoulders or enjoy the season in moderation? The second choice is quite appealing to me.

So I encourage others to do the same. Spend in moderation. Be grateful for what u have because there are others who have very little.

Transformation

Transformation: what is it? Is it important?

To me, transformation is all about changing one's habits & actions. Of course there are some who transform themselves into something better & others who get better at doing bad things.

Which one are you? Do you have a picture in your mind of what you want to see yourself becoming & that of your life, being transformed?

Let's talk images. When I think of transformation, I think of the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. What's the process? The caterpillar feeds itself until it's time to wrap itself in a cocoon, on the way to becoming a butterfly. In the cocoon, no doubt change is still taking place. Even when it is exiting the cocoon, change is still taking place. The end product is something that awes us & fills us with wonder at such a pretty sight.

Look at your life now. Do you want to become beautiful? (We're not talking superficial/outward beauty) Do you want to become a better living, breathing person? If yes, what are you doing to improve yourself? How are you working on your transformation? Or are you waiting patiently for others, external forces to change you?

For me, transformation is important. I believe that every year, month, week, day & hour is an opportunity to grow, to do things differently. Being a teacher, I change my method every term. The topics & lessons may remain the same but my method of teaching varies. I love doing this so that students can't share each other's work from year to year but also I, myself, don't want to become bored teaching the same things the same old way. As a result, I continue to enjoy what I do & take real pleasure in my students' work & projects.

Personally, I believe in bettering my character. I go to the Bible because it works for me. In fact, the Bible does speak on transformation too! I also use other inspiring books & devotionals to get me where I need to be. I love reading how people have accomplished much in their lifetime & try to learn lessons through their lives. Everyday must have something inspiring or encouraging for me.

I also believe in breaking the cycle. As I learn & grow & remember what I've been taught by my parents, I change the method of how I teach the very same lessons taught to me. Most lessons have been good but the method needs to change because of the ever-changing world we live in. So my daughter will learn the same lessons but in a different manner. I've already started doing it & seeing good results too :)

Don't forget that challenges lie in our paths. Are we going to make them into stepping stones to becoming transformed? Or are we going to be paralyzed by them? Remember the caterpillar may have had a tough time in the cocoon, that small enclosed space. Or even when the butterfly is emerging from the cocoon, there is a small opening at first & then the butterfly fights its way out.

Our challenges & obstacles are just that, a way for us to fight to stay on track & push towards our goals & dreams. Are you willing to fight? To stretch out to grasp what is yours?

If you are, I wish you all the best! You can do it! Go for it!

If not, I hope that someday (not too late though) that you will awaken to the strength that lies within your soul, mind & body.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2 NIV)

Being a mom :)

Being a mom surely has its challenges BUT more than that it has soooooooooo many fun moments, special times & incredible lessons about oneself & of loving others.

Most women dream of being a mom to the extent that they yearn for it. Others shrug & think that it may be cool one day. I just hope one day is not too late!

Personally I think every woman should experience motherhood. It's like a rite of passage. It definitely reveals how much your body is able to withstand & how big your heart truly is. I also think some women should seriously ponder why they want to become a mother. It is NOT a trend!! No matter how many celebs seem to be having babies, it's not a whim or a fancy!!

I love being a mom. I have learnt so many lessons already - too numerous to count! And my daughter is only 2 years old! I adore her! I adore her spirit & energy :) I can't imagine life without her ever!

I believe I'm learning to love more, to truly care more. I'm learning about my body & how much I can do with very little sleep/energy. It really is amazing what happens when another life besides that of your partner, is involved.

My daughter is quite a chatter box BUT again I'm not surprised, being a teacher and all. She has heard me talk alot! Also, it's really cool hearing her express herself & mimic what she has heard. She is quite the adventurer, linguistically speaking :)

Stay tuned for more stories at a later date ;)

Sometimes you just can't help but enjoy your job!

Today, I enjoyed my job to the max! It was the last official day of the term (yes, I'm a school teacher) & we (my co-form teacher & I) did a special package to end of our term & year with our form class.
I enjoyed putting together this package & I enjoyed seeing the students faces when they received them. It was worth all the hard work & we hope to top ourselves for our new form class next academic year.
I have come to realise that if every teacher were to put a bit more effort into their own classes & inspire & motivate them the world would be a better place. Yes, it is tiring! But I don't expect teachers to move mountains to see changes in our youths. One starts building bridges little by little & one will see the big picture taking shape before him/her.
Now, I agree it's hard & I know administrators love to put a wrench in new things, once they are not the ones with the ideas. But persevere my people, it's worth the battle in the end. Again, start small, then hit them with the big changes you want to implement.
Another challenge is the older teachers. They are so accustomed to the daily routine that when someone comes up to change it, it's an uphill battle for a new teacher. Again, I say persevere because each one of us can make a difference bit by bit. They will appreciate it eventually! It means of course that you have to stick to your guns for the long haul until they give way.
Parents may also fight you down but again, stick to your guns, use lots of diplomacy & watch as these wary parents eventually let you in & therefore change can be effected through them.
All that I've listed above, I have experienced & I repeat it is worth the battle when you see the change in your students. So my dear colleagues stand tall & bring your new ideas to the table & do not waver, for you will see the victory in your lifetime & that of your students as you hold strong.

Blogging-the new phenomenon!

Blogging is an interesting concept. It gives frredom to those of us who want to express ourselves. Of course there will always be those who abuse this new-fangled freedom but let's hope that those of us who use it correctly will try to uphold the right way of using it.



What does one blog about you may ask. I saw anything under the sun! Again let us choose our topics carefully & use our words to question, to find answers & to express ourselves eloquently enough to be understood.



Why blog? I think most people blog to express themselves in a manner that helps them sort through what's in their minds. Others blog, like myself, to attempt to make a difference in some form or fashion in changing peoples minds.



So here's to blogging! A new phenomenon that when used wisely can really make a difference :)