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Are You a Better Person Now?

Published at October 7, 2007 in Observations and Opinions, Personal and Random Ramblings. 5 Comments

I came across my old xanga blog (year 2003) that I had already forgotten, and began reading some posts. My style of writing and even the topics I wrote about then were something I can’t say I am proud of. I was using chat words like “idk” (for I don’t know), “lyk” (for like), and other words I now consider below English standards. I am a teacher, some of my students read my posts, and I was supposed to be a role model. Instead, I was the one getting hooked by these language trends. I should be the one changing people for the better.

So the question popped: “Did I improve over the years?”

And then my thoughts drifted to my other characteristics. Am I still ALWAYS late? Do I still spend a lot of time watching TV? Am I a better teacher now? Did I expand what I know about technology?

Am I a better person now?

Truth is I have high respect for people who always work hard to be better: may it be on the personal aspect or professional. They are people who are driven to success and they know how to invest on their future. I should know, because I see them everyday; I work with them; I talk to them; I read about them. These people who strive to be better are always hungry for knowledge and they embrace new challenges.

And they are the people I’m trying to emulate.

Am I a better person now?

I can say I’m a little punctual now, though it still needs improvements. When I notice I get distracted watching re-runs of sitcoms and old movies, I turn off the TV and switch the radio on and continue what I am supposed to do.

I am a better teacher, yes. I continually ask seasoned educators from my school for suggestions and observe how they teach. This year, our school principal made us watch a video of Harry Wong (link is for the book) on how to be an effective teacher, and it is very helpful. I can say I manage my classes A LOT better than the way I did 2-3 years ago.

Thanks to the internet, I am able to update my technology skills. And as for this blog, I see to it that I spend ample time to improve its layout and its content.

Improvement should never stop. So if this post has somehow enlightened you and you decide to be better, do something about it and do it now, because learning and improvement do not end as soon as results are gained.

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When NOT to say NO

Published at September 20, 2007 in Observations and Opinions, Personal and Random Ramblings. 7 Comments

If you are a YES person trying to get out of your shell, perhaps you have already read few topics about “LEARNING TO SAY NO” from books or internet or any articles. But I will not talk about that in this post.

In fact, what I’m going to talk about is “When NOT to say NO”.

Sometime in my early 20′s, I needed something personal done, and to make it happen, I also needed someone I can trust to do something big for me. So I turned to my friend, who I knew I can count on. I came to him with high hopes and told him the plan and seeked his help. But to my surprise, I was denied.

I’m not the type of guy who asks for help all the time, so I was taken aback by the rejection. I knew he can do the favor, and it wasn’t his nature to reject someone. The thing was, I also knew he was in to this “LEARN TO SAY NO” practice. I am his friend, and he was giving me that “no”-routine? I felt it was not right, but I didn’t say anything and acted like it was nothing. But it wasn’t. It still bothers me.

I am okay with that saying no habit, only if done correctly.

So when do you not say no?

When a favor was asked of you no matter how small or big it is, and you know you can do it, then say yes, especially when someone is really counting on you. Stop practicing saying no just for the sake of it. Do you really have anything to lose? Nothing really, if you think about it.

Is it really going to kill you if you say yes?

I don’t think so.

A person will not come to you and ask for help if he knows you are not capable of doing it.

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The John Pierpont’s Story: A Man Who Died A Failure

Published at September 18, 2007 in Personal and Random Ramblings. 6 Comments

I was thinking of writing a post about “SUCCESS” and how I define it, but there are so many things flowing through my mind I couldn’t put the words together. And then I remembered a book that I had read from several years ago by Robert Fulghum, titled “It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It“. There’s a very good story in that book that touched my life and lingers up to now.

It’s about a man who died a “failure“.

Here it is, from Fulghum’s Book (thanks to Richard Seah for posting this in his site):

Continue reading ‘The John Pierpont’s Story: A Man Who Died A Failure’

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36 More Hours A Week

Published at September 14, 2007 in Personal and Random Ramblings. 8 Comments

What would you do if you have 36 more hours a week? It is equivalent to 6 days extra a month, or 72 more days (approximately 2.5 more months) in a year! I got this idea from one of my favorite bloggers Gleb Reys, which he got from Ed Mills, inspired by the book “The 4-Hour Work Week“. (I haven’t read it yet)

I should say, Gleb’s list fired me up! Probably because upon reading his list, I realized we have something in common. Here is my own version of list, which is in no particular order. If you know me personally, notice that I kept everything realistic and achievable:

Professional Growth

As a teacher (Computers and Math), I want to learn how to effectively teach and convey my message to my students. Improving classroom management is also one of the important things I need to pay close attention to. On the other hand, as a tech guy, I want to be updated on the latest technology. Getting outdated is one of the fears of a tech person. Also, it is my long-time goal to obtain technical certification, so it needs action now.

Read books

I have this bad habit of opening a book and not finishing it. If I have more time, I will allot more of it for reading. I’ll start with 1 book and finish it in two weeks (one week if the book is light and short.)  :P

Workout

I consider myself skinny. But as I age, many people notice me getting bigger. To burn some fats, I should run, or play basketball or start practicing martial arts with my friends, or anything that makes me sweat. 2-3 hours of workout a week should do it. I want to lose these love handles!

Cook

I discovered I enjoyed cooking, but the dishes I make are really simple. So, if I have more time, I’d try complicated (and healthy!) dishes like the ones we see in magazines and cookbooks. Maybe Ms. Whatsit can post some tips in her blog! ;)

Room Chores

Do the laundry, clean the room, etc. You know, I hate doing those. It feels like a complete waste of time and I end up procrastinating. But I ‘need’ to do it because I don’t want to sleep in my own filth. Besides, it is more enjoyable to work in a clean room. Problem is, I don’t know where to begin. Good thing I found Priscilla‘s post: Begin Where You Are.

Sleep

I lack sleep, which is the result of me wanting to do a lot of things at the same time. If I have 36 hrs more per week, I would sleep for an extra hour per night. I believe the key to have a beautiful day is to have a beautiful good night sleep.

Others:

  • Learn the road by driving and travelling
  • Re-discover my passion for guitar
  • Dance lessons :P
  • Finish all those pending jobs! (broken computers, unchecked papers, etc.)
  • Watch movies (I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched at the cinema)
  • Meet up with old friends

36 more hours is a lot, that’s why I wanted to write more goals. But I have to cut it short, and prioritize. I also wanted a more balanced approach by combining work, personal growth and rest. While writing this post, I realized that 36 hours free is not given, it is made.

If you wish to make your own list, post them in the comment box or make a post in your blog and link back to this post. I’d love to hear your own list. Make sure to include Gleb‘s and Ed’s. I believe Ed Mills is compiling lists, which I think is a very good idea. If you want to be included, then mention it in Ed’s post.

Enjoy!

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Thank You

Published at September 4, 2007 in Personal and Random Ramblings. 3 Comments

This is an appreciation post, a way of saying “Thank you” to the wonderful people I met online thru blogging. I spent the last days of summer blog-hopping, reading subjects about Personal Development, Self-Confidence, and Teaching because I want to learn more and improve myself and at the same time share everything I experienced and learned to people who stumble upon this site. School starts technically in1.5 days, and I wouldn’t let this opportunity pass me by, so allow me to thank the following people who I look up to:

  1. David Rogers – For writing straight-to-the point entries about self confidence.
  2. Gleb Reys – for sharing articles and tools useful for Personal Development. Thank you also for adding me up to your Personal Development List!
  3. Priscilla Palmer – for writing inspiring posts about Personal Development. Thank you for linking me up and responding to my post. I was thrilled and honored. Your approach is so down-to-earth.
  4. Ms. Whatsit – for writing informative posts about teaching. I also have a good feeling you’re a very good cook! Thank you for responding to my posts. I hope to be included in your blog carnival. :)
  5. Lisa Parisi – for sharing experiences as an elementary (Gr. 5) teacher. In my opinion, you choose the right words to describe your insights.
  6. Steve Clark – for opening the door of blogging for me.

Thank you very much to all of you. You’ve been an inspiration to my young blogging experience.

-Saedel

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