A Teacher's Diary

The Sun in the Storm

July 15, 2014

Tuesday

It was 4:45 AM when I opened my eyes. I can hear the buzzing of the electric fan. I realize the air is not natural. And it's giving heat instead of cold breeze. The cold and damp air I am expecting this morning is simply not just here. Not right now.

I saw mom on my bedside probably finishing up folding the messy placed clothes. She's preparing for her trip to Singapore with Xen and Omar. I bet she's excited. "Ma, do you know where's my phone?" I need it. I need to check the time. It's the only time I could trust even though I know it's 10 minutes ahead or so to the Philippine Standard Time. But my phone's time is the only time synchronized to our biometrics clock in school. My vintage watch is no good use since I noticed, it stops working from time to time. So, one time.. I decided to also quit putting it on my wrist.

I found my phone beside my Lenovo. I put it near me and I immediately fell back to sleep.

****

I was in a cake shop with EJ, obviously eating cake. It might have been Red Ribbon. Then there was another couple beside us. Or probably twins. I'm not sure because they're similarly alike. The face, gestures, how they're dress. I remember talking to them but I don't remember what was it about.

I opened my eyes to check the time on my phone - 5:20 AM. Then the dream continues...

I looked preoccupied in this dream. I looked lonely.. and bothered.. I don't talk much. The typical me in real life. The other 'couple' was no longer there. I looked outside and realized it has started raining.

I was awaken by the sound of my phone's alarm. 5:35 AM. I have this habit of continuing my sleep until I know it's already 6. So, the story goes on.

I haven't eaten all the cake yet. When I realize it's not mine but the couple's. What's weird was that I didn't care.

5:50 AM - EJ asked me to go attend mass but I told him I can't because I still need to go to work.

5:55 AM - I started to panic and hurriedly collected my things because I was thinking if I won't, I will be late.

I finally woke up at 6:05 AM.

I was sad with the fact that only the pupils are spared with going to school because of the weather condition. Classes are already suspended. Typhoon Glenda is all over the news now. But still, I'm glad that even if I need to report to work today, there's no sign of Glenda yet.

I was thinking that it's still an advantage because I'll be able to do SMEAC and the script with the help of my fellow Filipino teachers. But it turned out that I need to back off the computer because the Pre-school teachers were also busy scanning documents. So I busied myself with different tasks when the school phone rang.

T. Malou passed on the message that we'll have General Assembly in Diego Branch at 10 AM.

****

T. Donna was right. She told me that this can happen when we were texting each other last night.

Most of my co-teachers seemed to hate meetings. One reason, we should have been able to accomplish many things today. With all their rants, I also realized that I'm screwed. Simply because I decided to wear my summer shirt instead of the formal uniform because I'm not comfortable wearing those kinds especially if there will be a storm coming. And when we got there. You can define me deviant.

I was the only one wearing the summer shirt and I was worried the admins will notice me. Donna gave me a tip that if they ask why, I need to tell them I have it repaired. And that was I had already in mind. Better prepared than sorry. But if I can only just run away and hide... Maybe I already did.

**

T. Angie just reminded us about few things. The preparation for Nutrition Month and Buwan ng Wika were discussed. MCA was emphasized trying to copy our school. That's why the color coding of the uniform was changed.

Monday - Green

Tuesday - Blue

Wednesday - Yellow

Thursday - Pink

And as an IMC Teacher, we need to bear in mind to look prim and proper and all. We also have new set of teachers enrolled to a Spanish class.

Filipino teachers also had a separate meeting. I'm glad we had because I was enlightened of the real changes made. And I can clearly know now what I should do with the SMEAC and presentation for our grade school variety show. I just realize how stupid I was that I didn't understand what has been changed.

**

T. Andie grabbed me when we were dismissed for a break earlier. She said she has plans that I couldn't tell here yet because I don't know who might read this. I want to protect her because she's a good friend. I miss talking and bonding with her. She talks a lot. I learn many things from the stories she shared with me. I hope we'll be able to have time for a real chit chat next time.

All of us Guada teachers ate our lunch at Jollibee, Bayani Road. I was my taciturn version of myself again after our meeting until we went back to Guada.

Maybe because I am already being worried of the Buwan ng Wika responsibilities plus T. Josie assigned me for the SPG (student council election). I told you before.. I hate responsibilities. And to tell you the truth, in my mind I am already screaming, breaking down, crying.. But all I want to them to see in me is one expressionless face.

Since T. Kristoff lives in Bambang, we were together until Pateros-Bayan. He shared some of his views and stories about the other teachers. T. Malou, T. Irma, T. Sheila, Sir TJ to name a few. But I tell you, I'm good in keeping secrets. And I can't just believe everything I hear otherwise proven.

When I got home, mom asked me to accompany her at the salon near Talipapa. She wants to have her nails polished since they're going to Singapore. I agreed since I want to have my hair rebonded and I have the time now. And I wanted to do something for myself since my mind has been tortured with the upcoming duties. The hell with the script due tomorrow.. I was unable to finish my SMEAC as well. I am so mad. <sigh>