A Teacher's Diary

Duty Calls

July 18, 2014

Friday

Helpless..

I can't figure it out just yet. But I know I don't have the right to feel helpless. I have to remind myself that I told God not so long ago that I am ready whatever He wants me to be. And that I understood that His plans for me are better than my dreams. That even though this isn't what I want... this is what I need.

***

Another day. Another normal day. I attended my classes. Many of my pupils, even my co-teachers commented about my straight hair and my wearing of glasses. Some say I look old, and I look like a grandma. Some say I still look beautiful. Like Art, of course. "Iba talaga 'pag in love", they say. Again, I told them about my hairfall that was behind of my decision going to salon. They advised me to replace my current shampoo and use conditioner. They suggested Dove.

After my Grade 6 class, I took over our faculty computer to work on our SMEAC and script. I was downloading Princess Urduja and finishing my Filipino paperworks when suddenly everything went black.

There's a rotating black out in Metro Manila. And we were hit today. Too late for Kristoff's prayer. Kids for the afternoon class were in school. No lights. No airconditioned. And they're complaining with the hotness it has brought us. We no longer discuss any lessons since the environment would no longer be conducive. After few minutes, teachers made a call brigade to the service and the parents to fetch the pupils. But us teachers stayed until Gella, from Grade 1 had her Lola.

***

We played in the see saw. Donna, Jessie, Riza and Jenn. Like kids. Jessie, Jenn and Riza decided to eat at Mcdo. Donna was eager to go. She said she has a seminar to attend tomorrow morning. We went home.

I remember mom before she left for their Singapore trip. She asked if she needs to bring this and that. If she can wear this or that. I don't even know what to tell her. I haven't even able to leave the country as well. She's the one who had experience.

She woke me up earlier so I can put her earrings. After that I went back to sleep because I'm programmed to report to work. I avoided further conversations. And now I regret that I haven't told her that everything will be alright. And she just needs to enjoy the whole trip. All I managed to tell her was "Ingat".

I wonder what she's doing right now. I miss her even sometimes she's a nagger. She starts forgetting where she placed her things. But I know she's getting old. And I have to start being nice to her. I hope she stops worrying. Like I do. Now I know to whom I inherited the trait.

*****

I thought I needed an adventure. I texted EJ. With a few disagreements, we finally settled in going to Manila Ocean Park tomorrow.

I went to Yaneza's, just to be able to have an access to wifi. And I was thinking of an attempt to continue my script. And print out certificates for my pupils who did a great job in their mastery test.

But then, I got a call from an unregistered number, +6396247394xx.

The voice was familiar but I can't figure it out that time. He cannot hear me because there's a very weak signal inside Yaneza's home. I can only either go outside or go upstairs. Then, I received messages from Donna.

"Cher, hiningi ni T. Artie ung number mo."

Shoot. My bubbles burst. I know what's coming...

"Teach, this is T. Artie. You are to attend the English Communication Convention tom with T.donna. It's 8am-4pm at UP Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman. Sorry for the short notice."

When I told this to EJ, he replied..

"We're all slaves to the system."

Donna and I settled with meeting in Guadalupe, Jollibee EDSA at 6:30 AM tomorrow.

"I-finalize ko lang Prul. 6:30 at jobee Edsa, maong pants, polo shirt.. tama b? Gudnyt! :-)  yehheey! May kasama ako. :-)"

So, left with no choice, I went back home, ate my dinner, went to my room, straight to my own slumber.