sunflower fairy

In the beginning, I was saddled by worries and doubts if I could survive domesticity. Being at home most of the time, I have to look after my two precocious niece and nephew even if they have their yayas. Being with them is fun, but, I could not match their boundless energy and I get tired easily.

Nonoy is two and I can really attest that it is a ‘terrible’ age. (I even feel it’s horrible sometimes.) He loves to ride his bike and wants to play outdoors rain or shine. He adores toy cars and enjoys car racing games in the net. He thinks that to catch a grasshopper, you only have to say: "Grasshopper, where are you?" It delights me to see him get excited when seeing a ladybug, a butterfly or a caterpillar. He is such a sweet boy. He says ‘I love you’ when he sees you cooking his meal or when you agree to give him a bubble bath. I could not forget that time when I told them to give me a break because I am feeling weary. He patted my back…   

Toni is super smart and is very inquisitive. She’s addicted to television and glued to watching Disney or Nickelodeon. We have devised many ways to discourage this habit with little success. One evening, I received a text message from her mother: Toni asked me to play some music while she paints… God! Do we have a prodigy in the house? …Toni is so sweet. She tells me I love you Tita every so often. She’s also a good lobbyist. When she received a gift from one of her godmother’s she inquired innocently: Did you forget your gift for Nonoy? 

On top of planning their meals… breaking up a fight… hugging them when they get a bubu… or allaying their anxiety every time their parents go out to work…

I guess I did not only survive domesticity, I enjoyed it…

This is my 8th month in Iloilo since I left Davao. I finished my thesis proposal and my defense is forthcoming this July. To test the guide questions I framed, I already interviewed a prospective informant. I am in the process of taking notes of the interview. The presentation for my thesis defense needs some refinements but its almost done. I feel accomplished.

I am looking for a job. I applied in three universities and only one has sent a letter of acknowledgment. Classes have started, so I don’t think I stand a chance. I was shortlisted for a short term research with an NGO. I am crosssing my fingers… The job interview is scheduled this July 2.

I had my share of adventures when I was job hunting. I tried my hand at teaching English as a second language, but I gave it up because of my thesis. We were asked to render twelve hours of observation as part of the training. I got a glimpse of the ‘habitus’ of a tutor. The two-day observation training enabled me to take some ethnographic notes, so to speak. I can write about it in my next blog. The experience is a pleasant memory… Some of the tutees were good looking…

Job hunting also took me to Zarraga, where Gamot Cogon, a school which adopts the Steiner philosophy of education, is located. A meeting with the owner of the school was arranged by my friend Jomari. I feel so cooped at home the past week, I welcomed the out of town trip. The place breathes promise… The school is only a year or so. I like the beauty of nature surrounding the school premises. Mr. Sharman, the school owner, told me that the entire property is ‘hugged by a river’.

The interview prospered with me sharing some thoughts about teaching as a life project…

A close friend is inviting me to apply as Guidance Counselor at the Jaro Seminary…

This job hunting is an exciting adventure… and the experience is teaching me to be patient… to take risks… and to handle disappointments gracefully… 

I am praying that God would give me a job that would not derail the completion of my thesis. Still, I am waiting…

It was the second day of my Crossroads Retreat when I got an SMS from Biboy. Biboy is a lay missionary and former Director of the Philippine Catholic Lay Mission. I felt so happy that Biboy remembered my birthday and that he gifted me with a prayer. 

His prayer: "a beautiful thesis that would be finished on time." Also,  included in his prayer is my wish for a fulfilling work and a meaningful relationship.

Thank you Biboy. A prayer from you is a wondrous gift.