Posted by Teacher Ria in Advocacies, Teacher's Corner | 1 Comment

It’s Thank You Day!

I almost forgot…

Today is Thank You Day. It’s hard to believe that it’s been a whole year since this site hosted Toblerone‘s Spread The Sweetness of Gratitude contest in honor of Thank You Day. Today, I am thankful for being reminded that I have the chance to do just that everyday, no matter how bad a day I may be having

And so while today wasn’t a perfect day for me, I am making a choice to take the time  say thank you nonetheless, for the big and little things that have come my way For today, this includes the virtual hugs shared by my online friends, and for the real hugs my little kids in class gave me today. This includes, too, heart-warming comments posted on my blogs i am woman, hear me rawr! and Fat Girl No More. Lastly, I am still thankful for simple reminders that come my way that tell me despite whatever troubles and stresses come my way, cliché as it may be, that this too shall pass and that yes, while I seem to have misplaced my happy vibe a wee bit since yesterday, I am finding my way back to it, so for that, I am grateful

What are you thankful for today? Do drop by the Toblerone Pilipinas Facebook Fan Page and Click on the Notes section to share your story of gratitude and join in on their Thank You Day Promo!

Posted by Teacher Ria in Featured, Reflections, Teacher's Corner | 2 Comments

I Teach Because They Taught Me Well

Happy World Teachers Day!

Every now and then, I still find myself questioning why and how I happened to fall into teaching. I still haven’t figured out the answer to that, but every time I find myself questioning just that, I am reminded that whatever the reason may be, I am just so lucky to have been given the opportunity to be among the ranks of those who are called ‘teacher’, and while I may be (and perhaps always will be) an Accidental Teacher, I am grateful that I am able to heed the call to do what it is I do.

Today I’d like to take pause and honor all the teachers that have paved the way for my own path, because in my heart of hearts, I know I wouldn’t be here if not for what I’ve gained through them.

Perhaps the teacher I owe most of who I am today is Teacher Chona. It was she who recognized early warning signs of dyslexia in me and went through great lengths to help me overcome that looming learning disability. While it may come to hinder me every now and then, I believe that her support and insights as early as then made learning, and yes, even excelling, a possibility for me.

Posted by Teacher Ria in Featured, Teacher's Corner | 2 Comments

Teacher Ria’s SHOE Story

Before I begin, let me say it’s been a while since I stopped and tried to see the positives in my day-to-day life. Earlier this year, I had attempted to start a photo Project 365 that focused on finding the silver lining to everyday but since I’ve gotten so busy, I haven’t really had time to do so. Thankfully, as an added bonus for her contest, Earth encouraged her readers to take a look at their SHOEs for the day. What are SHOEs? These are your Seven Heaven on Earth, or seven things, events, places or whatever that you appreciate. No matter how small or big, it’s important to be grateful and to honor them, right?

So thanks Earth for reminding me to do this! And so, here are my SHOES:

1. I am grateful for the successful school year that had just finished. I enjoyed my days with the kids a lot, and despite some difficulties along the way, they all showed good progress and for those who are of age already, they made it to the big schools!

2. My third article for www.thepoc.net came out today It was an article on addiction and I enjoyed trying to capture the shot that was used for the article. Oh….those are all vitamins, fyi! Well, except for the blue one, which is a night time over-the-counter sleep aid.

3. I am grateful for the summer. I love how I don’t have to wake up so early everyday and I am looking forward to the rest and relaxation summer brings. I was lucky to have some early summer getaways but hopefully soon, I can take a longer and more relaxing trip soon!

4. I am especially happy that both my brother and my Bubba are okay. Last week was a truly tumultuous week as Tuesday saw Bubba with a sprained paw and JJ, my brother, figured in a tricycle accident on Thursday.They’re both doing great now and thankfully, there’s no major problems or concerns with them both.

5. A good night’s sleep! If there is one thing I miss a lot, it’s sleeping in and not having to wake up with the blaring alarm clock. I am so grateful for that today!

6. My WIFI router! This was purchased from winnings in a contest I won a few months back and since I got it, it has definitely made me very happy. That and Cerise, my Nokia E63

7. My 7th SHOE is blog contests Though I don’t win all the contests I join, it’s a fun and entertaining past time. And when I do win, the thrill is just….awesome! Just yesterday I received the great news that I won a Starbucks 2010 Clean and Green Tumbler! Woot!

what about you, what are your SHOEs?