Personal and Family
The Demo: A Cornucopia of Thoughts From The Emotionally Drained
It had been such a long week for me—in fact, a length of time more than a week to be exact. Remember how the Beatles sung about “A Hard Day’s Night”? Just imagine how it would be if the guys from Liverpool were referring to a whole week, or a length of time more than a week?
How does it feel to be emotionally drained—like many use to say? Now perhaps, I know what it exactly means.
It’s much luck that Thursday (otherwise known as today) is the start of a very long weekend where the kids have no classes and the wife is at home from work. It makes it easier for me when she’s around for that way, the kids won’t go as unruly and virtually tugging at my shirt all day long. When their Mom is at home, they’d mostly troop to her almost all the time, asking for this and that, questioning this and that, telling stories from school and beyond, of ghosts and monsters now that it’s All Soul’s Day, forgetting somehow about their father that is presently ensconced in this small sectional room with a computer.
When I am tired and drained like this, I would mostly feel like I need to divert my thoughts from the ordinary and do so something unexpected. Years ago, as a form of diversion, I would relax my inner self through music, going downtown and scouring every records store for new music releases, and buying lots of them. It was a relatively expensive habit that as other expenses rose, it became more and more unattainable. I stopped doing that for more than a couple of years or so. It drains the pocket, you know. It did re-energized my inner self almost every time, but it drained the pocket like nothing would, while in these hard economic times, that proverbial pocket isn’t always full, unlike years ago, when I was working for an internationally-funded agency receiving an unbelievably high salary rate compared to the average pay of anyone in the population. But acquiring new music was such a reinvigorating activity for me back then, whenever the spirit is down and drained.
Nowadays, I would most likely go in front of the computer, log-in into the whole wide web, and do one of my most favorite activity in recent times, and that is, looking and searching for new blog designs throughout and try it on my blog, like a new shirt. It would take me almost three to four hours to complete one installation. When I was not as eloquent in porting Wordpress designs into my Blogsome site before, it had taken me more than a week to finish one (would you believe?). But now, practice and tenacity had shortened that period into just merely 3 hours, and if the design is uncomplicated and without so much of an image in it, it would take not more than an hour.
So there, as you see, I am suiting this new blog design called Summer Fruit. It’s red and very Web 2.0. Glossy and modern. Fun and unpretentious. I hope you would not mind this so much. I am worried somehow that my readers would find this to be completely ridiculous, that there goes Major Tom once again, with yet another design, when he had just had another just weeks ago. I am worried how perhaps this frequent design changes would make them very uncomfortable, thinking how I could not make up my mind, that I am so fleeting and indecisive. And you may think like it’s maybe some form of psychosis that Major Tom has (har..har) and I hope it’s not. Hey, I assure you it’s not.
Designing I say is a very addictive undertaking. Creation is an addiction sometimes. Like one could always feel in control of everything, like I could bring up something out of nothing. In a sudden, I feel such invincibility and might—that in my hand lies how my website would look like and no one, exactly no one could interfere with that. Now, there goes some suspected complex. But I am just overemphasizing for a little jest. All in all, redesigning soothes my tired spirit and reinvigorates my inner self and it is generally therapeutic and soothing.
So I hope you would not mind so these frequent redesigns. Most blog experts advise against this habit for they say it is not good for readership, as readers could shy away from a site that is always changing in look, taking the readers out of sort. But you know, I feel confident with my blog readers, especially among my blog friends who frequent The Citizen On Mars, and they’d be here no matter what.
So you’d wonder why I was so drained in the first place, as I’ve mentioned initially.
About a week ago—more than a week ago to be exact—an old friend came visiting with a good news in hand. King Sali went literally bursting into our gate and excitedly informed me that there was an available teaching position in the University (the Western Mindanao State University) where he teaches the Indonesian Bahasa Language and where I had gained my law degree. A day after that, I had a teaching demo in front of Dean Eddie Ladja of the Institute of Asian and Islamic Studies, with all his teaching staff present. I discussed and presented a topic that I am relatively adept at considering the very short period of preparation I had been allowed and inspite of that, Dean Ladja was impressed by my delivery and commented how while I was not an Education graduate, I seem to have palpable proficiency for it. Well, I am not really that distant from teaching. My other alma mater, Ateneo de Zamboanga, had frequently asked me to conduct lectures in the past, mostly on Literature and Poetry, having been an Editor-In-Chief of the college publication there. In my days as a President of the student body in WMSU, I had also spoken in front of students, even in other schools, to invite more and more enrollees into the University, which was a customary duty of the student body there, when I thought that the University should have had a certain department especially tasked for this, like in Ateneo.
So I am not stranger to teaching and conversing in front of students that it was one reason that I had a very good demo, as observed by Dean Ladja himself.
But there’s an interlude to this whole episode (which by now you would have known as the cause of my most recent emotional debacle) where three days after, two other aspirants for the same teaching position that I had applied for was given the opportunity to present their teaching proficiency in front of the IAIS teaching staff and of course, I was caught in great suspense after that, trying to anticipate what the results might be, after being told how the teaching loads would mostly tackle Current Issues and Asian Studies, which I fully believe that I could handle well, and which is so close to my heart especially at these times when I am most interested in global issues and information, and I felt like I wanted the position so badly.
On Thursday, King Sali reappeared almost bursting once gain through our iron gate and congratulated me, informing even my mother-in-law who was at the sala at that time that I am about to be teaching in WMSU by November. Of course, I was so ecstatic about this.
But since then, I felt that nothing is sure unless I get my official designation and I was always hoping that Dean Ladja would have issued them to me as soon as possible. Am I so impatient at times? I was, but for no other reason except that I was such in great suspense, of whether I would really get it or not, of whether they would entirely choose me above the two others or not. And this had made me so nervous and irresolute.
But yesterday, the head of the Asian Studies section of the institute, Mr. Jabeer Saymaran, had finally communicated to me and handed me the list of subjects I was to handle and mind you, I never felt so ecstatic in a long, long time.
I am not really such in desperation but when the teaching loads were initially broached to me by King, upon being informed on what topics they might span through—on Asian issues and matters—I felt like I wanted it so badly.
But that whole weeklong episode had emotionally drained me so much that I was of such luck that Thursday (or today) is the start of a very long weekend, when the kids are at home from school and the wife telling stories to the kids, and where I could be by my lonesome, infront of the computer, redesigning my site and writing this very long post.
I hope it wasn’t too long for you.
snglguy Says —
Wow, this IS good news, bro. This is what you’ve always dreamed of and now it’s come true. I’m really happy for you. And to think, getting a teaching position in a state university is never an easy one and you just breezed through it.
So, shall we now call you professor Tom instead?
Made on November 1, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
Major Tom Says —
To sngl: I didn’t exactly breeze through it bro, I barely got better rating from the next other applicant, who had nifty credentials because he is a graduate of U.P. Diliman. But his disadvanatage is that his U.P. degree is on Urban Planning which is not so related to Asian Studies and besides, he is 3rd year law student right now—perhaps, the screening committee thought his to be unideal.
But it’s true, getting some teaching load from the University is not an easy thing to do. I remember that I was trying for it some years ago but there were just lots of competition.
Made on November 1, 2007 @ 10:23 pm
pining Says —
Congrats Major Tom
you deserve to have that job!
(and I’ve got a very clever blog pal…)
wish you all the best!
Made on November 1, 2007 @ 10:27 pm
Major Tom Says —
To Pining: Thanks a lot. I’m sure gonna do my best and make the whole experience very worthwhile, like what they say about Education being a whole set of experience that needs to be complete and essential to the individual.
Made on November 1, 2007 @ 10:37 pm
annamanila Says —
I think your students will enjoy you, Major Tom, if you taught half as well as you blog.
But does this mean you’ll be spending much less time in Mars?
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 2:38 am
Gypsy Says —
Congrats, Major Tom! Your posts show you have a very keen mind and so I am not surprised you got the job. Warm blessings to you!!
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 7:07 am
niceheart Says —
Congratulations on the teaching job, Major Tom.
And I don’t mind the frequent changes of the template in your blog. I’m impressed pa nga because I don’t know how to do this kind of stuff.
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 12:22 pm
barrycade Says —
congrats, major tom! and be nice to your students. hahaha. i’m sure you will enjoy teaching; the mere enthusiasm you showed in wanting to get the job should be a good start.
i felt that same excitement when i was asked to teach in my university a month after graduation. it’s been seven years now since i started being a part-time lecturer, but i still have the same excitement every semester, knowing i’ll meet a new batch of UP students. indeed, nothing feels like doing what you love to do.
congrats again, professor! haha
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
Toe Says —
Anticipation is indeed draining. But it was all worth the wait. Congratulations Major/Professor Tom! Your students are definitely lucky to have you!
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 1:19 pm
intsik Says —
hi friend! musta na? ngayon lang ulit ako nakabalik… hehehehehe congratz at super ganda ng header mo…
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Major Tom Says —
To annamanila: Thanks a lot. So kind of you to commend me like that.
I’ll have 9 units teaching load for a start, about an average of two hours a day so I could still keep up with my usual blogging. It’s just merely for a lecturer position. But if I can maintain good performance, maybe I can get an instructor position in a couple of years. That’s how difficult to get a spot in the University. And who knows—if God’s willing—then I can dream of that profersorship position someday.
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 6:44 pm
Major Tom Says —
To Gypsy: Thanks so much sis…I hope this keen mind won’t fail me in front of the students.
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 6:46 pm
Major Tom Says —
To niceheart: Thank you very much—so nice of you to understand. Changing themes can be easy with great practice and tenacity…and patience, a lot of it.
.
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Major Tom Says —
To barrycade: Thanks so much for the encouragement. Now I find I’ve got an experienced University teacher as a blog pal. Maybe you could give me some advises…
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 6:53 pm
Major Tom Says —
To Toe: Are they? I really hope it’s true especially how I feel so confident that i could handle the subjects all too well.
And you said it so right Toe—how so much anticipation becomes all so worthwhile when one gets what one wants, despite the long wait and great suspense; like a pitcher of iced water after days and days walk on a deserted span.
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Major Tom Says —
To Intsik: Hello once again kaibigan; ‘musta diha sa sugbu?
Ive been there in your blog just very recently pero hindi ako maka-comment coz of a very slow connection last night. But I’ll try again tonight.
Made on November 2, 2007 @ 7:01 pm
bw Says —
Congrats Major Tom. Teaching is one heck of a fullfiling profession in my opinion and since you seem to be a prodigious thinker as evidenced by your posts I think you’d be great the subjects they want you to teach
As for tweaking your template, go ahead and do it ! Frankly I don’t mind a new look now and then.
Made on November 3, 2007 @ 12:38 am
Luchie Says —
Congratulations major Tom! surely, all your dreams will come true and that teaching position is the beginning.
Made on November 3, 2007 @ 10:46 am
Major Tom Says —
To BW: Thanks bro; that should the most apt term, “fulfilling”, especially when your students respond well and appropriately and learn what ought to be learned.
Made on November 4, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Major Tom Says —
To Luchie: Coming from an experienced teacher, I find this very important guidance—I hope it’ll come true that way.
Made on November 4, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Gypsy Says —
toink You’ve been tagged.
Made on November 5, 2007 @ 12:18 am
ipanema Says —
congratulations, major tom. teaching is a fulfilling job-something for the soul. you have a lot to share. now you have to challenge those young minds and let them think and express themselves.
BTW, I like this theme. why don’t you keep it since it’s almost December. The red template will just be fine.
Made on November 5, 2007 @ 5:05 am
duke Says —
i wanna be a teacher too.
Made on November 5, 2007 @ 6:24 am
verns Says —
ohhh that’s what you call delaying of gratification hehe wasn’t a walk in the park but it’s over now coz YOU GOT IT!!!! Congratulations!
Like Pining I’m also proud to have such a smart blogfriend hehe lah-dih-dah! hehe
btw I don’t mind the frequent change in themes…it’s cool
Made on November 5, 2007 @ 2:30 pm
ysrael mendez Says —
In fairness maganda ang bagong theme ng blog mo, kaya kahit stress ka refreshing pa rin ang dating. Wow! educator ka pala no wonder magaganda ang mga post mo dito.
Keep it up, man!
Made on November 6, 2007 @ 5:45 am
barrycade Says —
hahaha. calling me an experienced university teacher makes me feel so much older. but really, teaching can somehow make you feel younger. the mere interaction with students will update you on what’s new, or what preoccupies them, or their angst, or their hopes.
based on my limited experience, this new generation of students wants dynamic, interactive classes, not the traditional lecture-types where teachers do monologues in front. like social media that allows them to be part of the production, to comment, to speak their minds, to express themselves, classes, they believe, should be the same. how to do this, without overdoing it,is a teacher’s challenge.
good luck, major tom! i know you’ll do a good job.
Made on November 6, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Abaniko Says —
I don’t like it when you keep changing your blog design - dahil naiinggit lang ako. Hehe. As usual, magand na naman ang template mo. I like its simplicity and white background.
Made on November 6, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
rhodora Says —
Congratulations on your new teaching assignments!
Hope you won’t be too busy to blog every now and then about your classroom encounters!
Cheers! And oh - I like your design.. I like the color.
Made on November 7, 2007 @ 11:47 am
Ferdz Says —
Hey Professor Tom! Those are lots of thoughts. Congrats on that job by the way.
I don’t mind an ever changing layout as long as it’s easy to read as for this one.
I engross myself in music as well when I’m emotionally tired. Lately, due to technology, new music is quite easy to acquire.
Made on November 7, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
Mon Says —
Congrats!!!
Meron akong subject ngayon Asian Civilization and Transcultural Nursing.
Made on November 7, 2007 @ 1:54 pm
ysrael mendez Says —
congrats on your new job and new blog theme.
Made on November 8, 2007 @ 6:40 am
Schumey Says —
Good luck and I love the new theme.
Made on November 8, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Major Tom Says —
To Gypsy: Hi and Hello. Medyo nag-blog hibernate ako ng knoti dito. Meron lang kasi akong’
ini-iron out concerning my lecturer appointment. Hope it’s back to normal now.
I’ll see what the tag’s all about and gonna do it pronto.
To ipanema: Thanks a lot. This is a good idea—making my students think. I’ll do that definitely.
To duke: Oh, I am sure you’ll be a fine one. Schools there in Texas would need one like you
.
To verns: Like threading a needle’s eye I once felt in some way. But everything’s fine now.
To ysrael mendez: Really? Now, that really makes me feel good coming from a new visitor like you. Hope we could exchange links.
To barrycade: That’s what i was saying with the Dean during the interview, just right after the demo, that I believe that
classes should be more interactive than the usual in order that the learning experience would be more fulfilling. And of course, i’ll do that.
Thanks really for this advises and i felt like your words are so helpful to me now.
To Abaniko: Ha.ha..you’ll always funny Niko. I believe it could be as classic as yours, that way I won’t feel like changing templates every time.
To rhodora: Salamat na marami. I believe I can go on with my regular blogging since mga three hours lang naman ang classes ko in one day, everyday nga lang.
Although ngayon, medyo transition period muna so medyo hindi regular pa ang blogging time ko.
To Ferdz: Music is such an experience for afficionados like us. it’s for the sould as they say.
To Mon: That’s a very interesting subject and I hope to have that load next semester kasi mahilig talaga ako sa Historical facts, next to Literature of course.
To ysrael mendez: Thanks again.
To Schumey: Thanks Schumey. I hope I can do it so right and well.
Made on November 10, 2007 @ 9:29 pm
eric Says —
Congratulations, Major Tom! I’m sure you’d make an excellent teacher.
As for the frequent changes of your blog designs, I like it simply because I lack the talent for such creative work; otherwise, I’d probably changing mine as well every now and then.
Good luck!
Made on November 12, 2007 @ 3:52 am