a dreaming belle

After reading Love & Misadventure, I found myself waiting for another book written by Lang Leav. And as soon as Lullabies was released in the Philippines (September 10, 2014), I immediately bought a copy. It doesn't even bother me that two days after, National Book Store added it to their sale promo and it's currently 20% off (the sale is for 10 days only btw, it will end on September 21).  

So what can I say about it? I actually read it thrice already. Just like Love & Misadventure, it's the kind of book that you will pick up whenever you feel lost, alone or you just want something heartwarming to read. 

1. Lunch dates and dinner dates. It's a must need break from all sorts of academic requirements.

2. Surprisingly enjoying Philosophy class. Interesting smart and witty stuff.

3. I finally found a floral rucksack that I like. About time, right? 

4. "You had me at ice cream" days with Andie. 

5. New favorite color: nude

6. Glitters, chevron print, daisies, and unicorns are still on the list. 

7. Painted my nails gilver a.k.a glittery silver according to Rachel Zoe.

8. The Rachel Zoe Project Season 5. I can watch this show all day.

9. Long weekends because life in the university just gets tougher every day.

10. Recording a short spiel for my broadcasting course this sem. And boy, sitting inside the studio in front of a web camera gave me jitters!

College, as usual, is starting to take over my life. So I might as well list down some of the things that made me happy. Besides, listing things down is actually an effective stress reliever to me. 

I can't believe how time is passing by so quickly, I guess I'm that busy to not even notice. 

One week down.

I'm still trying to get a grip of everything this semester, my first semester in college as a sophomore. 

I might lose it, I may snap out and just give up everything. I'll probably get bored once in a while. But that would mean I'm up to no good. Hence, I have to keep the fire burning.Set priorities, beat the deadline, and aim high. 

I think it was my last year in high school when I wanted to read The Bell Jar and it was only a few weeks ago when I got my hands on this book. 

I was hooked onto the book for some reason that I still don't know even after I've finished reading it. The novel has a depressing tone, a cross of confusion and on the verge of breaking down feels; something like that. That usually don't interest me. 

I guess it's the way the novel was written that gripped me. I mean, Sylvia Plath's poems are emotionally honest. And so is this novel. The words just string your emotions, producing sympathy for Esther (the narrator/protagonist). 

Never in my entire life did I imagine myself being a teacher, it was not my "dream job". But when life offers you an opportunity to earn money during a longer than usual school break (a.k.a four month summer vacation because of an academic calendar shift in UP), it then becomes a "summer job".

So yes, I accepted an opportunity to be a tutor/teacher in Instant Reader and The Learning Place. The first few weeks was not dreamy at all, I wanted to have summer classes and fortunately, I got slots; and because of that I was a legit working student for a month and a half. And for the months after, I was just working. 

I thought teaching kids would be an 'easy peasy lemon squeezy' experience. But I was wrong because it was surely a 'don't get mad, keep smiling, run after the kid, and teach' experience. But you know what, I grew more fond of kids! They are just so innocent, curious, witty, and charming. 

The crazy thing above all this is that I learned a lot from those kids and surprisingly, I enjoyed teaching them alongside with their little gifts and hugs and kisses. Plus, I had an opportunity to go to Cagbalete with some of my elementary friends/co-workers for an IR-TLP Team Building event for three days and two nights! 

Being a teacher for four months was really fulfilling and knowing that I made a significant impact in my former students' lives and their parents are satisfied makes me feel grateful for the opportunity that was given to me. 

Bright lights, sun rays,

so carefree and full of glee. 

Times like these, I feel like dancing,

dancing carelessly because you would catch me.

And the happiness I can't contain.

Twirling,

vigorous,

alive,

and out of breath.

Rain dripping on the window pane, late at night;

My heart feels so heavy.

Times like these, I feel like drowning,

sinking slowly in a sea where no one could save me.

And my tears start to overpower me.

Struggling,

exhausted,

numb,

and out of breath.

"Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together."

Find You- Zedd

“Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.” 

Why I liked this book in bullets:

The reality in this novel is overrated yet it is genuine.

Em and Dex. 

Love is never going to be easy. 

"I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference."

1. Successful surprise for Chen's 18th birthday ♥

2. Having a summer job that doesn't seem like work at all 

3. Having the luxury of time to read books

4. Summer outings :)

5. Enlisting for summer classes in less than 10 minutes and getting the subjects I want

6. Bonding with the family! :)

7. Finally having a decent amount of sleep

 It's really summer already and I can barely stand clothes with sleeves. I am always wearing shades and I constantly need to refill my water tumbler.

But nevertheless, summer has been nothing but good and exciting to me (so far). Summer classes starts tomorrow and I need to juggle it with my summer job. Wish me luck!