"I am falling into a rut." The inbox message read.
Rut according to www.dictionary.com is a fixed or established mode of procedure or course of life, usually dull or unpromising.
The message sent me to a vacuum of a space for a while. When the process of touchdown reached to a halt, I realized, I am also on the same chartered flight with the friend who sent the message.
With my 14-hour per day grind this quarter at school (I'm not complaining yo), yet the student's paperworks are still clogging up my workstation, what idiom would best articulate the experience? Then swipe in the demands of the co-curricular laundry list. What do we have?
If the evaluation sheet is laid down right now, I would consider myself obsolete already. A far-cry from last year. They say the teaching vocation involves two stages. The first stage which runs from the first to second year is called FANTASY while the succeeding years is called SURVIVAL. Where could I fit the mold?
I do not enjoy the routine that much, but I derive pure joy from those activities worth my while rather clashing head-on in the corporate rat race. I wouldn't trade the organized chaos in the classroom, the wide-eyed looking for an angle in the photo club, the mature remarks of these kiddos, more often, silly questions that put me on the spot, and answered with an experts flare--the thought that in such a short spasm of time, I made a difference.
When the world shows signs of decay, I seek, each morn in the oratory, for my daily dose of resistance against the harsh reality. When all else fails, siomai came to the rescue.
Siomai is, unofficially, my comfort food today (Red Carpet, J. Solon Drive in Lahug). While having dinner in my lonesome, a group of seven impoverished kids carolled at the entrance. I was expecting the "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit" when, after the synchronized sound of empty biscuit and tin cans, they blurted out "Boom Tarat-tarat!" completed the whole song and greeted in the distinct Bisaya accent "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" followed by giggles.
I lighten up. It is through these little things that make me smile.
Perhaps I should stop asking myself too often if I am setting much of my effectiveness thermostat lower than my game plan?
God has a way of painting my smile when the world disappoints me.
God has a way of painting my smile when the world disappoints me. 
