#tenyearstrain

[helloiamprince-blog]

My Summer Painting Class

Summer Painting Class. Original image from freevectorzone.

I have enrolled in Painting Class this summer. It's the same summer class where my sisters are enrolled to. We just started our classes this week and the first thing that I was asked to do was to paint... anything.

My sisters doing a caricature version of Mr. Bean.

They asked me to paint anything that I want so that they can gauge where I still need to improve on. I stopped painting even before I finished painting. I just believe that painting requires interest and I was not interested in finishing the art anymore because I was tired. So I decided to just continue painting during the next session. So here's for the first day.

The messy mixing plate. 

My materials: Paint brush (didn't get to use those two) and paints. :)

My finished product for the first day! 

Sir Elephant (our instructor) told me that I have no problem when it comes to holding the brush, mixing colors and using strokes -- although I know that I still have to improve in all of those aspects too. There's got to be something better, right? I have already finished the painting yesterday, April 24, 2014, but I was not able to take a picture of it. I'll just take a picture next session, May 5, 2014, and post it here. It wasn't much but it had been years since I last held a brush until just this week. My expectations? I'd love to learn lots of things but for such a limited amount of time, I'll be more than happy to learn how to paint and draw faces. That's my weakness. :) The reason why I enrolled in painting class? Well, I wanted to pursue Fine Arts for college but we couldn't afford it. Because of the frustration, I consequently lost interest in painting. I resorted to writing instead.

My working area: Face the wall! :)

Now that I am given the chance to learn the basics of painting, I decided to grab it because I'd be using this skill when I apply as a public school teacher, along with my units in Masters, my writing and computer skills and graphic design skills.

At this age, every decision you make should benefit your future. Don't just indulge in something that has no significance in your life and in your future because the clock is ticking. Think maturely; you're not a kid anymore. As for me, I only have 9 remaining years to maximize my 20's. After this decade, my focus will need to shift to my family. :)

I don't intent to waste a single opportunity to LEARN -- which, I still consider as the best investment, if you know how to use what you learned. In fact, if possible, I want to learn all skills! From art to music to cooking to driving to swimming... the list goes on. And I want to share (the most important thing) them to people I care about and to people who want to learn. We only have a lifetime to enjoy. Why not learn it all?

[helloiamprince-blog]

My First Ever Infographic!

This is my first ever real attempt to make an interactive infographic.

HOW: Hover your cursor on the image and the click the colorful circles to read the hidden description. If you are using a tablet, don't worry. It supports touch. :) I will post the resources in my credits page soon. :)

This is my motivational board. I get motivated when I make something creative. I have no idea why. Anyway, these are the stuffs that I want to achieve in this lifetime. I haven't achieved nearly 99% of them. :)

So what do you think about it? I know it's not much yet and I'm more than willing to improve myself and make my own graphics once I have the necessary materials and skills to make some. Share some love! :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

[helloiamprince-blog]

National Seminar-Workshop on Campus Journalism

Keep going up [the ladder]. The seminar kit. :)

Since I am already focused on establishing my career in the field of education, I decided to participate in the National Seminar-Workshop on Campus Journalism held last April 4-6, 2014 at Iriga Plaza Convention Center.

The main reason why I wanted to participate in the said event is that I've always wanted to learn how to write the way journalists do.

When I was in my sixth year in grade school, I became a member of the school publication as one of the editorial cartoonists. I remember having no clue whatsoever on how cartooning is actually being done. I didn't know about the rules and guidelines. Anyway, that was one embarrassing moment for me. Haha.

I was never an official member of the school publication from high school to college. I was only a mere contributor. Somehow, two of my poems were published too - one when I was in high school and the other in college. But what I really want to know is how to write the journalist's way.

So even if the theme and the topic of the seminar-workshop don't have a direct link to my major, which is biological science, I decided to take part in it. My main purpose is for my personal improvement. The additional points for the ranking of Teachers just come second.

Iriga Plaza Convention Center, Iriga City. The venue of the Seminar-Workshop Days 1 and 3. :)

I arrived past nine at the venue around past nine. After registration, I lurked around and familiarized myself with the place because the first session would start after lunch. I didn't know anyone and I was as alone as I can be.

Iriga Plaza Convention Center, Iriga City.

After waiting for a little more than an hour, I decided to eat a very economical lunch at the nearby Chowking fast food chain. When I came back, about a quarter of the seats are already occupied by participants.

The view from the table where I was seated.

I managed to talk to other people too, which was an achievement in itself, though I still don't know if I did everything the right, professional way. I am not a people-person but I'm trying to change that portion of my personality, little by little, for the better. If I want to survive this profession, I need to be likable. There's nothing to lose in being one. :)

 My name tag. They asked me to write my nickname. "Hello! I am Prince!" :)

 Afternoon snacks for day 1.

On the second day, there was a sudden change in the venue because the Convention Center hosted a wedding reception. So we moved to a hall in a nearby University.

I was late during the second day (not that it's a news) so I found myself a seat at the back portion of the hall. It was the same hall where we had the first few weeks of our review for the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) so I pretty much know my way in and out.

My pathetic attempt of a Feature article. :(

Morning snacks for Day 2.

Tuna sandwich and fries in a box...

 With a bottle of coke...

The meal stub. The lunch pass for Day 2.

For the second day, since we weren't in the Convention Center, we were given these pieces of paper that served as our meal stub.

 Chicken adobo, fried rice and fresh lumpia for lunch on Day 2.

Sorry. I just loved how monochromatic my outfit was that day. :)

 Afternoon snacks for Day 2.

For the third and final day of the Seminar-Workshop, I came in late again and managed to find myself a comfortable seat at the back of the hall. We were back at the Convention Center on Day 3. :)

Morning snacks for day 3. :) 

I have to say that I learned things... bits of concepts here and there... but not enough to make me call myself a journalist already. I'm a little on the perfectionist side when it comes to skills - that's why I don't call myself a painter (even though I can paint) because I know that there are lots of things I still need (and badly want) to learn.

Appetizer for Day 3. 

Lunch for Day 3. :) 

Afternoon snacks for Day 3. 

So the seminar concluded with the awarding of the certificates to the participants. I wish I understood more the technicalities in writing. Sorry for the short post. There's nothing really much to say. I was disappointed in myself. I didn't learn that much. :(

[helloiamprince-blog]

Sunshine Blogger Award

Freedom...Happiness... Sunshine. Image from inspirably.

I got nominated by Mindy, the ever young-looking webmistress of Pink and Undecided who claims to be 30 years old (visit her blog and you'll know what I mean) for the Sunshine Blogger Award. It's my first time so I'm a little too excited about this. Here's how it goes: THE RULES:

Post a picture of the Sunshine Award.

Post 11 facts about yourself.

Answer 11 questions (same as the blogger who nominated you).

Link back to the blogger who nominated you.

Nominate 11 bloggers too (no tag backs).

Let the bloggers know about your post.

Sounds exciting! I think I'm gonna babble again in this post. Forgive me if I do! :)

FACTS ABOUT PRINCE:

Let's start with the basics. I am twenty-one years old, biologically female, five feet and three inches tall and currently loving my bob cut hair. I am in a really awesome and loving relationship with... tada! My boyfriend! Who else? I am a Registered Midwife, a Registered Nurse and a soon-to-be licensed teacher. I am taking baby steps towards my career. I am practically paranoid about it and I want everything to be perfect and to go as planned. A little diversion is alright as long as it's tolerable.

I am a terrible morning person so I resort to cappuccino and coffee addiction to help wake me up every morning. I know that too much caffeine isn't good for my bones and calcium reserve but I am really groggy every morning. This is a habit I've always wanted to change and I keep failing every single time!

I am a notorious procrastinator and have been playing tug-of-war between what I need to do and what I want to do for as long as I can remember. And I'm still struggling to overcome such an awful attitude. I know what I need alright: time management. It's easier said than done, though. I've been thinking that I need therapy on this! Sometimes, I can't handle my procrastinating nature anymore. It sucks.

I used to love painting and drawing but since I have kind of gotten disappointed and discouraged in the field of art, I resorted to reading and writing (from poetry to short stories to monologues) instead. I love reading everything from news to novels to amateur novelettes by aspiring authors - as long as it isn't that cliche. 

I was once a fan fiction author in winglin and asianfanfics. I still want to continue writing stories for my readers. I do but I've been suffering from author's block - which I attribute to a successful love life. I used to be able to write stories (which aren't that good - just okay) because I had always been heartbroken. My inspiration during those moments were from my heartbreaking experiences. Now that I am not heartbroken anymore and am more than contented with my love life, I can't seem to write love stories anymore. Ugh. Why oh why?

I want to be a published author of novels and inspirational books. I still don't know how I'm going to manage that dream but I feel like I just have to put that dream in my head for now - since my schedule doesn't allow such leisure just yet. I am not giving up on that dream.

I love taking photos and have been dreaming of having my own DSLR. With that said, I plan on becoming an inspirational blogger, a travel blogger, a book review blogger, an education blogger and a fashion blogger. I don't know if I'd be able to reach those dreams, while balancing my time with my (future) kids and husband, my career, my job and my precious daydreaming moments. That's quite a list!

I am not really ladylike in front of guys (and most of the times, even girls) - with my boyfriend as the only exception. I love being tomboyish because it gives me higher self esteem. I don't even know why. I guess it's because acting a little tough and rough (but not to the point of rudeness) makes me feel stronger. However, when the situation calls for a ladylike demeanor, I can also guise myself to become a proper lady. I'm weird and I know it. :)

I don't really like very ladylike ladies who are practically suffering from narcissism and enjoying it. I'm talking about the selfie phenomenon. I think there's nothing wrong with taking pictures of yourself, most especially if no one else is present to take a picture for you. However, taking photos after photos every five minutes is uncalled for. It's just a little too irritating and sad that it's depressing me. I mean, why do people do that? I need to research on this topic.

I don't like fancy jewelries (but I still need to have some in the case of special occasions) and I dress as comfortable as I could.  I am obsessed with sweat pants and tactical pants because they offer the best comfort. However, I want to stand out when there's a special occasion so I also know how and when to dress up properly. However, as for casual wears, it depends on my mood.

I'm actually planning on buying a bicycle of my own, which I'm going to use as my service to and from the school where I'll be teaching! I want my students to see me as a simple and practical person. Besides, aside from minimizing air pollution and saving up transportation fees, I'd also get a fair amount of exercise on a daily basis! Isn't that cool?

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

What do you prefer to do on Christmas, open gifts or give gifts? Honestly, I'd love to do both! But I feel like I'm cheating now so to answer this question, I'd prefer giving gifts. That's because seeing happiness on the other person's face is a very fulfilling Christmas gift that I can give to myself. :) Party invitation, do you prefer to wear a dress or pants? It depends on the kind of party, my mood and who I am going with. :) What designer would you like to model for? I'm not really familiar with designers so I don't know. Sorry. :) A model you wish you were? I wish I were Miranda Kerr. Her body and face and hair... everything is perfect! AND I wish I have her discipline when it comes to food! When you go on a date do you prefer Movies or Bowling? I prefer movies. I don't know how to play bowling and I don't think I'm gonna enjoy it, either. It looks kinda boring to me. -_- Which will you have to like, a mountain or the beach? I like the beach as long as it's calm and not very touristy. I always want to relax when I go to beaches. :) Favorite Lip Balm? I don't have one so I have no clue what the difference is. :) Restaurant or homemade food? Of course nothing can beat homemade food! Eggnog or Champagne? Eggnog! I don't drink liquors - no matter how light, how expensive or how cool it is. -_- They always give me flank pains so... no. From all of the blogger followers, who would you want to meet? Well, technically I don't have blogger followers because I don't have Google Friend Connect in my blog. However, I'd love to meet Mindy Pauline! She's sounds so cool to be around with and has lots of story to share. :)

I WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE THE FOLLOWING AWESOME BLOGGERS:

Samantha of Greenspired

Irish of Iamsociallyawkward

Mrs. C. of Mrspcuyugan Rochkirstin of Rochkirstin Angelique of Ladywithrandomthoughts Gen-zel of Genzelkisses Sai of Fashionbysai Robi Jiz of Kabyahe Marie of Mommyunwired Meika of Mamaisworking Jaja of Beautycolada

Jeez. I have disclosed more things here than I did in my About Me page! 

[helloiamprince-blog]

Day 9: 123-Day LET Preparation

Yesterday, I already inquired about the availability of my grades in the university where I took 18 units Methods of Teaching subjects. Sadly, the transcript of records is not available as of the moment because our professors haven't submitted our grades yet.

I don't know when the transcript will be available but I'm seriously hoping that the other news is just a nasty joke. A former classmate told me yesterday that the university will not issue my transcript of records (TOR) unless I enroll in a review center or in the review class that the university is offering!

I was utterly shocked! I am doing self review right now and I don't think my parents will allow me to hand over 6000 pesos (full) for just a few days of review. That amount itself can already buy lots of reviewers! I am seriously hoping that that bad news isn't true.

I don't even know if it's alright for a teaching institution, even though it's privately owned, to hold the release of the transcript because of the abovementioned reason. -_-

It gives me the impression that they don't have much faith with the quality of instruction of their university.

Come to think of it; if they know that the quality of instruction in their university is good enough, they wouldn't require their students to enroll in review classes because what they have learned inside the school should be enough to successfully get them through the board examination. -_-

Anyway, I'm still hoping that if it's the protocol of the institution, they'd let me be one of the exceptions. I'm going to pursue masters this summer so I can't possibly attend review class at the same time. Besides, I really want to pass. They shouldn't worry about me that much because I'm doing what I can to ensure that I pass the board. :( Somehow, this is still making me feel uneasy.

I just happened to read the quote above while scrolling through my Facebook feeds and it hit something within me. I gotta read now. :)

[helloiamprince-blog]

Project 1.1: A Daily Dose of Inspiration

Image from kevinandamanda. Edited using Adobe Photoshop CC.

I am the kind of person who can't seem to stay on track for long. I may be driven for a week, or sometimes even a month but my focus hardly lasts longer than that. Thus, I need a constant source of motivation and inspiration to keep me on track.

I have read about this method once but I completely forgot where I learned about this so pardon me if I can't state the origin of this idea. However, instead of a simple fishbowl method, I decided to put some artistry in it.

This is my Project No. 1.1 - A Daily Dose of Inspiration.

Let me explain to you the whole idea before we get started:

The concept is just like drawing lots; only this time you have to write your big dreams, visions, inspirations, or even your favorite success quotes in the paper instead of a winning number.

Whenever you feel down, frustrated, or discouraged, pick something from the bowl (randomly) and read it. It's going to make you feel better, I assure you. It's like the future itself is trying to poke you, reminding you that you shouldn't give up on pursuing him (or her).

This is a good exercise when you're starting a new venture or you're going to make a major decision or change in your life. Change is scary, as a matter of fact, because it means sailing away from your comfort zone. That's why you need a reminder. A personalized one is even better. :)

Somehow, this project may help you remember why you started in the first place. :)

You can't possibly remember every logic, philosophy and reasons you had when you started planning or when you decided to do a major change in your life. You might forget why you chose a particular path in the first place when the obstacles start to pile up. :)

Original image from weheartit. Edited using Adobe Photoshop CC.

So here are the materials that I used:

Old CD container

Colorful papers

Colorful pens

Glue and tape

Scissor and cutter

Other designing tools

Basically, you can use anything from an old shoe box to a tin can as long as it can house your notes inside it. The photo below? Just some stuffs I managed to salvage... from cake box ribbons to uniform buttons. :)

The empty CD container:

Cutting equipment. :)

If you are wondering what this is all about, let me show you the FINAL OUTPUT:

Now that you've seen it, I'm gonna show you how I did it. After gathering all the materials, I decorated the outer part of the CD container with this cute wallpaper.

It's basically up to you. Make the design as personalized and as stylish as you can!

I used an old folder to cover the base of the CD container. I also used the other half of the folder to cut another cover for the top (or the cover) of the CD container.

Fully covered! :)

After all the covering, I made a simple design on the cover.

I manually cut the folder with cutter to make slits for the ribbon. You can use a puncher if you want, of course. I didn't use one because I can't find mine. :)

You can design it in any way you want. :)

After designing the container, I started writing inspirational notes, reminders, dreams and even ugly insults thrown at me. This is the FUN and the most IMPORTANT part.

Of course you need a pen! Design it the way you want it! :)

This is the design I picked from my stacks of stationery and notepads. :) 

Here are some examples of the stuffs that I wrote:

Sorry I have to blur the name. It's necessary for the person's confidentiality. :)

Uhm... yes. I wanna be a travel blogger and lots of other things. Don't get me started with my dreams because it's gonna take me the whole day writing yet another set of monologue. It's just that I"m so passionate about dreaming... Damn. Sorry. I'll stop now. :)

Yes. There's this VERY talented person with a huge potential who deserves all the help he can get. I wanna help him out no matter what happens. :)

A message to my future self. Sincerely, dreaming self. :)

After writing as many reminders, dreams or letters as you can, roll these pieces of papers. :)

Here is an example of how the rolled papers look when inside the designed old CD container:

Whenever you feel sad, let down, frustrated, hopeless, discouraged, you can pick a note and be reminded of why you're there in the first place.

It's done! It's pretty simple actually. My design is simple itself. However, it's not all about the design. It's all about the usage of this project.

Please feel free to tell me what you think about this project through the comment's box below. I'll be more than happy if you'd share your own unique way to stay motivated. Thank you for dropping by and have fun making yours! :)

[helloiamprince-blog]

DAY 6: 123-DAY LET PREPARATION

 These are my review buddies in every major examination. The sticky notes are leftovers from the Nurse Licensure Examination way back June 2013. They gotta serve their purpose again. :)

Well, well, well... today's appointment has been postponed yet again for tomorrow (or the day after tomorrow, or the day after the day after tomorrow... and so on).

It's making me sad that baby's really busy these past few days. I'm not really mad. Just sad that we have to cancel and postpone appointments after appointments. Anyway, not his fault. I'm not blaming him at all. :)

So since I can't go to Naga City today to buy reviewers, I channeled my sadness to editing my two other websites. I have three websites with their own domains all in all. The are both online portfolios (for different projects). They all have the same layout as the one I'm using in this blog. It's just that I love this free template from templateism. It's sooo responsive, sleek, clean, multifunctional... just everything that I want from a website template.

So I'm kind of obsessing myself with the photos that I managed to take yesterday using my digital camera. The set of photos aren't much - my rudimentary attempt to explore my skills in photography - but it's the best set of photos that I have taken so far. :) 

Assessment of Student Learning textbook.

So today, I'm gonna study (yes, study) Assessment of Student Learning. I'm not sure how far I'd be able to go from zero but I guess I'm yet to find out. :) Anyway, here are my study buddies whenever I'm reviewing for a major examination:

My planner. I like planning and scheduling things. Sadly for some, it's as far as they can get. :)

 These notepads are leftovers from last year's Nurse Licensure Examination. They'll be really handy this time. :)

 Since I learn best through reading, writing AND repetition, index cards should be one of my best friends in this mission. :)

 Of course, my diary-cum-career-planner is an essential source of motivation. It keeps me on track and reminds me of my goals. This brochure about the graduate school (Master of Arts in Education) in a certain university is a constant reminder that I should do better than I did yesterday. :)

I like collecting papers, stationery, notebooks and notepads and all those colorful, interesting papers that I can use to write on. I just love to write. Period. :)

[helloiamprince-blog]

Fragrant Orchids Snapped

I'm not a professional photographer and I do not own a professional camera of any kind. I don't have Adobe Lightroom to back up the effects because I simply cannot afford Adobe Products. They sound like gold to me. Well, except for the trial versions. :)

I've always loved taking pictures of practically anything that I want to commit to memory. I only use a digital camera to snap all the photos that I've been uploading here and sharing with you. If I'd be lucky and be granted with a professional one, I'd let you know, of course. :)

My mom told me to snap photos of the orchids that she grew in our backyard. I was amazed myself when I saw how many flowers there were. And the smell! So rich and fragrant! So here are the photos I snapped close range (thanks autofocus!). :)

This is the balete tree where this particular orchid is planted (if that's what it's called - I'm an idiot when it comes to plants). This is the front view and the next photo is the back view.

Our little house guardians are having the time of their life sunbathing and rolling around on the grass.

Oops, something caught aringkingking's attention. Yup, that's her (weird) name. She loves to jump at me (don't worry, no biting involved). She's such a sweetie. :)

I'm not really making that much progress with my self-review. I'm going to buy reviewers tomorrow at National Bookstore and I'm really hoping that once I get my hands on actual reviewers, I can finally turn my review mode on.

So what do you think about my snaps? Too amateur? Tell me what you think! AND thanks for dropping by!  :)