Choices and Commitments

I struggled all morning to make the right decision. I have applied to 4 summer job positions thinking the competition may be tough. I got the first offer in early February. It was not my first choice but I decided to accept it to be sure that I will be doing something interesting this summer. This morning, I just got another offer. It's actually one of my top 2 choices, so I was really excited about it. However, I was not really clear whether I am already bound to the position I have previously accepted. I hate breaking commitments and I usually have the "first come, first served" method in making decisions. Meaning whatever first offer that comes, that must be the one for me. I just think it's mean to say no to something or someone if a better something or someone comes along. But then again, it's my summer I should have the right to do whatever I think would be more interesting. So I tried to see the person who coordinates the summer programs but he was not in his office all morning. But I finally was able to see him a few minutes ago and he said that it is no big deal that I am changing my mind. As a matter of fact, there are people waitlisted for the program that I am giving up. I thought that I got that first position because nobody else wanted it. Not that I don't think that I am a good candidate. It's just that I didn't put a lot of effort in my application. I wrote 2 sentences when they asked why I want to participate in their program. I wonder how they chose me. And I came to the conclusion that they must have liked my name: Myra T. Cruz. :) They probably thought that I can speak Spanish hehe. It's funny how people make assumptions about you based on your name. It's funny how I am now making assumptions about them. It's even funnier that I unknowingly make assumptions about people all the time and then get pleasantly/unpleasantly surprised that the person I imagined them to be is not who they are. But anyways, yeah, I'm set for the summer. Now I just have to pass the exams between now and then :).

Devotional Prayer

We are having our Sta. Cena (Holy Supper) this Saturday. As part of our preparation, we are holding a weeklong devotional prayer at one of the brethren's house. We pray as one that may we be found worthy as we partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine. We pray that we may be guided as we perform our duties on that day. In the choir, we especially pray that we may be able to invite the Holy Spirit as we lead the brethren in hymnsinging, for all of us to be edified. We examine our ways that we may be acceptable as we remember and proclaim the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray as one - one hope, one faith, one Church.

Happy Birthday, PB!

It's one of my brother's birthday today. Happy 23rd birthday, PB! My mom thinks that PB is her nicest son and I tend to agree :). PB would just rather follow my mom's little requests rather than run the risk of upsetting her. I would say that's a hallmark of a loving son. I don't really have too many memories of PB since I left home for my schooling by the age of 11. I do remember him being easily afraid whenever I scared him that Filipino equivalents of little goblins (tiyanak) are around. He excelled in college and got tuition refunds for it. He really made my parents proud. PB now works as some sort of virus software engineer. He is our go-to guy whenever we have computer questions. Our last brother-sister bonding experience in 2003 was of all things, facials at the mall! So this piece is my tribute to my little brother, PB with all my love :).

Instant Gratification

I just love it when you take an exam and you almost instantly find out soon after whether you passed or not. I passed my Physiology exam today! Yippee!! It's always a cause for celebration for me just to pass. What will I indulge on today? Hmmm... I'll try to book a flight for Spring Break. I'm thinking of spending time in Little Rock and Memphis just in time for my big 3-0!

Domestic Violence

We had role-playing in class yesterday. My role was a mother of three, physically abused by her husband. I personally witnessed abuse once when I was 5 or 6. I just remember our neighbors being in our house, the wife on the floor, and her husband was stepping on her face. I don't remember why they were in our house nor how the situation resolved itself. The husband was a police officer so there could also have been a gun involved. It is just comforting to know that my dad doesn't have it in him to resort to that kind of violence. "Domestic violence" is one of those new terms I learned in college. I credit Mount Holyoke for opening my eyes on how different societies shape how a woman values herself and her thoughts on what her proper place in the world should be. My personal bias is that women should maximize their potential, develop their special skills and talents. We should be independent enough that we don't have to run to someone else everytime we are in a difficult situation. We should also know ourselves well that we can recognize when it is appropriate to get help.

Grey's Anatomy

This is one of my favorite shows. The only thing that bugs me is the indecision of Dr. Shepherd on which woman he should be with. I prefer life to be uncomplicated. I like to see things in black and white. It is sort of comforting to know that there is one right answer. The same goes for love, I would prefer that there be one giant sign pointing to one guy that says "Myra's Mr. Right". But of course, that's wishful thinking :). Maybe the uncertainties make our lives more interesting.

Women and Stress

We have this lunch series at school where speakers come and talk about various topics. Today's talk focused on biological differences in the way men and women process stress. The speaker said that women can be 2-3 times more likely to feel stressed than men just because they are women. Brain imaging studies show that most women when presented with a stressor activate the left side of the brain. Men activate the right side of their brain more often. My stress level is usually very minimal. The speaker made a point that how we deal with stress depends on whether we think we have control on what is stressing us. I guess I am fortunate that I always feel that I can improve or leave a stressful situation. If I find myself in an unideal situation, I feel I can always correct my mistakes so things can get better next time. All I can really do is do the best that I can. I know for sure that God would not give me anything that I cannot handle. Everything will work out for the best in the end. Faith and optimism rules! :)

Time to blog..

I have been thinking about writing a blog since last summer. I figured it might be nice to chronicle my journeys before the memories start to fade. So here I am, trying to put off studying for my Micro exam this Monday, finding just the perfect time to finally blog! To old friends, I hope it would be easier now to find out where exactly I am and what I am up to. If you just happen to randomly come across my blog, please do leave a comment so I may get to know you as well. Thanks to all for being interested in my thoughts :).