...who needs speed?...

What do you think of speed-reading? Is it a good way to get through a lot of books, or does the speed-reader miss depth and nuance? Do you speed-read? Is some material better suited to speed-reading than others?

I'm all for speed. I mean, I don't take lightly if I have to wait. Yeah, I know, I'm a bit impatient when it comes to a lot of things. Reading for that matter is not of those things. I think I can speed-read if I want to but then what will I gain from it. I read for the simple joy of being entertained and to learn a thing or two. I tried speed-reading once but it was not good. I end up forgetting what I was reading about.

I think there are some materials worth speed-reading. As for me, I don't speed-read them. In my haste to get it over with, I just skim over them.

...fifth day...i'm here still...

Fifth day of the Simbang Gabi. I fully intend to complete all the nine days. For the past five days, I've been up at a quarter to three in the morning. Not that it made a difference because on the ordinary days I am always up early especially if I go out to run. I have to compromise on my running to give way to this besides it only happens once a year.

It was already past nine o'clock last night when I finally get to bed. We had dinner outside. When we got home, Joy and I decided to went out again and took pictures of the well-lit streets near our place.

When my alarm buzz off, I was hesitant to get up. I was still very sleepy. Turning off the alarm and holding my cellphone, I lingered in bed for a few minutes. Afraid that I might eventually fall back to sleep, I decided to get up and took a shower at once. I had my usual cup of coffee. Since today is a Sunday, I am apprehensive that there may be a lot of people going to church. We left our place a bit early. But when we get to the church, there's still few people inside. I was wrong. Joy give a me a look that says "I told you so." At least we're early, was all I can think of a reply.

Once inside, my eyes started to feel heavy again. I tried not to close them even for just a tad because If I do so, I know I will start dozing off. The mass went fairly well, as usual. I'm thankful that I still manage to attend until now and for the remaining four days, hopefully.

Five days down, four more to go.

...fourth day...i'm thankful...

Fourth day of Simbang Gabi. Every time my alarm buzz off, it seems that I automatically jump out of bed, out of habit. My mind has yet to fully wake up and it usually happens by the time I'm doused with water from the shower. At this point, I'm beginning to slowly awake. Sometimes the water is freezing cold but most of the time it's not, that I wish it was otherwise. There's nothing better than a cold shower to jolt you up.

I received awesome news yesterday that I am beside myself with gratitude. It's hard to explain what I feel. All I know is that I am very happy and thankful to God.

When I went to bed last night, I fall asleep at once. My mind filled with excitement and anticipation for the next day.

We went to the church same time as yesterday. We still get to sit on our favorite spot. By now, my eyes have already adjusted to feeling sleepy. They still feel heavy though but I am used to it.

I'm very thankful today. God finally answered my and my family's prayers.

Four days down, five more to go. :-)

...third day...think out of the box...

Third day of Simbang Gabi. I woke up to the usual annoying and familiar sound of my alarm. By this time, my body clock has already adjusted to the very early wake up time. I hurriedly got out of bed then proceeded to make some coffee then hit the showers afterward. I have a pretty boring routine every morning. Good thing is I kind of like it.

For the past two days, we usually just walk back home after the mass and after we had some breakfast. I usually just wore slippers and I find it uncomfortable while walking besides I can't walk that fast when I had it on. Callus has developed on my left foot. So this morning I wore my running shoes and the walk back home was comfy--I felt like I could run. :-)

The people occupying  on the front pews are getting fewer by the day. People usually started filling in thirty minutes before the mass will commence. We arrived at the church at ten minutes past four o'clock. We still get to sit on our favorite spot. I'm loving this. I have to adjust my eyes to the glaring lights inside. The moment I sat, I begin to feel sleepy. I was not able to take a nap yesterday afternoon because we went out. I tried to fight off drowsiness by glancing up on the church ceilings and watched the birds take off.

I was happy about my small feat  yesterday--staying awake for the entire time the mass was going on. And I intend to continue with this until the ninth day, hopefully.  This morning, the mass started on time, thankfully. The all-male band added to the festive mood inside the church, with their upbeat songs. I'm positive that no one was fighting off sleep while listening to the priest's homily. We were all attentive.

Today's theme was about "thinking out of the box and learning from the margins". The gospel came from the book of Matthew. I'm not going discuss  here at length, what it's all about.

After the mass, we headed home immediately. We decided to have breakfast at our place because we have some leftover food from yesterday. Besides, it will be expensive if we keep eating outside.

There goes my tale for the third day of Simbang Gabi.

Three days down, six more to go.

...second day and still standing...

altar

Second day of Simbang Gabi. I heard my alarm but ignored it for a while. I thought I was dreaming and the annoying sound would stop. I tried to go back to sleep but the sound continued, that's when I realized that I wasn't dreaming after all.

I'm glad there's water in the dispenser. I was able to make some coffee before I took a shower. I think I was half asleep until the water hits me. It did little to completely abate my sleepiness because after I showered and dressed, my eyes started to feel heavy. I was up and about for a good two hours before the mass will start. Call that crazy. :-)

The challenge for me is to remain alert for the entire duration of the mass. Sometimes, I dozed off, especially during the homily. Very bad of me, huh? I remember my grandmother, telling me that when I can barely open my eyes during that particular time because I'm very sleepy, it was during this time that Satan's minions are playing tricks on my eyes, so I would fall asleep and ignored altogether the priest's homily.

There were not too many people yet when we got to the church, unlike yesterday. At around 4:30 AM, people started to pour in. We were still able to sit on our favorite spot. My eyes started to feel heavy again. I could barely open it. My ordeal is just about to begin. To ward  nodding off, I wrote a draft of this post on my phone.

Surprisingly, I managed to stay awake the entire time. Sure, I kept yawning and all. but still, I was alert. During the homily, I worried that I might dozed off again, thankfully, I did not.

After the mass, we went to Mother's Best to grab some breakfast. It's just a walking distance from Redemptorist.

Cheesy Mushroom Omelette.

Tocino with Scrambled Eggs

Two days down, seven more to go.

...first day...

I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I was reluctant to get out of bed, my eyes were still heavy with sleep. I lingered for awhile in bed then slowly got up. My watch read three o'clock. Yes, I was up that early. I headed to the shower and thankfully, I was finally awake. I made myself a cup of coffee and sip this while I dressed. I read a few pages of Paulo Coelho's book while waiting for the time.At exactly four o'clock, Joy and I stepped outside and headed to Redemptorist.

Today is the start of the nine day novena masses, popularly known as "Misa de Gallo" or "Simbang Gabi". Some cynics noted, why it is called Simbang Gabi when in fact, the mass is held early in the morning. Come to think of it, I myself, ask this more than once. This tradition is practiced predominantly by Roman Catholics. I have yet to hear of other denomination or group who also celebrate these dawn masses.

No one is forced to attend Simbang Gabi. I mean, everyone who come to church daily from Dec. 16 until Dec. 24, come at their own volition. Anyone can wake up early and attend mass but the challenging part, is to be able to sustain until the ninth day.

We arrived at the church, an hour before the mass is scheduled to start. There are already a lot of people inside and the pews on the front were already occupied. Fortunately, our favorite spot was still empty. Cool. Why it is my favorite spot? It is just situated on the middle and near a wall fan. It's perfect for me.

The mass started on time. The church was brightly lit, far from the usual Sunday morning I went there to hear mass. Another thing, it was jam-packed. Since it was the first day, most people are inclined to attend.

I intend to complete the nine days, hopefully. And not because of a particular favor that I'd like God to grant. It's just something I need to do and my way of saying thanks. :-)

...I use "bookmarks"...

What items have you ever used as a bookmark? What is the most unusual item you’ve ever used or seen used?

a prepaid cellphone card 

 folded Post-It note to be thrown away

a marker pen

small cards I like to collect 

I also collect tags

The above stuff are what I usually used as bookmarks. The marker pen is a last resort and only if for a very short period of time. I don't want to damage my books. I have some bookmarks though, but sometimes I misplaced them.

I noticed that some people fold a page on the book they're reading to mark what page they'd stop. As much as I possible, I will avoid this especially if my book is new.  

 

...Pssst...Silence Please...

For the regular library patrons among us: do you have your own idea of what constitutes proper library etiquette? Is there anything you always try to do? Anything you hate when others do?

The only time I went to a library was when during high school, but only to do some research for a school assignment. I never went to a library just to read. I had spent an ample time there though, enough for me to noticed that there are some people who just don't realized that they are in the library. Some students trooped to this place just to rehashed every gossip they have gathered for that day and they were oblivious to the stern looks of the librarian, directed at them, when they got noisy. And for some, the library is some neat place to take a nap. I have been tempted once to sleep that's why I did not stay in the library more often.

If I have my say with regards to proper library etiquette, I will impose some way of making an inquiry as to one's true intention of going inside the library and that is to read. If someone will just go there to make unnecessary noise or just fall asleep, then that person will not be allowed to enter. Pretty harsh, huh.

At present, I've never been inside a library, not even once, since I graduated from college. I do all my readings in the comfort and privacy of my bedroom. There's a  public library near my place, just walking distance, but I never venture there though I was thinking about of going. You see, libraries here are no big deal, especially those put up by the government. All you will see are just worn out books, with pages yellowed with time. Besides, I'm sure I'm not going to find the books I would love to read. I'm better off buying my own books from BookSale or borrow from friends.

...my read-a-thon account...

I'm not really sure what I expected from joining in this read-a-thon since this is my first time. Truth be known, I was excited. I have a somewhat short list of books to "devour". I started off with Paulo Coelho's The Winner Stands Alone. I was able to read up to page 128 only before sleep overtook me. I was on chair, with feet propped on the bed, while reading. After a while, I got tired and succumbed to the bed's invitation...

...BTT...i like...

 What's your favorite part of Booking Through Thursday? Why do you participate ( or not) ?

Booking Through Thursday is something I always look forward to every week. It's a welcome activity for me to take part in answering questions related to something I love, books. It's nice to hear comments from other bloggers and also read what they have to say. I participated in this weekly event just recently but I have to say that I'm loving it already. Its a cool thing to have some way of expressing my thoughts on reading and books. Plus it encourages me to improve on my writing too.

So keep those questions coming.:-)

...I like Boo...

It is seldom that I get so taken with a movie, any particular movie. It could be a blockbuster hit or just a low-budget one. There are even movies I like that others never heard about. Well, its their loss, I guess.

Anyway, last Saturday, I was again ( as always) coop up inside my room. I declined my friend's offer to go out. I was not feeling up to it, besides I felt tired. While lounging on bed, I while away the time, changing channels, until finally, I came to a stop on Disney Channel. Hence, the unintended start of my "cartoons movie marathon".

I admit it, I'm already 33 but I still am, fascinated and entertained with cartoons.I started off with Monster, Inc., which I was able to watched halfway, due to my constantly changing the channels. Next was, Finding Nemo, followed by, Ratatouille. By the end of the third movie, it was only then, I realized that night has sets in.

Of all the three movies I watched that day, the one that affected me most was, Monster, Inc..The first time I saw and heard the little girl giggled and laughed, I instantly becomes her fan. I like how the story goes about how the child endeared her way  to the monster, Sulley's heart. And I had a good laugh too and one almost teary-eyed moment.

Now, I like Boo....

...nothing much...

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading/blogging during the holidays… 

How does your reading (or your blogging) fare in the holiday months? Do you read more or less? Do you have to actively make time to read?

During the holidays, I will be going home to visit my folks. As much as I want to read, I can't seem find the time to do it. So what I'd do is just leave all my books behind. Besides there are books at home,  so anytime I feel up to reading, I can just browse over and pick one.

As for blogging, I'm usually on a break from it not because I'm busy. I don't have access to a computer when I'm home though I can go to nearby Internet cafes but it's too much hassle on my part. I will just bring along my journal and write  whatever I want to for the duration of my stay. But most of the time, I forget about writing. I will be either preoccupied with hanging out with my nieces and nephews or catching on with sleep.

Pretty boring, eh?

...i'm thankful..

It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. today, so I know at least some of you are going to be as busy with turkey and family as I will be, so this week’s question is a simple one: 

                              What books and authors are you particularly thankful for this year?

Here in the Philippines, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving as a special event like what residents in the U.S.A. do, but just the same, we do have celebrations that can be construed as a way of thanksgiving too.

So, even if we don't have Thanksgiving per se, we still find it important to give thanks whenever we can and at any day.

I'm thankful for the following books I've read and those I'm about to read for this year:

1. The Winner Stands Alone ( Paulo Coelho) & Animal Farm ( George Orwell )- I got these books from birthday:-)

2. Great Expectations - Charles Dickens

3. The Appeal & The Associate- both by John Grisham

4. Angels & Demons and The Lost Symbol- both by Dan Brown

5. The Twilight Saga series ( Stephenie Meyer)- All of the four books I finished earlier this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

...no favorites...

 What books did you read while in school? Were there any that you particularly liked, or hated? Did any become lifelong favorites?

I started reading "seriously" when I was in high school. I was into the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew stuff. Later on, my aunt introduced me to reading the novel, Hotel by Arthur Hailey. From then on, the rest is history. I become hooked to reading that I could not stop. I frequented the high school library and borrowed books. I read Sidney Sheldon, Robert Ludlum, and John Grisham. During college, I ventured out to other authors and into non-fiction.

I read for the simple reason of being entertained and informed, in a way. Though, I still have to steel myself to last long enough to finish one novel, when in comes to the classic. I like To Kill A Mockingbird too that I read it twice.

...awesome birthday...

 now, look at this...

I woke up a bit groggy this morning. I was thinking of going out for a birthday jog but I was not able to do so. I slept late last night over the excitement of my new books and the feeling that I am about to turn a year older.

I was up early as usual. Had my usual coffee and continued reading Dicken's Great Expectations. At half past six, I went out to hear mass. Joy joined me, actually, I asked her to accompany me. Afterward, I spent the entire morning in my room, alternating between doing some stuff on the computer and reading. At almost dinner time, we went to Jingle's house.

To say that I was surprised was an understatement. You see, I'm not the kind of person who go berserk when excited or surprised. When I saw the pastel colored balloons with the word "Happy 33rd Birthday, Tata", I was dumbfounded and just grinned like crazy. I did not go berserk on the outside but inside I was on high. You see, I never had balloons on my birthday, not even once, until today.

I did a double take when Jingle placed the birthday cake on the table. I had the suspicion that she and Joy were up to something for my birthday. I didn't know they will go to this extent. My birthday cake, as what would Po said, "AWESOME!"

"We all have something in common. Guess what?"

On one corner of the table were a pile of party favors and party hats in Winnie the Pooh motifs. Food and drinks were present as customary. Jingle's son, Luis joined in the merriment. He prepared games and we had a blast. He was very game and the only kid present.Moments later, Mae Ann and Fritzie arrived. They brought along a pizza. We ate some and drink some. Jingle's daughter, Anna and her friend also joined us.

Joy, Jingle, Luis and me

The 33-year old, cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. Go figures.

Joy, Jingle, Luis, me, Fritzie and Mae Ann

Check out my presents. Something came out good from my "shameless plugging" blog post. And luckily, someone read it too. :-)

and then came Po

 It's good to be 33. Thank you guys...:-)

...recent finds...

After being coop up in my room the whole day, I was eager to go outside despite the heat. I would have love to go out and just walk around more often but because I perspire a lot, I was discourage to do so. Except for those times when I go out to jog early in the morning.

Yesterday early evening, I overlooked this small inconvenience on my part and went out. Joy and I went to Chowking near Fuente OsmeÑa to have dinner. We ordered our usual Nai Cha and their new Limited Edition Duet meals--Sweet & Spicy Mandarin Chicken and Crispy Fish. Afterward, we went to Watson's then proceeded to Robinson's. I went straight ahead to BookSale while Joy dropped by David Salon's.

I have no sane explanation for how I feel whenever I enter BookSale ( besides, I think no one really cares!). My only complaint about this place is that there's no AC unit. So minutes after I was inside, I started sweating but it did not stop me from bending over, poring over the hundred of books. At some point, I kneel down to have a closer look on the books piled underneath a table. If not for other customers present at that time, I would have crawled around. I managed to keep myself in check.

worth sweating over

I did not left the store empty-handed. I was beside myself with excitement when I saw a Taylor Caldwell hardbound novel. The pages were a bit yellowed already but hey, I've been looking for novels written by this author, so...Another cool find was a book by Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathon Man. Check out my other blog for the detail of why I'm interested with this one..

I already have accumulated a lot of books for the past few weeks.I guess this is  enough for my Dec. 5 "readathon".

...my thought on this...

 Do you think any current author is of the same caliber as Dickens, Austen, Bronte or any of the classic authors? If so, who and why do you think so? If not, why not? What books from this era might be read 100 years from now?

I think I'm not in the position to really identify current authors to be of the same caliber with the classic ones. To be honest, I'm still at a loss sometimes, in understanding why authors aand their works  from decades ago are considered classic, because when I tried reading one, I ended stopping halfway. Case in point, Jane Austen's Mansfield Park, which until now, I haven't finished reading yet. I pondered on my delay in tackling this particular book. I was led to think that maybe it is too much for my brain to grasp or I just lost interest in it. That remains to be seen.

On the other hand, the book I'm currently reading now is a classic. Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Surprisingly, I stick to it. I am in Chapter 36 at the moment. And I intend to finish this one because I enjoyed reading it for the past few days.

There are a lot books that I hope will still be read 100 years from now. Those by John Grisham, Stephen King and J.K. Rowling, to name a few. I wonder what will the generation of that time will think of the authors of today.

...for Christmas...

I chance upon this article while I was checking my Twitter account. I thought this is helpful especially with the holiday season coming up. And no, I'm not talking about gift-giving ( and receiving ) this time. For your reading pleasure ( I hope so), I present to you the.....

16 Digital Photography Tips for Christmas
by Darren Rowse

1. Prepare-Making a List, checking it twice...

2. A White Balance Christmas

3. Set up a DIY "Photo Booth"

4. Capture the preparation stages

5. Before and After Shots

6. Time-lapse Christmas series

7. Christmas Lights

8. Find a Point of Interest- but just per shot

9. Fresh Group Photos

10. Opening Gifts- Shoot in Continuous Mode

11. Fill your Frame

12. Diffuse/Reflect your Flash

13. Go Macro

14. Watch Your Aperture

15. Explore your Neighborhood

16. Related Reading

For a more detailed description of each of the enumerated tips, check this out.

Enjoy reading....

...book wishlist....

 With the holiday season now upon us, have you left any hint – subtle or otherwise – for books family and friends might buy you for Christmas? Do you like to receive books, or do you prefer certificates so you can choose your own? 

My birthday is coming up in a few days and I have indicated books in one of my posts for my birthday wish list, hopefully. For Christmas, I'm really not sure if I'm going to get any books from anyone. My family and friends know about my penchant for reading and they also know that I'm crazy about books. I leave it up to them.

I still have to come up a list of books I want for Christmas so starting now, I will be leaving tip-offs about the books I'd like to have. On the other hand, it will be nice to receive a certificate too ( though I haven't experienced it yet ). Anyway, whichever way works for me as long as there will be books.