Doing Shakespeare

I remember in college, I have a professor who told our class to memorize at least one poem by heart and not by mind and remember it for life. I did not know what I should memorize then even though I have a lot of poems in mind. I do not remember exactly how it happened but I was able to memorize Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 –by heart. I can recite it even when I am sleeping even though there were times when I get nervous that I tend to stutter and eat the words. Here is Shakespeare's Sonnet 116. The bold words are my favorite.

Sonnet XCVI

Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken. Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Yes, I am a Christian. No, I am NOT Perfect

Happy weekend everyone! I arrived last night from Davao City and I have been busy since then. It's exam week once again so I'm cramming with the test papers. What else is new right? So anyway, I am almost done with the test papers and my only concern left will be the grades so that I can distribute the cards by the end of this week. It's really going to be a hectic period starting next week. I have yet to plan for the graduation of the kids this March and aside from that, the kids will be having a presentation on February 20 where they will be dancing waltz and tango.

I saw this poem posted on the bulletin in friendster and I think this is worth sharing.

When I Say I am a Christian

by Carol s. Wimmer

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I am saved"

I'm whispering "I was lost"

That is why I chose this way.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

And need someone to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are all too visible,

But God believes I'm worth it.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartaches

Which is why I speak His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I do not wish to judge.

I have no authority.

I only know I'm loved

Am I on a Roll?

Blogging for fun, yes I am starting now!

A pupil asked me this afternoon why we stopped singing songs in the classroom and it was only then that I realized that she's right! We have been busy reading, writing and playing that I forgot to teach them new poems and songs. I promised to teach them a new poem tomorrow and guess what I found on Yahoo? This!

The Kindergarten Concert

By Robert Poddle

The kindergarten concert was an interesting show.
Peter walked onto the stage and yelled, “I have to go!”
Katie was embarrassed, but she had nowhere to hide.
She raised her dress to hide her face. Her mother almost died.
Keith removed his tie and said, “It’s ugly, Dad. I hate it!”
David picked his nose on stage. What’s worse is that he ate it.

They sang their song, and Wyatt burped, and then he did a dance.
Michael fell while spinning ’round. Peter wet his pants.
The music teacher at the end said, “There, I’m glad that’s done.”
The kindergarten bowed and said, “Let’s sing another one!”

Did you like it? Do you think it's proper for me to teach them this one? I kind of liked it and I got tired of the usual Jack and Jill poems so here's a new one for a change. I will be waiting for your reactions and comments until early morning tomorrow so that I can teach this or replace a new (more decent) poem in class.

Anyhoo, I was busy teaching the kids how to read and yes, sweetbejeezus, they can now read simple words. Filipino words are easier to teach than English words because English phonics are crazy. But we'll get to it later. And oh no, no, no, NO! I just found out this afternoon that we won't have a semestral break, not even for three days at least. Argh. I'm planning to have a vacation but I guess it will have to wait. Life!