first step.

I never let my SCHOOLING interfere with my EDUCATION.

Mark Twain

I have first read those words by Mark Twain back in high school in one of those statement shirts. Back then, I just thought Mr Twain was one of those persons who strongly criticized the quality of the educational system of their time. Only recently did I realized what he meant.

In the 17 of the 20 years of my existence, I have been going to school. From nursery up to now, I have been taught under a pre arranged curriculum which already maps out what information I would learn during my so-called "education". A standard issue high school diploma, at the very least, would guarantee that I am well informed in the fields of Math, Science and English. Knowledge on all the other areas of study are not necessarily expected and are left to those who seeks them for specialization or mere interest.

Nevertheless, we Homo sapiens, with our developed brains and opposable thumbs, must not be contented with what our schools provide. We must seek more knowledge and learn to teach ourselves other crafts and expertise. We must aim to develop our selves not only cognitively but physically and socially as well. Our ultimate goal must be to lead and excel in all lines of human endeavors.

Thus, I am trying to put my self in perspectives. I have list down a few things that I plan to undertake this coming June.

1. learn a new trade - though I have not yet decided on what specifically to embark on, I am thinking along the lines of a new language or new musical instrument.

2. establish PT regiment - the last time I ever run a lap was way back in April. I really do need the exercise.

3. start a journal - to be able to document my progress and note as well the important moments of my life.

4. open an ATM account - if I am planning to put up a farm and a library, I better start saving money right away.

5. read my books - I have tons of books and other than rotting away in the attic, I better start reading them and gain the knowledge of those who wrote them.

I see that JULY would be a productive month for me.

*photo not mine.

the state of matter.

MY laptop got busted recently and thus, I have not been in touch with the world wide web for quite some time. Classes have already started two weeks ago and so far, I am doing alright. This semester would be my first step on my way to higher grounds. This time, I will be more focused, more organized and more confident.

Speaking of being more organized, I have taken the archiving and documentation of my life a notch higher. Aside from the record of expenses I keep here in my laptop, I also have one written in a columnar notebook (just in case my laptop fails me again). In addition, I also keep a notebook where I store interesting information and ideas. Sort of like da Vinci's notebook but in a less intricate but more organized form. I dubbed it Memorias de un Supremo, but I think it is not quite appropriate since it is more of a compilation of facts and figures rather than a memoir. I think I would just hail it as the Supremo notebook.

I also have with me a daily planner together with my desk calendar in which I note important dates such as birthdays, deadlines and exams. Occasionally, I also write down inspiring quotes or realizations I stumbled upon during the day. I am starting to think that I am a bit obsessive-compulsive since I actually spent a lot of time in formulating the format that I would be using in taking down notes in my planner. I tried color coding -first using color pencil then highlighters. Eventually, I just stick with writing [tag]: [note]

I also have a To Do/Assignment notepad which is basically, a 1/4 paper pad which I divided into four columns: finished ( / if done, blank if not yet and an x if it's not done or cancelled), subject, assignment, due date. This is to keep track of all the things I have to do and avoid missing any deadlines.

I also now have a mini notebook (free from Mama Sita's oyster sauce) in which I jot down recipes that I myself concocted. I only have five entries yet though, since I don't spend that much time in the kitchen.

Then there are my other notebooks, one for practicing shorthand writing, then another for organic farm/gardening, for Pahinungod ERVP, for sketching and painting and for random notes.

And of course, my trusty tickler which I have just recently customized to include a sort of envelope, some post-its and a band to keep the notebook intact.

In addition to all of this, I am planning to start a journal as well. I am still contemplating on the details though -will it be formal? highly personal? daily? etc. Arggh. Obsessive-compulsive.

I sure hope I could stick with them all.