I think it was C.S. Lewis who said that the academic calendar is very similar to the Christian view of history... and truly, don't we all passionately look forward to sembreak? Aka "the-end-of-suffering?" We equate sembreak with Heaven! (Except that, with semesters, the cycle starts anew with each enrollment period. A temporary version of eternal rest, gone all too soon.)
While my sembreak will not start for another week (let the countdown begin!) and will only last a week (bitiiiiiiin!!), I already feel the slower pace. I've been bringing home less work and I've been sleeping better, too.
Was able to attend our org's book session last Saturday (after missing out for two months due to acads!!), and I enjoyed the excursion to Bookay-ukay, a secondhand bookstore hidden in a cozy nook along Maginhawa Street, UP Village... off the beaten path! Of course, we HAD to have our comfort coffee and sandwiches afterwards, where we discussed books ranging from the deep and profound ones (with endnotes, diba Bernice?) to the lighthearted and entertaining. Looking forward to our next one, guys!!
The topic of "sembreak" reading was brought up, and it was mentioned that sembreak books are ideally those that make you pause and take a long,hard look at your life.
Looking forward to doing just that, soon! But first, gotta proctor the 2nd quarterly tests at RMM... and prepare my preschool students for their United Nations programme! *hums Hava Nagila*
What books are YOU reading over the sembreak?
(Aside: I've been writing academic papers and lesson plans for so long, I'm no longer used to writing blog entries!!)
Hahaha, can't get over the endnotes thing, huh? :P
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy and blessed that i went with you guys to Bookay-ukay. I found a book (The Alphabet of Grace, by Buechner) that renewed my longing for God, which is something I haven't felt for the longest time! It's as if I was meant to read that book, I could immediately relate with what the author was saying. Of course, there are no coincidences. :)
And "coincidentally", I'm reading another book (Warranted Christian Belief, by Plantinga) which I think is the perfect companion to Buechner's book. Kung baga, Buechner approaches the issue of faith from the heart, while Plantinga approaches it from the mind, so you get two complementary perspectives on faith. And you see how faith satisfies the heart AND the mind. Anyway, I'll stop na, haha, sorry, I just need to share this with someone. :)
Enjoy your sembreak, Ate Gabi!!! :)
It's not coincidence, it's meant to be!! I truly believe God sends books (and people, and pieces of music) into our lives at specific, coordinated times. :p
ReplyDeletePlease don't ever feel like you need to cut your comments short! Thanks for dropping by my blog! See you next book session!!!
Haha I just read this now.
ReplyDelete1) I still say YAY FOR ENDNOTES! Haha! :) and
2) Yay Shelfari! :P
Okay, sorry, this is a pretty useless comment haha. I just needed to comment on the endnotes. :)