So, this is another random post, but it has more sense than the others, I hope.
As I was using a search engine earlier today looking for 'odd jobs in the Philippines,' I came across a blog post that detailed some supposedly odd jobs in our country. What I was looking for are jobs which are probably never heard-of or which are "too dirty" (kadiri, if you may), like septic tank cleaners. The list, though, included the takatak boys (men, really, who sold cigarettes, candy, and what-not to drivers and vehicle passengers), shoeshiners, sapatero (shoe cobblers), barbero (barber), lavendera (laundress, but it can also be a man), konduktor (bus conductor), barker (a person who calls the passengers for a jeepney), etc. I was surprised, because, for many of us, these jobs are common; some probably know other people who do these kinds of jobs. Yes, they are (what some may call) menial or blue collar jobs, but they are by no means rare or odd. I do not know if the blogger is Filipino or of another nationality, but the article is clearly written for the consumption of foreigners.
There was also another article wherein an eyebrow shaver was considered odd. Um, that is so common in our beauty salons and parlors.
This little piece of cyberspace tells me that other countries perceive us differently, and vice versa. What is common in one culture may not be so in another. Perhaps these people who do these "odd" jobs do not exist in their country, and they find them, well, odd.
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In another news, my book list has officially reached the 200th mark. This feat was not possible without the existence of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne. I have completed the "Pooh series," as I call them (Winnie-the-Pooh actually made me cry... And here I am an eighteen year old girl with a penchant for murder investigation stories). I was actually planning to buy two other books prior to seeing the two aforesaid titles: Tarzan of the Apes (forgot the name of the author, sorry!) and Disclosure by Michael Crichton (which was selling for a measly 25 pesos). But the pull of Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin and the rush of childhood nostalgia that is sure to come is stronger than the "adult" side of me. Ha-ha! So, Juster and Milne prevail. Hurrah for children's literature!
But, really, on any other day I would definitely buy a 25-peso Crichton.
I have also decided to write about A.A. Milne and his works for "The 2011 My favorite book essay writing contest," sponsored by Philippine Star, National Book Store, and Globe. I was (actually, guiltily) roaming around NBS this afternoon looking for what I would spend a gift certificate on.
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I think I like my semester. All my professors seem to be pleasant and the subjects okay. So, I think it will be a good semester... I think.
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On the lighter side, I bought another piece of K-On! merchandise. You probably think I'm wasting money on these stuff, but, really, who can resist? They are so adorable! I don't care about the cries of yuri and whatever, I just love these girls. This time it's a notepad... With no lines! Yeah! That's the kind of notepad I love.
So, now you know what kind of notepad to buy me. *wink*
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Written: June 30, 2011, 9:35 PM
Two weeks from now, we are required to pass the first drafts of our CW 110 manuscripts... And I have no freakin' story ideas. What's a girl to do? I totally have no idea what to write about. I mean, I do but it's not taking shape. Ooh my~ I'm in a pinch. Where are plot bunnies when you need them?
I've been reading (on and off) Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the basis for the movie 127 Hours starring James Franco, by Aron Ralston and I love it. Even with the mountaineering jargon (it's sometimes hard to follow), it's a wonderful book. I'm not halfway through, but I know I'm in for another wonderful book adventure.
I have begun to read Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne, and I love the poems. They're just... darlings! :D
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