California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) Result

I just received the result of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) that I took last June 13. My status was: Not yet passed. That means I had failed on one or more of the 3 sections of the test. I got a total score of 125 which was more than the passing score. Unfortunately, I needed 4 points for the writing section to pass. I still have to retake the test no matter how high my total score was. The 3 sections, Comprehension, Math and Writing, should meet the minimum passing score which is 41. If one of the sections got 37 points, it would be OK as long as the total score reaches the passing score. Mine was 33. I have to improve my usage, spelling and punctuation. I thought I'd pass still even if I fail in Writing because I was confident that I will get a high score in Math. But I was wrong, I need to pass each section, no matter how high my total score is. It is different from the test that we have back in Phi. If I had known, I should have reviewed my 2 essays and paid more time in my usage of words. I was aware that I kept using the same words many times. It was just because of my morning sickness that I didn't do it well. I was hurrying to get over with the test. Among all examinees, I was the only one who used the restroom pass. I went outside 3 times for me to eat crackers and drink water since it was not allowed inside the testing room. I will surely do it better next time. Wish me luck then for my next test in Writing.

American Independence Day

Celebrating Independence day here in US is really different from where I came from. Of course the date is different because the Philippines Independence day is on June 12. It is different on how every resident of America celebrates it. Starting from July 1, non-profit organizations start selling fireworks and residents are buying them for July 4th. In Philippines, selling of fireworks starts in December. Filipinos don't have fireworks during that day. Firework displays are what people, including us, look forward to every July 4. Filipinos will not stop playing with fireworks from December to January (Christmas and New Year). But how we celebrate doesn't really matter. The most important thing is that we remember one of the most memorable events that happened to our country.

Teacher Credentialing

Alright, I have decided to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) on June 13. I just registered online for the test and paid a $40 fee. I am hoping that I will pass the test. I am just worried because I might be experiencing a bad morning sickness that will prevent me from taking the test seriously. I heard that food and drink is not allowed inside the testing room so I have to go outside for a pregnant woman's necessities.

There are 4 California Educator Credentialing Examinations but I chose to take the CBEST first. If you want to learn more about it, you can check it online. You can also register online and take the test at your assigned venue. You may visit the website now.

I Passed My Driving Test

I had my 4th driving test (behind-the-wheel) last May 3 at downtown's DMV. I decided to take the test here in Bakersfield instead of taking it in Arvin which is 25 minutes away from Bakersfield. I failed twice there and would not want to feel disappointed again. I feel sad because we spent more than an hour to get there and take the test but only failed. So I told hubby that this time around, I would take the test at the city's DMV. I was not scared anymore to fail or scared of the people's hearsays that it is difficult to take the test here. But I proved them wrong. It was easy for me to pass the test. I felt confident and relaxed since my mind was occupied with all the cars around me. It was busier though compared in Arvin but it made me feel more relaxed. I didn't have to check my speed always because I had other cars to remind me. I now realized that I feel comfortable driving with more cars than driving alone the street when having the test. I had only 7 minor mistakes and I felt happy to be on the road so smoothly. Thank God I passed the test at last!

Behind-the-Wheel Test

I failed my three driving tests (in Arvin, Bakersfield and Arvin again) for I made critical mistakes. So I reapplied last thursday. I got no choice but took the test right away since I was at the DMV already. I passed it before without studying, so I believed that I will pass it again. I have been driving always around town and also the freeways (99, 178, 58). It is a practical test so for those who want to take it and know how to drive already, don't worry much. You'll pass it.

For the driving test, I think luck is needed for me. I always met challenges down the road that made me nervous and failed. Don't feel/show any nervousness cos it will really affect u. The instructor told me to get over my nervousness and needed to take the manual test again. I've been driving well with hubby, but it is really different when I am driving with somebody whom I don't know especially if he's checking on me... Well, If u fail, just don't worry.Try and try and you'll learn a lot of things along the way...If you fail, don't ever quit.

Don't commit the same 3 mistakes I committed:

1. not looking over the shoulder when pulling away from the curb
2. driving too slow ( i didn't see the speed limit sign and i was nervous, i remember the video on youtube that if there is no sign, just drive slow>>>I was overfed with information and was too cautious which I knew too well that I should not be)
3. too nervous that I wanted to finish the test right away and didn't let the pedestrian pass. I was at the 4-way stop signs. I was too unlucky cos that pedestrian was a lady pushing a stroller. She didn't make any eye contact with me but still she tried to cross. It was too late for me to let her pass cos I went ahead already. It was my fault :(

3 tests that I failed that was why I reapplied again. I am hoping to pass the 4th time I need my confidence back lol If i fail, then I will gladly take the test again. I hope you guys would learn from my mistakes... I knew about all these but still, during the test, I completely disregarded it... Hubby couldn't believe I failed again!

Holy Week Traditions and Beliefs

The Holy week is coming up and if I am in Philippines, I will be observing it well. Usually, we go to church for a vigil on the night when Christ is dead. That is Good Friday. My parents used to tell me to be careful because Christ is dead. If you get hurt like having wounds, it will take a long time to heal. We believed that and we were so behaved and scared. Maybe Mom told us that for us to be good. Cause for the Holy week, we need to reflect ourselves and ask forgiveness. We even forbid ourselves from doing the fun things for Christ is suffering and we need to at least give up something that we love to do for just a few days. Some people will give up meat, games, and delicious food. So when Good Friday comes, we only have Tabirak or benegnet for food, no meat. It is similar to porridge but with sweet potatoes, banana, coconut milk, jackfruit, corn flour and sugar. We also stay at home and avoid going anywhere. The streets are so quiet and there are only a few businesses which are opened. When Sunday comes, that is the day that we rejoice because it is the day that Christ has risen. People go to church early in the morning and join the people walking around the city proper with flowers in their hands. The flowers come from the bouquet prepared for Christ's rebulto (statue). Only a few can get it so sometimes it creates chaos because they are pushing each other just to get it. They say, the flowers are holy, it can be used to cure diseases if soaked in water and drink it. My Dad used to get some of those flowers and offered it to our altar. We only celebrate that and we don't have Easter Sunday (some do that). Oh I miss it!

Fave Eating Spots

It took me two years to be able to visit my favorite eating spots. A few days ago, my friends and I went to LA, CA just to visit the places that we used to go always in Philippines like Goldilocks, Chow King and Jollibee. W don't have these here in Bakersfield so when we had the chance to be closer to LA, we went there and enjoyed the food that we missed for so long. LA is almost a 2-hr drive from Bakersfield. We had a trip to Pasadena so we just drove a few more miles just to get to Eagle Rock Mall where these eating spots are located. I felt like I was in Phi. We'll be back again, hopefully soon.

"Jabe!"