Saturday, February 28, 2009

God Save the Queen



This song was written by the Sex Pistols in the advent of anarchy in the UK. How apt. I found something that truly mirrors what I feel.

Been a while since I last updated my blog and it's ridiculous that I'll be writing about my queen. My boss, the SDM from hell.

Alright, so it all started when she was hired. Everything seems quite fine until the time that she took over completely from Brit Boy (see previous posts).

1. She asks for tons of reports that she fails to check or even review.
The funny thing about being her subordinate is I get to manage three sites while she only manages one - she manages it badly. I ain't saying I'm great and all. Nonetheless, I am unbelievably appalled by her lack of coordination and motivation when it comes to dealing with her employees. It's derogatory to everyone involved. She asked me for several reports which she fails to even view! Now she's about to make my performance appraisal. I shudder to think about what that performance appraisal will be like given that she doesn't understand shit about what I do. I made several templates for a campaign we have in Budapest that she failed to even look at. It's ridiculous! How can someone who choose to ignore what I do understand what I need and how freakin' hard my job is?! And she has the audacity to tell me she'll be doing my performance appraisal?! Oh Brit Boy will hear a lot from me come March.
2. She fails to inform me of basic issues that needs to be addressed during training or issues that need to be addressed by me.
It is almost impossible for me to fathom what kind of mind she has. I don't know if she mainly assumes that I know, or if she assumes that I can read her mind, or if she just chooses not to tell me.
First, she fails to inform me that this QA analyst will be part of an off-site Six Sigma training. It was the accountant who told me that I should coordinate with that training firm to have that QA Analyst join us. It's good that I had spoken with their sales person before and they understood the immediate changes that ad to take place. I still got the discount we first spoke about.
Another instance from my brilliant SDM is failing to tell me that one of our developed tools has an error - a bug if you will, and this causes some of our customers to be unable to access or log some of their requests. This should be addressed during training. We don't have set procedures for that particular bug but I seriously think that we should contact our developers and ask for a list of bugs in that particular development and maybe a workaround, that way our analysts aren't lost AND confused as to what to do. She came up with a comment like "Eh kasi usually busy sila..." Yeah, sure they're fucking busy but you're the goddamned SDM! For crying out loud. sometimes, this woman is unbearable!

3. There is no justice in my company.
So there's this German bi-lingual agent who has been wreaking havoc on the operations floor. Since I'm not from operations, I choose not to even meddle but how is it that this Nazi (Disclaimer: I'm sorry, I know that is incredibly racist to say, but he is an amazingly horrible person. People in the office call him bakulaw, gerbak [short for German Bakulaw], ass wipe and asshole - ALL while he is within an earshot, so if you can imagine how someone like that can be treated as such, then you must then understand that when I call him Nazi, I am in fact being nice and not being racist. The original Nazi was Austrian. He never was German...). He complains about every little policy in the handbook. Ok, supposedly that's great right? People who challenge the policy shouldn't be treated as such, and they could have great insight. This old man - he looks like Santa Claus without the beard - has checked himself to Medical City and refuses to pay for it saying that the HR department is responsible for paying for his extra charges - as in those not covered by our HMO! So the HR Manager was obviously pissed. He complained about the dress code, and wanted to impose an English-Only-Policy (EOP) on the floor. He reprimands everyone loudly and audibly so the entire floor can hear, such as a ticket that he feels was incorrectly done, or grammar being a bit off. He castigates people from a different department regarding break schedules, not doing anything and whatnot. The worst part is while Brit Boy is in Budapest, Nazi emailed him and complained about Philippine management. Supposedly, there is a lack of structure. I kinda agree. I mean with that kind of SDM at the helm. The problem is the SDM didn't even sanction that asshole. She followed the guy's every damned complaint! She suddenly instituted a policy where analysts are supposed to wear corporate clothing, leather shoes and all... no surfing, EOP or else, no eating on the floor. We're turning into Telus! The people are angry!!! They are pissed and they want to leave.
Quite honestly, since I've trained most of the analysts we have - I know that the reason they liked the company is because they are sick and tired of being in a call center. They liked being treated like actual helpdesk analysts because they are! Now, they're going to be treated like second-rate customer service agents without any regard to what they do as analysts simply because one ass wipe chose to speak ill of the analysts here? One dude has so much power?
The SDM is giving him so much power. The idiot SDM is giving him so much power and that smug overrated Nazi is now more powerful than ever through corporate blackmail.
Can you tell me if there's actual justice in this company? She's afraid of an entry-level bi-lingual analyst. Tsk tsk... I know it;s bad to wish that Nazi drops dead but seriously, I wish he does. He's old and smokes a lot with a Pinay wife who looks like she was raised in a girly bar, plus the fact that he chats with a lot of chimays on YM (cos YM isn't considered surfing). I hope he sleeps with one of those and he gets herpes, fast!
Also, there's this bitch, she's part of quality yet she sounds like the SDM.
Kindly peruse the emails below (Yes that's how she emails us...)
Email 1


Email 2
Email 3

Well, there's a tone of authority in her emails. Also, honestly who talks like that? Am I supposed to coach agents to the tune of a ragtime classic? Maybe I'm just being bitchy. But wow, this woman threw a fit last Friday cos she was moved to the back end of the office. Way far from the operations people and also way far from the people she likes hanging out with. In short, if she isn't the center of attention, she gets pissed off. She kept complaining about the security of what she does. Supposedly, it's confidential. As if! When was a QA analyst ever an issue in this company? It's like they don't even care about the QA!
She chose some dude over Yogi when obviously, Yogi is the better candidate to be a QA analyst. My theory? She wants to overpower the new dude and also, in case the new dude fucks up, she's indispensable again. She is actually the SDM's favorite direct report. Why you ask? Cos she's a brown-noser. She is now to attend Six Sigma Training with me. As if it matters to her? The reason? Supposedly Brit Boy insisted, according to Liar Liar SDM. She's about to transition to the Budapest team. The problem? I was the one who created their templates. Not her. What's the point of having her take Six Sigma when their scorecard is already done and they aren't changing it any time soon? At least Aileen from HR and Lucy from the UK knows all the sacrifice I made for that campaign. I hope the credit doesn't go to that bitch cos if it does, I swear...

So can you honestly tell me if I should still work for this company?
Had Brit Boy been my boss, it would have been easier. But now, the SDM, the Nazi and the bitch have joined forces. Tsk tsk, it's the end of an era. They have become the terrible trio. I hope some company would offer them a job so they can go away!

End quote for today... Something that came from a friend through an SMS.

Ganun talaga in the corporate world, if your boss is an idiot, you can expect co-workers to act like idiots too.
Motivation is not an easy thing...

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Take Me Away


I totally feel this way...

So in love and so happy. When I arrived in the office, there was a box of roses waiting for me in my cubicle. Oh wow, I must sound so incredibly mushy today because for some reason, I can't stop smiling.

this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
this time you burn me with your eyes
you see past all the lies
you take it all away
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

I try to make my way to you
but still I feel so lost
I don't know what else I can do
I've seen it all
and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

don't give up on me yet
don't forget who I am
I know I'm not there yet
but don't let
me stay here alone

this time what I want is you
there is no one else
who can take your place
I've seen enough and it's never enough
it keeps leaving me needing you

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away

take me away
take me away
I've got nothing left to say
just take me away


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

That Franklin Hat

I can't believe that this overpriced hat is going to the Smithsonian! I mean, come on! Was it that big of a deal that she sang something in the Obama Inauguration and for some reason, was wearing a gray wool hat with an amazingly huge bow?

It was a big fashion risk but not really something that should land in the history books. Oh well... Next up, Obama's napkin in the Inaugural Ball...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Because I Need to Laugh



The opening song of Tokyo Pig who seems to look a lot like me. I love this cartoon!



This is one of their cute episodes on YouTube...




Sadness


For some reason, I can't quite convince myself to keep still. I'm jumpy, I'm weird and I have a mood swing problem the size of a dilapidated building in 5th avenue.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I'm picking fights with Jeoff when there is no reason to. He insists that we keep pictures of us kissing in private. I deleted a whole album in serious disappointment. I wanted to delete every little picture of us. I seriously wanted to shoot him. Tsk tsk... I kept ranting about what the heck he's hiding and who he's hiding it from. I am in fact overreacting. I am unbelievably angry. I guess I do feel deprived... And I seriously don't want to analyze it.

If you have an answer for me, go ahead and try to explain it to me cos I sure as hell can't figure it out. I love the guy but sometimes, he makes me so angry. And yet I do wanna see him... I am so frigging weird! This hormone thing, so sucks. I hate being a girl. I hate being a girl with a PMS issue. It's borne of being away from cola and chocolates for such a long time. And keeping away from carbs! Yeah, it's that, and only that.

What sucks more is that I am always sleep-deprived. I can't get to sleep and I can't sleep well. And not to mention the fact that Nickelodeon only shows the Nick Jr. line in the wee hours of the morning. What kind of a toddler is awake at 3AM? Can someone please tell me?! I am so confused...!

There's more to this than meets the eye I know. It must be the thousands of hours of pure commercial commute.

I am angry... no I'm not, just irritated, vexed and pissed - incredibly miffed. Oh what the heck...!

I guess what I'm saying is I'm depressed. I am getting incredibly lonely. I know I should never admit to being lonely and it sucks because right now, I am admitting to it. I feel alone. My friends are mostly married, one of them isn't but has a boyfriend she'd rather spend time with. Some other friends are incredibly toxic (yes, people...some friends can be considered toxic, you know, people who suck life out of you cos they can't suck the life out of someone else or from a bottle of alcohol). Some of my other friends are hard to contact. I have always liked myself - being alone - being in the center of something special or monumental, but now, for the first time, I find myself incredibly alone.

Jeoff is a million miles away, and no matter what he says, no matter how he claims that he's with me, he's just physically not with me. The loneliness is creepy... it's so dark and morbid. I'm not withdrawn or anything... just incredibly sad. People deal with this - and I dealt with this before. I don't understand what the hell changed between now and then that this has come to be so hard.

Maybe, it was meant to test my character.

As if I haven't been tested enough...

As of this writing, I am sleep-deprived, cigarette-free for hours now and listening to something incredibly gay (Clay Aiken)... Yes, I am being tested.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

I Owe Starter Mom

I owe Starter Mom a tag. Sorry dear, it's not the tag, I was just stuck in a rut - work was becoming overwhelming... But thanks to a cold and a really bad voice, I got to stay at home today!

The Butterfly Award for the coolest blogs I know. I'm supposed to tag ten blogs and it's amazing that I was even tagged for this.

Starter Mom
This is one amazingly funny blog of a new mom and wife. It is a strikingly candid account of ideas on raising children, being a wife, praises for the hubby and work woes. A must-read for every mom-to-be or a starting wife.

Wandering Scribe
Thanks to a subscription to RD Asia, I am now a fairly avid reader of Anya, the Wandering Scribe. It tells of a story of a woman who after being separated from her husband, had to live in her car for days on end and realized that support was just a click away. It's a riveting story of how people triumph despite all odds.

Fish in a Bowl

A funny and eclectic play on words from Sir Chris from iTi. The blog boasts of word play, poetic proses and a fun take on today' world as well as his imagined life and his dreams. In times when you know you need an intellectual breather, you need this blog.

Pilipinas Kong Mahal
It's a neo-conservative take on the country's issues. While politics isn't my cup of tea, and I will probably never run as a senator, this blog has come to be a good mirror of the current legislations that should be noted by Pinoys worldwide. Several good points in the articles have come up such as appointing judiciary officers. It a good read!

Cazzapoeia
It's a tale of a woman who loves food, her family, her life and her friends. It's a funny and anecdotal viewpoint of a woman in her twenties about everything - Christmas trees in lobbies, presents, facials, shampoos, raising her daughter and being a good wife. It's a free manual for all twenty-something woman who just got married and is deciding on a lot of things - how to raise children, what recipe to cook and what facialist to go to.

The Chona Chronicles
Created by a dude I used to work with, this amazing blog boasts of the story of Chona, a maid in the confines of her boss' Valle Verde estate. It chronicles her first trip to a sosyal salon, her birthday, her tryst with her Ma'am Tess and her love affair with the boy - all in halting and derided English.

Cofibean
One of the funniest and weirdest blogs I've ever seen. This was a blog I stumbled upon and I fell off my chair laughing. It's a blog from a dude who thinks that most call center employees are orcs and that money is just another word for tissue paper. Either way, it's written in the funniest conotic language ever! So enjoy!

Honestly, I am out of blogs. I'd put in a few but I don't know if they're public blogs so I'd really rather not. There's my list. Hope this goes on and gets tagged further.












The Corporate Landfill



It rips right through me,
How you lie right to me,
Betrayal, Betrayal,
Will this world make better sense?
Once you mean nothing to me...


This is not about my personal life. It's actually quite the contrary. It's about the corporate landfill I call my job. I just realized that some people would lie and manipulate and connive their way so they can emerge victorious. Take for instance this one analyst that we work with who has insistently lied and cheated just to get one step ahead of the people in the office. It's so sad and so demeaning. It is as if the corporate set-up that I've dreamed of has gone to pieces.

All I can say is that somehow, the law of karmic consequences will not allow this person to go unpunished.


Sunday, January 25, 2009

Wedding Stuff




It's 3:41 am, I just chose not to sleep tonight. I've been trying to visualize what I want in my wedding. I'm still coming up blank. It's funny... Back then, I never really thought he would actually propose and tell my folks.

So, yes... apart from the workload in the office, I also had to worry about the wedding I will be having. I have chosen to forsake all the games I play on Facebook and also this blog. I am just giving myself a breather because I didn't take any work home this weekend. I just chose to sit back, relax and completely veg out.

So here I am checking out wedding websites. I just know for a fact that I want something very simple. It should elegant, but simple. I think something should always dazzle people, like a chocolate fondue for dessert, or a huge cake with molten chocolate inside, no matter how much I don't like chocolate. I think that a nice simple dress would do, with not much trimmings. If I was to sum up what I wanted, I want a no fuss, non-ostentatious and non-flamboyant wedding. I want the money we will save to be for starting our lives together. Oh goodness, I still haven't even decided on a motif. Or a color scheme. I guess I'm still in awe that we're really going to do that. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that we're getting married. I just thought that I would have more people telling me what to do than me deciding. And I didn't realize that I was this analytical. I keep thinking about the motif, and if it reflects both me and him. I was thinking of powder blue and wheat (think Facebook blue and Johnny Bravo blonde) the whole day and if they'd work. But it's great that Jeoff and I talked last night and he showed me this site where we can work with color combinations.

This is what I was considering the whole day...

It seems like a no fuss and very simple and elegant color scheme.

That other one also caught our eye. It represents our favorite pastime - having coffee. But it does seem dark and gloomy. And I'm pretty sure people in the Philippines wouldn't dream of having brown as a wedding motif. I once saw this episode in Married Away where they had a Black and White wedding. It was beautiful. I have always wanted something like that, but since I want to get married in a church, I might as well throw that concept away.

I know I'm just rambling and this hardly seems like a good thread of ideas for now. I am just scared that my wedding, the most important day of my life with husband-to-be, would be a complete disaster if I don't make the right decisions. When I was younger and older friends were fussing about their wedding plans, I would roll my eyes and say "how hard could it be to plan a wedding?". I think this is my major karma. Now, I'm going to be alone and I have to plan it from scratch. I only wish that Jeoff is here. I mean, I know he's a guy and all, and will probably not go through with every nitty gritty stuff with me, but it would help to have that kind of support. Nevertheless, I'll be sure to walk through the details with him. He shouldn't be shocked with a crazy theme wedding. Or should he? Haha!

I think it's my time to rest. My back is frankly killing me. I am just training for work this Monday, which means I have plenty of time to go through some of my thoughts. When I get home from work this Monday, I promise to relax and then go through a bundle of bridal magazines which I will have to purchase tomorrow.

This be it for the tired (and hopefully quickly losing weight) me... I promise to come up with more intellectual musings in the future. Haha!






Saturday, January 10, 2009

Girl Meets Reality



A funny clip from Will and Grace reminded me of this song. Grace's husband Leo leaves New York for business. It's pretty amusing because she pops on her video recorder and sings a song for her hubby. Comically speaking, it's one pretty funny idea.

I can't really imagine singing a song on a video. I have done it once. And I sent it to him. I doubt that I'll have enough gumption and courage to actually post it online. Nonetheless, I'm talking about this because he's about to leave again.

Earlier, whilst waiting for a cab, I can't help but be a little misty-eyed. Why does a great day have to end? I know that I have been "hogging" him the whole time, nonetheless, I wish that he will actually stay longer. I sincerely wish that the remaining week of his visit will run incredibly slowly. If I wait for him to come back, it would be 2010.

I know this seems like word vomit, but I am feeling mixed about this. I wish he can stay and I know that he has to go. I know he has to work and take care of his business there and all I wish for is for him to be in my arms. Everyday that he was away, what kept me alive and waiting was the idea that he will be back and will be in my arms again. It seems like everyday is a battle to stay sane from missing him and from so much loneliness. When he left last time, I cried for a whole week. No one knew. I didn't want people to find out that I was that affected. Now, I vowed that I will never cry. I will not cry. I will be stronger and better and will draw from my memory everything that we did together - the trips to the mall, the making-out, the movies we've watched, the food we've shared (guess what, I think we're at that level where we can pick out food from each others' plate), and the laughter that really makes me feel that the intimacy we share is real. Laughing with each other and at each other is incredibly wonderful. I just wish it can go on like this forever.



Monday, January 05, 2009

Zen


It has been quite a whirlwind. I have to admit, I love being away from work and from the office. I love the ability to NOT check my inbox just because it's needed. I love the fact that people in the office also respect my need for some time alone and some time to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I have come to realize that last year was placed in a pedestal for me. It's been one heck of a beautiful year. Being with my family, my friends, the man of my dreams, my kick-ass job and along the way... making mistakes, learning promptly what I was doing wrong and correcting things, one by one...

I have also been following a little bit of "The Secret". It's this nice school of thought that says you have to phrase things positively in order to push the laws of the universe to work for you.

So here are my positive thoughts for the year:

  • I love my family... These are the people I will die for and will kill for. I am blessed to have such wonderful parents and wonderful loved-ones.
  • I am a strong and intelligent person. I am capable of doing things that are beyond other people's abilities.
  • I am a great trainer, a great people-person and a great employee. I am someone that people relate to and are able to respect and love.
  • I am a good person and I will channel my energy to reflect the good in this universe to the people who need it.
  • I am someone who doesn't need anyone to fulfill my dreams. I can work on it on my own.
  • I am loving and understanding. I deserve someone equally loving and understanding as I am.
  • I am forgiving. I will always see things from the other person's point of view before I start pointing fingers.
  • I am true and real. I am capable of negotiating within the bounds of my reality instead of manipulating things to my advantage.

This year, my mantra is to be pure and true, with lots of zen moments in between.

I want to rediscover art, and beauty through my eyes. I want to see what else I can bring to the table. I want to challenge myself, and fight for the future more as a ready, willing and able person. I want to consistently perform at par with people whom I care for and people that I respect as individuals.



Friday, January 02, 2009

Mad Sense


How is it possible to want someone more and more everyday?
It seems awfully maddening to be away from him even for just one day. Maybe it's because distance really screws up your entire system for judgment and even a sense of propriety. I seriously want more and more and more and more of him. I want to be with him - to laugh with, to cry with, to go to the mall with, to have dinner with... I honestly wish I can be with this man for the rest of my life.


Sunday, December 28, 2008

The "Salamat" List



This year has been a great succession of pain, suffering, mental anguish and on the flipside, joy, success, happiness and love, yes, love... Not just for my man, but for a lot of people who have touched my life in one way or another.

One of those people is Indie and she's the one who tagged me.

The things I am grateful for...
1. Family. They are important to me...
  • My mom and dad who has given me guidance and carried me and my burdens throughout. They gave me the foundation I have now, and I am glad that while I wasn't able to choose my parents, they are fabulous ones.
  • My brother who despite being such an extremely radical emo kid, can be fun to hang with. I know we have our differences but I am ultimately your sister and thus, love has to be part of that equation.
  • Jeoff whom I consider family already. I feel at home with him and I think I need no elaboration when I say that things I feel are beyond logic or reason. I am just grateful to have him in my life.
  • Tito Doy and Tita Baby who are just wonderful people and have raised an amazing son. I know I should never presume that they will be family but then I sincerely believe that a person's family is an extension of who they are. Because I love their son, that automatically makes me love them.
2. Friends. Pardon the listing of all the people I have in my life, but it makes sense that I do this...
  • Irish and Pao, who got married just this year who showed me that love does conquer all, even the idea of strangers meeting on a commuter bus. Irish has been a sister to me - she held my hand and prayed for me even though we know that we don't know how to pray anymore through the darkest and most horrifying moments of my life.
  • Cym and Rix, who decided to have a baby and are doing so wonderfully as parents and as hubby and wife.
  • Chloe who shares my single yet unavailable but unmarried girl-woes and shops with me although she totally hates my stodgy corporate style.
  • Jack and Winch who have somewhat astounded me with the changes they have undergone over the years. Excellent job, boys! I hope the next change would be a bunch of ladies trailing after you. Haha!
  • Indie who has remained a grounding and humbling factor in my life and is my source of wisdom. It's amazing to find people who are comfortable with who you are and what you believe in without judging you.
  • Glenna who despite leaving for New Zealand has influenced me as a person, a professional and as a significant other.
  • Myles who somewhat reminds me that people are always going to need people, no matter what happens. She also reminds me to be prepared for anything - and everything.
  • Aileen and Arnel - my new "couple friend" who have taught me that marriage isn't happily ever after but is something that takes work and takes patience. They inspire me to be more practical and sensible in dealing with love.
  • My new work friends... Yong who despite being the ultimate PC geek is also one heck of a great friend. I'm learning how to be more assertive because of him. Yogi is one of my most special friends ever. I am starting to love the idea of Will and Grace because of him. Thanks for the tips, sweetie! I luuuurve them! Ela who is sort of in the same boat as I am - she has to weather all the bad and the good and the ugly of being in a long-distance relationship, and I am just here sweetie. Rye who is great to hang with... I hope you stick to Ria and all the best to the two of you. Finally, Sheila, who is the living proof that married life isn't that amazing but it doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. It's good for me to see th different facets of how life is.
  • Shaui whom I love and respect as a woman and as a fellow lover. While I don't see you much, you know I love you and I understand how everything works now. You're right. I ought to love myself first before anything else.
  • Vicki whom I never really talked with in ITI, and yet is someone I totally miss as a friend. I know how amazing you are and honestly, I am blessed to see the evolution you went through. You are now a mom and a wonderful one at that.
  • Tin whom I miss so much. I miss the moments where we can be ourselves and completely let ourselves go. I miss being able to drink Coke and finish one whole chicken and Sky Flakes with you! Or, the ability to eat 1 kilo of baked tahong! Gawd! I miss our food trips!
3. My job as Training and Development Coordinator for Merlin. Alright, I had to state the entire position. I am still as giddy as a little kid in becoming their coordinator. I said it! I am proud of my accomplishments. I am happy that I am one of the two practicing SDI-certified trainers in the entire Philippines. (The other one works for a consulting company and doesn't practice much and will have to go through my approval.) I am thoroughly amazed at what I was able to finish and present in 9 months' time. I am now technically coordinating for three sites - Manila, UK and Budapest and I participate greatly in recruitment in all three sites. I am grateful that I was given an opportunity and I was given that much return. I thank Matt and Charles for that chance. I am also grateful that I had that stint with ITI. Despite what people say, I learned so much about myself in ITI. It was an amazing experience to grasp people who are millions of miles away, and the ability to interact with people - something not normally given to me because I am not a talker - has propelled me to think about what would make me happy and what satiate my needs as a professional.

Huh, such a long list! But wait, there's actually more...

4. I am grateful for good health throughout the year. Yes, I get sick every now and then, but I didn't really had to go through any health scare. I learned I had asthma this year though. Pretty tough for a smoker but it gave me more push to at least cut back on the smoking.
5. My flexible schedule which allows me to be late most of the time without getting a memo or a pay cut.
6. Sun Cellular's 50 cents per minute IDD program. It technically started two years ago, but wow, because of the recession and the dollar rate plunging, I am actually paying less!
7. BLUE Cerium that has never failed me yet
8. CD-R King's cheapo Class A PC and iPod accessories.
9. My jurassic Nokia phone not giving up on me despite being dropped, whacked and squeezed so much.
10. Nivea's Silhouette Cream. Haha, 'nuff said.
11. Starbucks' Hungarian Sausage, Egg and Cheese on Ciabatta and Iced Caffe Latte. For some reason, and Jeoff knows this, I tend to never tire of something that I eat. I can actually eat something for a whole year and never get tired of it. Yes, weird I know...
12. My new-found ability to relax by watching TV - hours and hours of it will actually put me to sleep instead of keeping me up.
13. My recent never-ending quest for Zen moments in and out of the office. Ergo, being able to enjoy my bath, my cup of coffee in the early afternoon and my ability to stay in the office pantry to relax and have a chitchat with people to unwind.
14. Being paid quite well for a job that I really want to be doing, and having such an edge in the company.
15. Not necessarily being religious but being able to pray again, thanks to Irish.
16. The ability to afford a lot of the things I have never been able to afford before. A digicam, a nice new corporate wardrobe, a lot of flat shoes which I love, a bunch of face creams which I am obsessed with.
17. The ability to read novels again. Yes I am busy at work, but I think I have finally striked gold because I am able to balance work and life.
18. A great birthday with my family and friends. Jeoff celebrating his 30th year with his family as well.
19. Being with the man I love for almost 3 years now - or 4... Haha, we stopped counting.
20. An amazing and wonderful year over all...


Things I learned about life and myself...
1. I am capable of standing up and brushing myself off after mistakes I have made, whether critical or otherwise.
2. People can be pretty brutal. Sometimes, it's ingrained in their system. Sometimes, all you can do to protect yourself from these people is to avoid them completely.
3. Romance is nothing. Reality is everything.
4. Sense of humor is necessary. I need someone who can laugh at me when I overthink things.
5. Self-mockery isn't my defense mechanism. I like self-mockery because I like to make fun of people without offending anyone. Thus I make fun of myself. I think my defense mechanism is crawling under a rock.
6. I absolutely abhor people with a sense of entitlement over everything.
7. There are always options. (First principle of Buddhism, rephrased to my style... It actually reads "Violence is not an option".)
8. Make your accomplishments seem effortless. (From "48 Laws of Power", which I totally hate, but made sense to a point.)
9. Love is supposed to be a many splendored thing, but it takes a lot of hard work. I've said it before, and I will say it again.
10. I hate traffic and evil Meg rears her ugly head when she is stuck in traffic.
11. I can't tolerate someone who is incredibly negative and pessimistic. In short, should I get stuck with Daria, the Misery Chick, in an elevator, I would probably kill her, or maim her.
12. I love watching suspense drama.
13. I will never be able to shake off the insecurities I have. I always wish I was smarter, nicer, more beautiful, sexier and even more approachable. But then, everyone has insecurities. You either take it with a grain of salt or gouge your eyes out because you can't have it all. I choose the former.
14. Act. Don't react. (From "Xena, Warrior Princess".)
15. Loving myself was the most rewarding love of all. I used to think that I gave something my all, it would be a smart investment. Sadly, it was one of the worst business ventures I have had. It's great when you have a little savings account stashed away for a rainy day. (This, I totally got from Jeoff.)
16. It's okay to be happy. (If you were raised Catholic or an Orthodox Baptist, you'd catch my drift. Supposedly it's bad to feel sublime happiness. I don't really know why.)
17. I can be pretty artsy.
18. While I am mushy, I suck at explaining what I feel.
19. A zit bothers me. A cat prowling around the tin roof of my house bothers me. A group of people who enter before I even exit the lift are simply people who need to be bothered by their lack of elevator manners.

Finally...

20. Life is one huge gamble. You can win, lose or draw but you don't get judged based on the money on the table. It's the way you played the game...






Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Way He Loves Me



It's pretty baffling how one man can change the way you look at things, how one man can change the perspective you have in this lifetime. I know I probably sound like a schoolgirl gushing about her crush on this guy but dear God, I don't what I ever did in this lifetime to find someone so amazing and so wonderful. He makes me laugh and think and appreciate the things I have in this life. He sits down with me and I am calm in the midst of Makati traffic. I am humbled by this feeling and I can't imagine how and why I ever mistook this for something that won't work. I can feel his love and it radiates all over.

Again, I don't mean to sound incredibly mushy about how I feel. For some reason, I can't stop thinking about it. It's 2:30 in the morning, I just finished a lovely dinner with him some hours ago, and still, I can't stop thinking about how beautiful everything was and still is. And I honestly can't wait until I get to spend some time with him again.

I am not going to lie, I think a little part of me is scared as hell because he will leave for Canada again. I'm scared because I don't how to go back to not seeing him again for another year. I seriously wish I can make him stay or that I can go with him.

Still, it doesn't matter for now. I want to live with what is, not what will be or what was. I love everything and I can't thank God enough for sending me such a wonderful and amazing man. I am blessed to have him.


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Unexaggerate the Hyperbole



There is an oxymoron right there.

I can't believe I'm blogging at home. And at 6 in the morning. I just can't shake the feeling that I have something to say and I'm dying to tell the world, well at least the few people who actually read my blog. LOL!

Jeoff picked me up from work today. Seeing him and touching him after a whole year, 9 months. 3 weeks and 5 days almost made me cry, except that this time around, it felt like he never really left. We were joking around and laughing and just merely talking for an hour or so over a cup of coffee. I can't believe how amazing it is to see someone you love whom you haven't seen for so long. The feeling was amazing. I'm in absolute ecstasy.

I can't believe how tall he is. I wore flats to work today and my neck hurts like crazy from craning to the side so I can lean on him. He smells so good and he felt so amazing to lean on and to embrace. It felt better when I kissed him. I felt home. Like I was ok again after almost two years of being apart... I was ok again after all the stress and trauma of everyday life. Travelling to Makati after our Metrowalk coffee was pretty amazing too. Despite being stuck in traffic, it was ust one of the most touching times ever. He would lean over and kiss me and I would be just holding his hand. Ergo the slightly aching shoulders. I am indeed getting old and yet, I am as giddy as a schoolgirl gushing about her crush.

We decided to go our separate ways for today. He will watch a movie with his cousin and I need a massage - badly. I also need to work on 10,000 slides or so for that training session in January which I will not be conducting, woohoo!

I ditched Matt's farewell party so I can be with the man I love. It's well worth it.

So here I am, sore and tired from today's work. Yet I feel like I'm glowing. I don't even know what the heck it is that I feel but it feels like I'm bubbling from something and I don't really know what it is. Happiness? Maybe. I think happiness isn't this crazy. LOL!


Monday, December 15, 2008

The Kill Point


It is something I watch all the time. In fact, I rush home every Tuesday morning just to get to watch this show. It's exciting and it's got quite a twist. And it stars my favorite sloth (Ice Age), John Leguizamo. It's showing on FoxCrime in regular hours (think 8PM on Tuesdays) but airs as well at around 4AM.

It's a story of 5 ex-marine/army soldiers who planned a bank heist. They just came back from Iraq and were never the same. They invaded the Three Rivers Bank in downtown Pittsburgh and what followed was 8 episodes of extreme and superb drama, action and a little comedy. Donnie Wahlberg who stars as Cali, the negotiator, is so obsessed with grammar. He has little quirks and quips and allows you to be glued to the TV set and yet seated on the edge of your seat. I only have raves for John Leguizamo. Not only can he be Chichi (To Wong Foo), Sid (Ice Age), Tybalt (Romeo + Juliet), but he can be a terrifying terrorist...




Indie's Post


There's a reason why people have friends.
You can count the so many times that you can bend over and be someone's intellectual slave. In a company, in a relationship and sometimes, just simply being acquainted with one person.
But your friend will always appreciate the intellectual quirks and quips that you dish out without being bored and/or being bemused and will digest it for you. In some extreme circumstances, you even find it treasured.

I love you, Indie. Thanks for being that person for me. :)



PS: December 27th, let's have dinner with the man of my dreams.
PPS: That pic reminds me of your MSN avatar back then. :)

I Have a Music Video! LOL!

I was surfing the net a few months ago. I stumbled upon this nice site called Singsnap. This is where people record songs and if you're brave enough, even your face as you sing. :)

Here's one attempt at being Vonda Shepard. You might recognize the song from Ally McBeal.



My attempt at self-mockery... and another one from The Steps. It was a song that Yogi and I were discussing the other day. Supposedly when you listen to the song, it's for mistresses, I still don't know what it is for, but now I know it's supposed to be a duet. Boy, the song was fast! Before, it was something to do while I was waiting for Jeoff to come online for our weekly Skype chat. Now, it's a regular thing. He was the first to hear me singing through this site. Yes, yes, I know I'm no Mariah Carey but hey, I like singing. Gives me something to do... LOL!



Pardon the little promotion, it's because I went out with Chloe the other night. Just some random dinner and a little drink, last Friday. We went to Pink Pepper in Rob Place Midtown and were asked to sing in front of the audience. LOL! It would have been fun except that we were both not dressed for the part and I had a very stuffy nose.

We both promised to go back and sing a few tunes with the band. It was a warm reception and they had mashed potatoes to die for! I love it! :) We actually spent almost PhP1,300.00 not because of the drinks but because of the delicious food we had. Everything was money well-spent. The band wasn't half-bad too. Everyone was pretty comfortable with the songs, and I knew every song they played. It was fairly amazing!


Monday, December 08, 2008

It's All About Chemistry


All about chemistry
Won't you show me everything you've learned
I'll memorize everything you do to me so I can
Teach it when it comes my turn

Semisonic
"Chemistry"
from the OST of "40 Days and 40 Nights"

Alright, not exactly the kind of song I wanted to place on my blog, nonetheless, it's absolutely part of the soundtrack of my life. It's been playing in my head the whole day. I've been wondering about what to do for the rest of the day. Last night, I wasn't really able to sleep. I watched some TV after my weekly webcam date with Jeoff. It's amazing how much I can think of in one day. It's been more amazing what my brain can do even without caffeine.

I was thinking of organizing everything in my head. I wanted a file folder with all the necessary information there. I started to think about how organizations are planned. It takes careful and methodical planning - with back-up plans and contingency measures. I thought about businesses. How much feasibility studies and how many people would be able to run a site. What are the areas of expertise you need to make sure that everything is done to a T and in the most accurate fashion. I thought about my usual Chemistry experiments and thought about the molecules running and reacting with each other. It's of the same principle in a much larger scale. It's all about those quarks working together to form one atom. And in a company, it's all about those people working together as a team.

It just made me realize how everything in this world can be so complicated and so simple at the same time. Simple because you know how it works. Complicated because you don't have all that energy to make it work.

And it made me think. If life was a huge enterprise, it would be a lot easier. You'd be able to compartmentalize everything. Budgeting for the bills goes to accounting. Friend issues go to HR for handling. Major decisions (marriage, breaking-up, having a very vicious vice, change of religion) go to the Board of Directors. New friends will be managed by Recruitment. Daily decisions go to the Operations Managers.

Alas, life isn't a company. And things are somewhat managed by you and only you. So you have to toughen up and face the world with what you have.


Saturday, December 06, 2008

Enchanted



How does she know that you love her? It's funny cos the first time I saw this, I was with House. Me being Wilson, trying to be a good friend. It's showing on HBO as I type this entry. It's weird because I've never been a fan of either Amy Adams or McDreamy Patrick Dempsey but this film has made me realize a lot of the things I love about falling in love, about romance and reality. It's this film about a princess in an enchanted land who gets thrown into a well by an evil queen where she ends up in New York and in the home of a single dad and his daughter, Morgan.

When you think about it, romance is kind of like that. It is this enchanted and pristine princess that gets thrown in a well and ends up in the harsh reality of New York. In my case, it's the urban hub of Ortigas. Everyone has problems. Why sacrifice the good times for the bad? And so I end this entry with the one song that made me cry from this movie. Something that I feel everyday...


A life goes by
Romantic dreams must die
So I bid mine goodbye
And never knew
So close was waiting
Waiting here with you
And now, forever, I know
All that I want is to hold you
So close
We're so close to reaching
That famous happy ending
Almost believing
This one's not pretend
Let's go on dreaming
Though we know we are
So close
So close, and still
So far...


Twilighted

Alright, I am officially bored. Jeoff will not be hearing from me in a few days, I think he needs a few days to actually miss me. I think I've been suffocating him lately. He doesn't seem too happy with me right now. Oh well...

I'm still amazingly happy that my boss, Matt, aka Mr. Shia LeBeouf, was very happy with my performance. He said I did a bang-up a job. It was great! I had a great appraisal with him. It felt genuine and honestly, I was also pretty thankful that I accepted this job. No matter how horrid it got, I can proudly say that I did my best.

Anyhow, I was reading Starter Mom's entry about this vampire Edward, from Twilight. I watched the movie and failed to read the book. Now I got to go get me that book. I feel so bonded to this vamp, Edward. It seems like it's a sin to love too much nowadays. Courtesy of "House," I felt like I had to let go of some of the affection I feel for the one I love. Thanks to "my love", I also had to lessen the whole romance factor as well because he gets turned off. Okay...well,seems like the undead can be a whole lot more romantic than the live ones...

Twilight Quiz
Twilight Quiz by QuizRocket.com fun quizzes!
You are Alice Cullen. Your ability to foresee danger and misfortune doesn't diminish your bubbly optimism. You are a force to be reckoned with -- anybody with enough sense knows, you never bet against Alice.
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Took that quiz to check which one I am. Seems like I'm the weird one - the one who can see the future with the kickass hairdo in the movie. Well, I like her. I think we're going to be friends. I can totally see it - me as a vampire, as if I'm not pale enough. It's funny how this one movie and the whole book series totally changed the way people see romance. It sucks because it shows you that even someone as cool as Edward can execute lines like "You are my life now..." that just brings tears in your eyes. It almost made me stand up and clap in the theatre.

Sometimes though, you sit by and you let the reality bring you in and draw you to your life. Again, Edward Cullen is amazingly handsome and greatly fierce but he's been 17 for such a long time and well, vampires do have that old world charm. Compared to someone you are with at this life, who is not undead (Ok, double negation...), his anguished soul and tortured feelings of isolation would beg and cry and scream for someone to love.

Ok, enough of this talk. I better just watch some Kill Point and go back to reality.