Tales from a Team Lead

ATTN: SM Advantage Members: 2x Your Points - Sports Central Just for Kicks Year 5!

2010-05-27T03:44:00.003+07:00

Awesome! I just gotta share this. (Well, I hope the attachment will reflect on this blog as I'm forwarding it thru email and not directly posting on blogger.com)

*fingers crossed*

From: smadvantage@smadvantage.com.ph
Subject: Exclusive to Members: 2x Your Points - Sports Central Just for Kicks Year 5!

Get 2x your points on a min. P3,000 single-receipt purchase at Sports Central - Just for Kicks Year 5 promo from May 15 to June 13, 2010.

Visit our website at www.smadvantage.com.ph for more promos & events!

Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

office blues: why can't some people learn?

2010-05-26T01:36:00.001+07:00

Why? Why?!?! Why are some people so dumb that even after you reminded a gazillion times that before they send a file bigger than 1MB, this should be zipped?!!??? m@t$6%&f0?ker!!! I should make a facebook fanpage for this! hahaha... and this should be titled "people should learn how to zip files bigger than 1MB before emailing it" or "why are people so stupid to not learn how to zip files bigger than 1MB before emailing it?" hahaha.. then "like" it and spread it on the net! lol.. ugh! I'm just so irritated... ok now i go pee.. lol

Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.

petix mode day 2

2010-05-20T04:06:00.001+07:00

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.
- "Because we know that you don't just come for our coffee;" haha, technically i don't have a book nearby (not allowed here) so i just grabbed my starbucks organizer and counted to page 18.

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can.
- Ouch! The printer's chord. I might get electricuted!

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
- bloomberg. i was mainly waiting for the exchange rates.

4. Without looking, guess what time it is.
- 3am?

5. Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?
- ohh its half past 4! Geesh 3am was our break time.

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
- the buzz on the floor

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
- yesterday. ate breakfast with my 2 best friends.

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
- UI Mockups. Yeah im trying to be as geek as i can at work.

9. What are you wearing?
- black blouse and black pants with a gray light sweater.

10. Did you dream last night?
- ohh can't remember. honestly. coz i only had 2 hours sleep.

11. When did you last laugh?
- a moment ago. when i showed one of our IT that i was able to take a close up photo of the venus and moon alignment. then showed the smiley! lmao

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?
- empty. nothing. tssk. how lifeless this place i am in...

13. Seen anything weird lately?
- the geek guy from this band that my colleague said he looked like a person who reads chemistry books for fun.

14. What do you think of this quiz?
- from 10 down to 1 with 10 being the highest? erm... 7 bit normal. nothing exciting yet.

15. What is the last film you saw?
- Clueless - Alicia Silverstone

16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?
- my own island in the carribeans. and a personal plane so i can tour the world!!! but i guess either i need to

learn how to fly it or hire myself a personal pilot. uhm. sounds sexy!

17. Tell me something about you that I don't know.
- you don't know anything about me. well here's a nice fact - i collect classical unabridged literature books from Dover.

18. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
- racism. the word won't even exsist. (i was thinking of a certain religion to abolish but eh, i dont encourage hate here so scrap that)

19. Do you like to dance?
- eew. as if! (lmao)

20. George Bush:
- next question please. err, is that even a question? yep. the name itself is puzzling.

21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
- Diamanda. Google it you'd find out why. It's the first hit.

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
- Vladimir. always been fond of that name...

23. Would you ever consider living abroad?
- defenitely! in a colder place where el nino never visits! ugh!

24. What do you want God to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
- welcome, my child. care for a tequilla?

25. 4 people you would like to see do this meme in their journal:
- well already sent it to one, who is answering this as of the moment too, while calling. haha.. so 3 people can do this if they want. otherwise, just move along... nothing to see here.

Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

you can call me GUi (prononuced as Goo ee)

2010-05-20T03:12:00.002+07:00

this is so funny.. i was googling, aka. researching, about UI Mockups and GUI's when I found out that GUI is not read as "gee you eye" but "goo ee"! It sounds cute! so i just had this crazy idea to tinker with mspaint and mkae a googley gui smiley.

then as i was explaining to the agent next to me how to combine and edit two images using "pick color" and the two boxes with shapes on the lower left, we stumbled upon a cool image! we just realized that i accidentally made a smiley version of the venus and moon alignment that was seen in the heavens here in the philippines last sunday.

googley gooee goo..

Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.

petix time...

2010-05-19T01:00:00.002+07:00

50 things you have never been asked until about 30 seconds from now ... (and perhaps with good reason)...

Once you've been tagged, answer this and tag 15 people,including the person who tagged you.

1. What color is your toothbrush?
blue and white

2. Name one person who made you smile today:
my baby!

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?
watching cnn while eating scrambled eggs for breakfast

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
lunch break, ate ube cake

5. What is your favorite candy bar?
balisto!!!

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?
nope, not inside tho. we strolled thru the red light district in amsterdam one night

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?
GUYS BREAK!

8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Napoleon Dynamite - by Ben & Jerry's

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
C2 Green Tea Apple

10. Do you like your wallet?
yes, its a brown leather with lotsa 'hiding places' and my best friend gave it to me.

11. What was the last thing you ate?
Ube Cake and chicken BBQ. BBQ first then the cake.

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
nope. bought new earrings though at "vente" lol

13. The last sporting event you watched?
Company's sportsfest last year

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
sour cream

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to?
my mom and dad. its their anniversary

16. Ever go camping?
we had a camp out in high school, from 1st to 4th year. I was a sophomore then and my crush's tent was next to

ours. Never went to any camping thing after that, dunno why...

17. Do you take vitamins daily?
does aspirin count?

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
when i was a kid.

19. Do you have a tan?
nope. i even put sun block when swimming.

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?
nope. I prefer Italian cuisine.

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
when you see rust on the bottle's opening or if i dont trust the glass.

22. What did your last text message say?
Happy Anniversary!!! You both should have an out of town date!

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
sit in front of a computer.

24. WHERE IS 24?!?
4 years ago.

25. Look to your left, what do you see?
a printer.

26. What color is your watch?
black with silver hands

27. What do you think of when you hear of Australia?
Steve Irwin

28. What is your birthstone?
peridot

29. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru?
drive thru is more conveniently avoiding a long queue.

30. What is your favorite number/s?
♥ 37 ♥

31. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone?
some customer asking for his amazon gift card

32. Any plans today?
attend a Painting competition

33. How many states have you lived in?
does not apply

34. Biggest annoyance right now?
delayed or no reply from clients after sending them stuff they need.

35. Last song listened to?
smoking popes - need you around (closing for the movie Clueless, I saw it on HBO this afternoon)

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
no, but i can write the alphabet upside down... uʍop ǝpısdn ʇǝqɐɥdןɐ

37. Do you have a maid clean your house?
we used to. until my mom supported her schooling, then graduated high school and ran off...

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
step ins. i hate wearing stockings or socks and closed shoes with the hot weather here. yesterday was 39 degrees!

39. Are you jealous of anyone?
jealousy is not in my blood

40. Is anyone jealous of you?
those people do not exsist.

41. Do you love anyone?
of course!!! shall i write who?

42. Do any of your friends have children?
most of them

43. What do you usually do during the day?
either sit in front of the computer, or try to sleep

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
hate is not in my blood anymore

45. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
yeah, part of my job.

46. What color is your car?
dont have one.

47. Do you like cats?
i like Siamese! but don't have one either.

48. Are you thinking about someone right now?
yes. i guess he just finished eating dindin then placed his plates on the sink on top of this morning's dishes. he cleaned yesterdays' already.

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
never been to the US.

50. How did you get your worst scar?
from Caesarean section

posted through Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. Sign up now.

Welcome back Miss Zee!

2010-04-23T17:34:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, music

...Yes! I finally resurrected from the dead. Or should I say zombie state-of-mind? Oh I am unpredictable alright... And my mood today dictates that I should be back in the blogsphere!

As for my schizophrenic persona online who went on hiatus, I decided to take it one step at a time. Maybe I'll update the others, like my art blog, music blog, photo blog and whatnot.. but for now, I better "cure" myself by sticking to one alter ego. lol...

So for starters, here's an amazing video (more like "photo-slides") from a painfully beautiful song...

To Wish Impossible Things
by The Cure

remember how it used to be
when the sun would fill up the sky
remember how we used to feel
those days would never end
those days would never end

remember how it used to be
when the stars would fill the sky
remember how we used to dream
those nights would never end
those nights would never end

it was the sweetness of your skin
it was the hope of all we might have been
that fills me with the hope to wish
impossible things

but now the sun shines cold
and all the sky is grey
the stars are dimmed by clouds and tears
and all i wish
is gone away
all i wish
is gone away

all i wish
is gone away

---
note to self: don't be gone off too long.. again

Working on a Weekend

2009-10-17T18:58:00.000+07:00

It's cold and silent at the call floor now. All that I hear are cars vrooming outside, on the busy highway. Once in a while I hear beeping jeepneys and an ambulance passing by. Only the hiss of my computer keeps me company.

My fingertips are starting to feel numb and rubbing my hands before placing in between my knees do not help. How could I ever forget my jacket?! Tssk!

Two hours from now about 5 agents will join me in this ~~freezer~~ room. But after a few minutes they will transfer to the Conference room because they have a training.

No calls yet. Nobody yet. And its the weekend. The schedule just came in and they need me tomorrow as well. So I go straight for 2 weeks! But that's not all. The bad news is (or should I say worse?), the schedule for next weekend is not definite.

Wow! What a way to start a campaign. I can just imagine the agents who will be assigned in doing this. I just hope they choose people who would not waste their time sleeping while waiting for calls to come in.

Well let's see... the client did not choose me to handle this if they didn't trust me. And besides, once I'm done training the new agents, the campaign will be given to another Manager. Then I'm back to my old sked.

McDonald's at the Louvre!?!

2009-10-12T23:14:00.002+07:00

OMG! No freaking way! What an eyesore!

Affected? Well, Honestly, I have only been to Paris once and I do not live there so I have no right to protest! But c'mon... I may be a tourist but I won't fly all across the globe just to see a golden M arching above the Louvre!

It's one thing to see McDonalds sprout like mushrooms everywhere but destroying the centuries old architectural beauty of a place for the sake of this junk is another.

Strangely, some French citizens do not see this as a big deal. Sad. Just sad.

Read the news at BBC

Edgar Allan Poe funeral today

2009-10-11T12:43:00.002+07:00

After 160 years, the great American writer Edgar Allan Poe is finally to be honoured with a decent funeral service.

Two hundred years after his death at age 40, Edgar Allan Poe is being properly honored with the funeral he should have been given years ago. When the author died October 7, 1849, his cousin, Neilson Poe, neglected to tell anyone. As a result, just a handful of people showed up at Poe's funeral in Baltimore, Maryland to pay tribute.

Tomorrow, at two different times, amends are being made in Baltimore. It's expected that 300 people will attend each of the TWO funerals being held Westminster Hall. The hall, which used to be church back in Poe's day, is next to the cemetery where he is buried. From the description of the building's Gothic architecture, it sounds like it would be a perfect setting for Poe's funeral even if Poe and his wife weren't already buried next to it.

Read the story at BBC

TOP 10 EC droppers for September

2009-10-09T22:48:00.002+07:00

1. thirdworldgeek - 19 drops (sent 296 credits)
2. Mercenary Blogger - 16 drops (sent 160 credits)
3. Philippines Travel Blog - 15 drops (sent 414 credits)
4. JoeTaxpayer - 11 drops (sent 86 credits)
5. blogging tips by goyz - 9 drops (sent 146 credits)
6. The Puncher's Chance - 9 drops (sent 274 credits)
7. Research - 6 drops (sent 140 credits)
8. The Way I See It - 6 drops (sent 1,036 credits)
9. Yashiro - 6 drops (sent 44 credits)
10.Funky Town Disco Music - 5 drops (sent 266 credits)

Thanks to all those who have visited this blog during my vacation and since I was back.

And although I only received a few EC drops during this period, to show my appreciation, I am giving back the credits x2 to my top 10 droppers! Meaning, if you dropped by 5x during this month, I will give you 10credits.

Plus, I will buy a day's ad too!

For those who do not know what an EC Drop is, I encourage you to sign up at entrecard!

But no worries, the next top 10 will also get their credits back and I will double it too. Watch out by the first week of November for those who won the credits!

Weather Watch

2009-10-08T20:29:00.000+07:00

VIEW FULL SCREEN

Pausing for a laugh...

2009-10-07T19:03:00.004+07:00

First clown in space to advocate for water

Cirque du Soleil founder and soon to be "space tourist" Guy Laliberte will launch an art project promoting access to potable water for all. when he blasts off from the International Space Station.

The multimedia event is scheduled to start at 1200 GMT on October 9 and will touch 14 cities on five continents, he told a video press conference from Star City, Russia, where he has been training for his 12-day stay aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Read the rest of the story >>

So for those who fear clowns (lol), here's proof that they are nice too. And, I heard "Guy" is indeed a nice name for a clown...

Donate to Flood victims using PayPal

2009-10-06T22:15:00.005+07:00

The Philippine National RedCross released details on how people can donate using their official PayPal account last Sept. 30. Alot of people have donated already, but YOU are encouraged to continue giving much needed donations using the widget below (Proceeds go straight to the PNRC’s PayPal account: give@redcross.org.ph):

Help Spread the word!

Embed this widget to your site using this code

World Habitat Day Today

2009-10-05T17:13:00.000+07:00

Worldwide, more than 2 million housing units per year are needed for the next 50 years to solve the present worldwide housing crisis. With our global population expanding, however, at the end of those 50 years, there would still be a need for another 1 billion houses.

Today, the UN World Habitat Day will be celebrated. Every year different activities are being done to help promote, donate, educate, and reach out to everyone that all of us deserves a good place to live in, no matter what race and entity, language you speak, color of the skin, culture and religion you have.

Please help us in spreading the word.

When will the waters subside?

2009-10-04T22:29:00.002+07:00

Storms hit the Philippines about 15 times a year. But just last weekend, the worse flood in 40 years hit the country and left hundreds dead, almost two million people affected and 80% of Manila was submerged.

Then Ondoy (local name) / Ketsana (international) traveled along the South Asian belt, leaving more people and countries devastated. And when you think that Ketsana is over, super typhoon Parma (international) / Pepeng (local) is currently over the Philippines, which made the President declare the whole country under a "State of Calamity"! And forced 10,000 families flee from their houses at Albay due to volcanic mudflow raised by the waters from the Mayon volcano.

After leaving the country, Ketsana passed Vietnam where more than 30 people were killed and almost 200,000 people fled their homes. Then it went to Cambodia, where reports of about 20 killed. Now, it's battering Laos and adding more to the death poll.

But Ketsana is not the only storm and disaster that occurred in just a span of 7 days. An earthquake hit Samoa which resulted to a tsunami that killed 129 people and another earthquake shook Indonesia killing thousands.

And that's not all...

Three days of torrential rains have killed at least 125 in India and affecting thousands. And just today, heavy rains triggered a mudslide in Italy which killed and injured more than 50 people.

Times like these, the only ones we can blame are ourselves. What have we done to our planet, to our only home?

Our Mother Nature is crying and shaking us to wake up! It's time for us to open our eyes to the destruction we are creating in our world. It's time for us to change! It's time for us to save our planet... and our future...

It breaks my heart...

2009-10-03T19:50:00.005+07:00

... to know some people who can't even spare a little. Please bear with me as I pour my sentiments out here today... comments are welcome, pro or con.

I know it's awkward to ask help from a person who's also a victim of the Ondoy flood. But when a relative from overseas was able to gather a huge amount of donation, I would like to ask, does it mean it's only for one household?

I know somebody in this case where a relative was able to send almost 100,000php cash to someone who's house was flooded chest deep. Luckily, they have a second floor thus, they were able to save most of their appliances and things except for the heavy ones that they can't carry.

On another hand, I constantly hear horrible stories from colleagues and friends. And seeing the news from both online and on TV, I can't help but compare the magnitude of devastation.

The only major thing that this household lost was one car, submerged halfway in muddy water. Most people would totally replace such a loss. And practically, that donation is not enough to replace one. But honestly, would you think about just getting ONE CAR with this amount?

I am volunteering in a feeding mission and our group aims to feed about 400 people in one day. But the amount we have is not even half close to that donation (mentioned above), but I was advised NOT to ask from them. And this, I can't understand WHY!??!!

These 400 people have totally lost EVERYTHING! And need to start from ZERO. This is just ONE house, compared to hundreds!

The person who advised me said, "it's the principle behind it." WHAT Principle?!? Which one??? And what happened to the Principle of GIVING?

one car vs a hundred houses...

I am not asking them to save the world, but please people... if you are lucky, it won't hurt to share a bit of your blessings.

photo credits (in order): magnifique faith,
caritasinternationalis,
PIDC Toronto Y,
Mariessima,
ilovestrawberries (Carmi)

Live Streaming of Philippine News

2009-10-02T22:30:00.004+07:00

GMA NEWS TV

If you have a Facebook account, you can also connect here.

And speaking of online tv, a colleague of mine gave me a site where you can actually choose from the Major local networks and watch them on your pc. This is handy for those traveling with their laptops. And even Pinoys abroad who can only see TFC (The Filipino Channel) Here's a better alternative: pinoycable.tk

New low pressure area forming...

2009-10-01T23:44:00.000+07:00

Typhoon Ondoy (west of Philippines) just swept Metro Manila and Luzon, now a new developing typhoon is about to form, (east of Philippines) Read updates at PAGASA

Do you have unused Clothes?

2009-09-30T22:01:00.000+07:00

We all have clothes that we do not use anymore. Why not donate them instead? We ask everyone to go over your stuff and maybe find clothes that can be used by those who lost everything they own...

Philippine Airlines will airlift for free all relief donations intended for victims of typhoon Ondoy. All provincial PAL stations will load on flights bound for Manila any bulk cargo box containing donations addressed to reputable, non-profit, charitable organizations in Manila.

To maximize the cargo load of the aircraft, PAL station heads will be verifying and limiting the contents of the donation boxes to items of value and use, and exclude such donations as expired food and medicines, water, rice (due to weight considerations) and unusable stuff.

Complete information of the consignee organization must be supplied with the cargo box/container inscribed with "care of the PAL Foundation". Individual donations for private or personal families will not be accommodated.

source: Free PAL airlift of donations for Ondoy victims

Ondoy Ketsana Tragedy...

2009-09-29T01:39:00.001+07:00

If You would like to help...

how to help typhoon Ondoy victims.

Typhoon Ondoy floods Manila, Philippines

Typhoon Ondoy emergency contact numbers list

Typhoon Ondoy flood (MORE VIDEOS)

Typhoon Ondoy floods Manila, Philippines

Typhoon Ondoy emergency contact numbers list

How to help Typhoon Ondoy victims

Please Pray for the Philippines...

2009-09-28T05:34:00.003+07:00

This is just one of the hundreds of vids...

see flickr photos here

While I was Away...

2009-09-24T23:42:00.001+07:00

The day after my flight... only 5% of the agents showed up. Gee! I hope they didn't take it against me that almost everyone went on leave. Well that was their decision, and I have nothing to do with it.. Now after that humiliating turn out, the big boss said that moving forward, any agent who wished to be absent should text him first and he will decide if it is allowed or not. Previously, they text me. And I only allow a certain number of agents per day. SOmetimes even none.

Anyway, that was a bit funny to hear about. Someone from a different department told me while we were chatting a few days after the incident. And soon as I got back, I asked the ones who were present if all these were true. And the story is confirmed.

LMAO...

For the Kids...

2009-09-23T21:04:00.003+07:00

Maybe I'll be there with my nieces... a small treat from being on vacation.

I'm back!

2009-09-22T22:40:00.001+07:00

Just a quick posty to welcome myself back to the Corporate World!

Now daydreaming is still allowed, only its gonna take a few more months again before it happens!

Work and Blog Hiatus...

2009-08-26T23:16:00.003+07:00

As some of you may know, I am going away for a while as I take my Vacation Leave outside the Philippines. I earned these leaves since January and I feel I deserve a break. I'll be touring a few European countries for a month or so, and I won’t be able to drop on Entrecard or Adgitize, or blog throughout that time.

Thanks to all of you who have followed this blog! I do hope that you can still drop and click here in my absence. Also, do check out my earlier posts and tell me what you think! You can click the links below or go to my sidebar's Navigate and pick your topic. I'll surely go and visit your blog as soon as I get back!

SOME TAGS: Travel, Travel Tips, Lovelife

Also, I prepared a new blog for your daily visits while I am away, please check out my collection of flickr pictures over at Pick a Flickr Pic A Day!

Happy blogging to everyone and thanks for reading this!

photo credit: UnSeEn

A Song For All of You....

2009-08-25T22:43:00.001+07:00

For LOST Fans...(like him)

For CSI Fans...(like me)

And for all my Agents and Friends at work...

I'll be back. I know you can hang on without me. You are All Great! Just be confident in everything that You do. And Always Smile! Your Smile not only changes the tone of your voice over the phone, it will Also make YOU Feel Better. That is The Most Important Thing! That You are Happy with what You are doing and with Who YOU are!

For My Family and Friends Everywhere...

I will Miss You All!
I'll be back in a few weeks!

XoXo

Today is A Special Day.......

2009-08-22T22:27:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: flickr pick, quotes, contest

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart." ~John Heywood

"The World Looks So Good When You’re Wearing Heart Socks"
Photo By: Janoid

Who can guess the occasion? I'll give out 500 EC Credits!

TGIF!

2009-08-21T16:50:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: travel, travel tips

Above is part of my luggage last year. Too bad, this year I cannot take a photo coz my digicam is broke. I planned to buy a new one before I leave, but my bf told me that we should just buy there since it is cheaper. At first I was hesitant but we could use some extra cash for something else indeed.

I will start packing tomorrow soon as I get home after work. Then on Sunday, I will buy other essential things I need to bring (including the pasalubong for him and his family):

■ coffee beans (preferably barako)
■ cashew nuts (aka kasoy)
■ dried mangoes
■ zip lock plastic bags (for liquid containers, mandatory for airport inspection)
■ luggage fabric freshener (I forgot what it's called, but it looks like a fabric or strong tissue that can be used in your washing machine's spin dry, placed in a cabinet or bag)
■ Philippine History Book (I need to find the best author! I'm not sure if Teodoro Agoncillo was the one I bought him before, or was it Zaide?)

Well, I'm about to sleep now and I know I have a longer list in my head. I can't think now but I will update later if I remember what other "things" I need to buy.

Hmm... I planned to have a haircut too but I think we have an OT tonight. So I guess I'd be too tired when I get home to deal with my long messy hair. Ha!

One week to go!

2009-08-20T19:37:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: flickr pick, lovelife, travel

Love is space and time measured by the heart. ~ Marcel Proust

photo by: PatrickV82

"What Does Google Know About Me?"

2009-08-19T23:37:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging

Here's something to get my mind off from work. Got this cool idea from Terri and I just had to play along! Its so FUN! You gotta try it!

Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search
Zee needs to be inside a rap institution (WTF! No I don't! That'll make me more crazy!)

"[your name] looks like"
Zee. Looks like a big mess. (Teehee)

"[your name] wants"
Zee wants it dry. (Erm... do I?)

"[your name] does"
Zee does a U-turn, seeks government OK for bundling. (lol, I don't even drive! Or does this mean another thing?)

"[your name] hates"
Zee hates her long nails (so that's why I bite them all off!)

"[your name] asks"
Zee asks when the time might come to give up on the planet (In fact, I am a member of Greenpeace.)

"[your name] likes"
Zee likes sticking her tongue out at photographers! (LOL! So true! Ask my boyfriend who shots my every move! Worse than a paparazzi!)

"[your name] eats"
Zee Eats The Meaty Bone. (ooOOOHHHhhhoo?!?)

"[your name] wears"
Zee, wears hot ticket items from crop tops and aggressive cuffs to sexy pantsuits (sexy pantsuits? Ha! How I wish...)

"[your name] was arrested for"
Zee was arrested for murder (And it is the only google hit! Geee..)

"[your name] loves"
Zee Loves Ham and others you may know. (Here comes the "meat" thingy again! Erm, and what "others"?)

If you give this one a try, I'd love to read it. Leave me a link in the comments.
This was fun!

Deadline Week: Why Pressure Should Not be Hated

2009-08-18T22:12:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: CC lifestyle, work

I ask myself "Why am I not chained to my desk?" The clock is ticking and we haven't met the quota with Project A yet and Project B's numbers aren't pretty as well.

The problem is, I need to constantly man the floor and walk around to catch agents who are slacking off, agents who cannot control their droopy eyes and do not pursue their calls.

Most of them feel the pressure, but I must admit, not everyone has the same level of dedication. Motivation is one factor but it is not the Only key.

I also need to give them the leads they need, and the ones that came from the client has to be cleaned thoroughly.

The overtime last weekend made me realize that when the client gives me a set of leads, it needs to be COUNTIF'ed with the leads given by my boss or else, there would be a major dupe dilemma! And who would want to call people who were already somebody else's SALE?! Never assume that the bosses check everything with the client, even if that is their job!

I was asked by a colleague, How do I "keep my composure and smile despite of all the stress?"

By being positive!

Honestly, I like this kinda pressure. Especially if tons of excel sheets are spread in front of me. It livens me up and the rush is just great! I know it sounds weird but I would rather have this than to have nothing else to do. This is beneficial to the brain too! LMAO!

And the best part is, once the outcome makes the client and bosses happy, there's a great sense of accomplishment and thrill that envelopes your being. Sometimes though, even if there were no compliments, just the thought and feeling of doing something nobody else can, or attempted, or did without whining, is simply satisfying!

Commissioned to make a Blog

2009-08-17T21:39:00.002+07:00

☼ Label: after work, blogging

I was commissioned a couple of weeks ago to make a blog for one of our campaigns at work. There were three conditions. I am not "technically" under the payroll of this campaign, as they call me their "freelance" designer. Unfortunately, the second condition, since it seems to be just a favor, the compensation will come in soon as it becomes a success.

So, IF it doesn't, then all efforts are useless. Well, uhm, not really 'coz the third condition is, I can do whatever I want as long as I coordinate with their campaign's team lead. And he is the one who will maintain it. That's a plus since their team lead may be more techie than me, but I am more knowledgeable about the blogsphere and blog codings. So I can add google adsense there. I can even add Adgitize and/or Entrecard if I wish too. I just hope the blog won't be considered as Spam by others. It's as Legit as this. Only, less personal.

I was excited at first but dismayed as well especially when I learned of the second condition. I would love to take the risk but I am being rushed. I have a vacation coming soon so I need to finish it before I go. Also, because we have a tight deadline in my own campaign, I am always just too tired to even face the computer soon as I get home. I feel like I do not have enough time.

I still have major planning and packing to do. Family events and medical appointments to attend to. And SLEEP! Not to mention, attend to my blogs!

Ahrg! Don't forget my books that I need and want to read, my paintings... well there are artworks in my head that can't be realized on actual paint yet too.

No wonder my boyfriend said to me last night that I "would work myself to death" at the rate I am now.

So the vacation is just so perfect! I need to pause and breathe fresh air. I need to detach myself from all these or else it will consume me and eat me whole!

I need to get in touch with my brain's right hemisphere. And most especially, my heart.

Saturday Night Alive!

2009-08-16T19:04:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: rants, work

The post below was drafted last night. But can anyone guess where I wrote this?
------- *.* ------- *.* -------
Yeah, I think you guessed it right! Where am I? I'm at work! Geesh! On a Saturday night!

I previously planned to finally start packing my luggage for my trip but no, it's not possible anymore. Well, not today that is. I have one more weekend to go and Sunday night is still unsure too!

I informed the agents that we might come in on Sunday too. But if I won't get a call or text message from my boss then we won't report for work! That's it. 12 days straight of work, plus the overtime of TWO HOURS A DAY is just too absurd!

Overtime pay you say? I asked the agents and its a unanimous decision that we would rather skip one OT pay for a chance to rest!

We are not robots. We have a LIFE you know!

Should I Get Flu Shots Before My Flight?

2009-08-15T19:00:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: travel tips

What ever happened to the Swine Flu or A (H1N1)? Last update from the Department of Health was last July 9th.

According to the Department, as far as the geographic profile of the 1,709 cases reported in the Philippines as of June 27, 2009, the National Capital Region has the most number of patients: comprising 72% (1,225). Cases from NCR mostly came from Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque, Pasig and Makati. Ouch!

Strangely, I have yet to meet a person who has or have recovered from this disease.

They also stated that, as of June 29, the virus has recorded 70,893 cases worldwide, with 311 deaths from 109 reporting countries.

Here's the breakdown of cases from the WHO, as of as of 6 August 2009:

Region	Cumulative total
Region	as of 6 Aug 2009
	Cases*	Deaths
WHO Regional Office for Africa (AFRO)	591	1
WHO Regional Office for the Americas (AMRO)	102905	1274
WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO)	2346	7
WHO Regional Office for Europe (EURO)	over 32000	53
WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO)	11432	83
WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO)	28120	43

Total	177457	1462

*Given that countries are no longer required to test and report individual cases, the number of cases reported actually understates the real number of cases.

Yikes! Europe! My oh my oh My!

So in just 8 days, 311 deaths jumped to 1,462! So that is like 1,151 deaths in just 8 days! That's about 144 per day and oh... 0.757 per country per day. Erm... Ok not really something to panic about if you really look into it. Not even one person a day pass away from 190 countries.

Pfew! Ok, so I know there are no food supplements, vitamins or vaccines that cure or treat A (H1N1). But having a Flu shot can prevent other kinds of influenza.

Tomorrow, I'm getting my 2nd shot of the cervical cancer vaccine (also called the Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine). So I'm thinking if I should also get a Flu Shot too. What do you think?

SONA Holiday Debate

2009-08-14T23:50:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: local holiday, rants, salary, work

NOPE. Contrary to popular belief, July 26, 2009 was not a holiday. It was never meant to be a doubly paid day, it was never even intended to be 30% pay. It was just named a "special holiday" for the intention of "commemorating" historical events. The Iglesia Ni Cristo founding and SONA. So if you came to work that day, just like us, it was treated as another ordinary Monday.

And what a Manic Monday it was indeed.

Pay slips and the couple-of-hours-delayed salaries came in today. And to our surprise, (nope, we were not surprised about getting our pay past 7:00pm, but it was not a reason to be happy either) July 26 has no additional pay!

Despite paying the cab driver extra just to try and get you to work on time that day, despite everyone at home staying at home all day and be noisy, preventing you to have a decent sleep, because they do not have school nor work, us CC folks put up with everything else for an Ordinary Day.

Yes, a few emails were passed around and forwarded regarding this matter but the research efforts were discarded. Hours have gone wasted just because of this debate. And energies were worn down until break time.

What's the moral of the story then? The HRD should better inform people whether an announced Holiday on the News would be double, 30%, half, or whatever... on or before the day itself, (or at least be professional enough to make an announcement before the payday) so that hard working people will not expect, and clueless people will not act dumb.

Just Got Home...

2009-08-13T10:23:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: work

Our schedule was moved to an hour late, and I was not thrilled with it. The client is still here in the country. I was handling 2 groups of agents. Two campaigns. I have to prepare for a training for tomorrow and I have to generate leads. Plus add the tons of reports and people not answering my mails. And today was even worse... We had to stay 2 hours more after shift to add numbers on the board! Waah! I really can't wait to get into that plane and have my long awaited vacation!

Link To Your own Posts

2009-08-11T22:10:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, flickr pick

Don't let your old posts just be a thing of the past. Link to your posts to increase page views. Here's a nice widget to add to your blog!

Show Related Stories Under Each Post

LinkWithin is a blog widget that appears under each post, linking to related stories from your blog archive.

Don't Let Your Past Stories Go to Waste!

Linkwithin retrieves and index all stories from your blog archive, not just recent stories, making them accessible to new or casual readers of your blog who would not otherwise encounter them.

Increase Pageviews, Keep Readers Engaged

The widget links to stories that are relevant and interesting to readers of a particular post, keeping them engaged with your blog, and increasing your traffic.

Best thing about this is it's FREE and easy to install.

See this live demo below my post. If you want to test it, click here to refresh and see each links change every time.

Happy Blogging!

Countdown!!!

2009-08-10T16:20:00.010+07:00

☼ Labels: flickr pick, travel, quotes

Get your own countdown widget

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Photo credit:
"I'll fly away, I'll fly away" by ingephotography

The Sundays VS The Saturdays

2009-08-09T23:19:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: music, rave

Don't you just hate it when a band / artist name was "almost" copied by somebody else who do not even share the same genre?

Ahhrg!

I do.

Meet the British band that I loved since my college years...

The Sundays

Please listen to them at MYSPACE or Playlist.com
Read about them at WIKIPEDIA and ROLLINGSTONE.com

And a decade later, here comes a bunch of Spice Girls-wannabees. Not that I care if some quartet would like to be spin-offs of the Spice Girls. But why oh WHY on earth would a girly group name themselves NOW... urgh! "The Saturdays"!?!??! WTF! Don't tell me "they didn't know"!

Oh, apologies to people like JACQ, who posted a vid of them - where I first read and saw...

I'm just venting here. Like duh.

Well people, you be the judge.

Here is where the story ends...

Packing: The Basic Travel Wardrobe

2009-08-08T18:42:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: travel, travel tips

Every guidebook repeats - travel light! A mound of luggage marks you as an amateur traveler, which also becomes a tremendous burden. My tip: bring along less than you can carry, because you will add things up along the way. It's 99% sure!

But before you go in a panic frenzy, just remember: You always need fewer clothes than you think you will! Have you ever traveled and went back home only to realize that there were shirts, pants and more that were not even worn? Yep. We tend to over-pack!

For the Girls, here's a nice list of the basics that a luggage must include:

■ 1 pair of heavy-duty slacks or jeans
■ 1 pair slacks or shirt that can be dressed up
■ 3 blouses
■ 1 sweater
■ 1 dress or suit
■ 1 jacket or raincoat
■ 2 pairs walking shoes
■ 1 pair high heels (optional - depending if you foresee yourself attending a dress function)
■ 1 nightgown or pajamas
■ 1 robe (can be used as bench robe just in case)
■ 1 pair slippers
■ 1 swimsuit (optional - depending on the climate of the country you will visit, some may even bring this to a cold country if the hotel has an indoor pool or spa)
■ 3 changes stockings, socks, underwear

For hand-carry, always bring the stuff you can't afford to lose (money, credit cards, passport, travel documents, mobile phone, your camera and batteries), and extra undies just in case your luggage got lost or left behind somewhere. Toiletries like toothbrush and paste is very essential, a small mouthwash bottle will do the trick too in case you run out of toothpaste. Also place here your deodorant, cologne or perfume, feminine wash, a small soap and shampoo. But be sure not to bring over-sized containers that is used by your whole family at home!

Just bring enough that will last you a few days. You can always buy additional from stores or use the complimentary ones from the hotel you are staying at (unless you plan to bring them home for souvenir ~ lol). And don't forget to put all your liquids in a resealable plastic. Some airports have this rule as mandatory and it is also for your own good. Believe me.

Helpful Tips for the type of clothes:

Vary the materials according to the season and destination. And because the Philippines is a tropical country, first time travelers outside the PH tend to underestimate what "cold weather" means. I learned this hard way! 2 degrees is way way too cold! For those who visited Baguio City (usually the temp there is 10-18 degrees), you may say that it feels like there is a giant air con outdoors! But when you go to a below 5 degrees country, it feels like you are in a giant FREEZER!

And so I am reminded each time an agent complains that the air conditioning in our office is too cold, it is NOTHING compared to what "cold" really means. The key is read about the country you will visit before going.

Anyways, for summer, bring cotton, linen or light wool. A sundress with a light jacket is enough.

For Winter: heavy wool, warm coat, a suit or even ski clothes (preferably padded). You need a hat or bonnet, or a cap without a wide brim for windy weather.

That's it. I think that would be enough. Don't be tempted to bring double of the amount above. I read on The Independent Women's Guide to Europe by Linda White, that "one week's supply of clothing will get you through three months". Well, maybe three weeks for me, but still you don't need to bring one piece of clothing for each day! (Despite what your mother says). Just make sure to keep the clothes clean! So don't forget to bring a few sachets of washing powder.

All these will save you a few bucks that can be used for fine food or even shopping!!

Soon...

2009-08-07T16:54:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: flickr pick, lovelife

... I will feel again
Your Hand in Mine...

Lovers by the Sea
by: Sansen

Cory: au revoir et adieu!

2009-08-06T22:35:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, flickr pick

(Cory: Goodbye and farewell!)

Not many knew that she was an artist and fluent in French. After her first year in High School, she was sent overseas to study in Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia and New York schools, Notre Dame Convent School and the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She studied liberal arts and graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts in French Language, with a minor in mathematics. She intended to become a math teacher and language interpreter. [read more at wikipedia]

Too bad I only found one of her paintings online, from zippylemon.

One of her latest works fetched 600,000 Php at a charity auction for breast cancer patients but I'm not sure if that is the painting above. In an interview in 2008, she mentioned that she planed to go back to painting immediately “when I return to my home on Times St., where my studio is.”

How I wish I could see her other works. I'm afraid I have seen (and the numbers will add soon) more museums outside the Philippines than here. Tsk! And I still long to see in real life Juan Luna's Spolarium! Strangely, the National Museum is always closed everytime we go there.

So this ends my 5 consecutive days of blogging for Cory. I'd rather do this than blog about Micheal Jackson...

I wish that when I get old I can say this too:

"Don’t worry, I have lived a full life... I cannot ask for more." ~ Cory Aquino

Aug.5: Non-Working Special Holiday for Cory

2009-08-05T17:53:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, local holiday

Last weekend, the President announced a 10-day period of national mourning for the death of the country's democracy icon. And today will be a Non-Working Special Holiday to give chance to Filipinos who wants to pay tribute and take part in the burial rites of Cory.

But too bad for CC people like me, holiday or not, we have to work tonight.

Here are some photos from Inquirer's twitter

Prayer for a Happy Death

2009-08-04T22:27:00.002+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, flickr pick

I heard the news on the radio on my way home. At work, a colleague got an sms from a friend that Cory passed away. Her cancer finally took over her body.

In the cab, I heard the reporter read a passage of Cory's prayer before her death. Apparently, she penned this down weeks after they found out she has Colon Cancer. After the reporter read a few lines, I got goosebumps.

Sure, her presidency was not perfect, but is there such a thing? Whatever your religion may be, whatever side of politics you belong to, death is death. And whether there is an afterlife or not, nobody will find out until the time when you, yourself will face death. The important question is, what have you done with your life?

Anyway, I finally found a copy of the prayer online.

Prayer for a Happy Death
by Corazon Aquino

Almighty God, most merciful Father
You alone know the time
You alone know the hour
You alone know the moment
When I shall breathe my last.
So, remind me each day,
most loving Father
To be the best that I can be.
To be humble, to be kind,
To be patient, to be true.
To embrace what is good,
To reject what is evil,
To adore only You.
When the final moment does come
Let not my loved ones grieve for long.
Let them comfort each other
And let them know
how much happiness
They brought into my life.
Let them pray for me,
As I will continue to pray for them,
Hoping that they will always pray
for each other.
Let them know that they made possible
Whatever good I offered to the world.
And let them realize that our separation
Is just for a short while
As we prepare for our reunion in eternity.
Our Father in heaven,
You alone are my hope.
You alone are my salvation.
Thank you for your unconditional love, Amen.

R.I.P. Cory...

2009-08-03T18:02:00.002+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, manila

Rest in Peace...

“I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.” ~ Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009)
Official Website of Cory
Online Testimonial for Cory Aquino

President Arroyo orders 10 days of mourning for the late former president Cory Aquino. And in tribute to that. I'll be placing my own yellow ribbon here at my blog.

If you would like to place a white ribbon on your blog or if you currently already have, please add your link here.

Tie a Yellow Ribbon for Cory

2009-08-02T13:37:00.002+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, flickr pick, manila

I'm calling all Filipino bloggers and anyone who wants to pay tribute to to a great Filipina, to place a yellow ribbon for at least 10 days and write a post about it on their blogs. Please add your blog links here:

You can create your own or grab this badge:

Here are some people who have placed a yellow ribbon as a sign of mourning...

Photo credits (in order):
michaeljosh
JHAmes808
Jose Javato
d0k
Psychedelic Tuna
Erwin Oliva
olebasisotnas
TheHouseKeeper
Koyang's Lens

This is the Month!!!

2009-08-01T22:02:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: lovelife, travel

I can't believe how time flies! I have started packing my luggage and writing my list of things to bring, to do and to buy. In a few days I'll be on hiatus at the blogsphere to travel outside the country.

Maybe I'll post a few photos when I get back. But one thing's for sure, I need to decide if I buy that 0% interest on a new digicam. Or should I buy it at the airport to avail it tax free? Then I won't be able to take a photo like this on my way out of the country...

Vacation!!!!!!!

Woah... my long awaited vacation is finally here.
Honey! See you soon!

photo credit: "Aeroplane sunset" by sincerely

When somebody kept on messing up your files...

2009-07-31T22:41:00.004+07:00

☼ Labels: colleagues, work

...you need to suggest an aptitude test. And the result will determine if a training or crash course is needed to avoid the same scenario to happen again. Or at least, save other people from embarrassing themselves. Especially if he is your immediate superior.

But in cases that such an exam is impossible to organize, due to your superiors refusal to accept advices from their agents, another suggestion is... to just backup your files before sending it to the person who messed up your former files.

And don't forget to give a bottle of Gerber while he works on it. The 100% real Gerber fruit puree made with whole grains, helps support brain & eye development. LOL

"Yes, Chit Chat?"

2009-07-30T22:13:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, colleagues

I would tolerate chitchatting over sleeping anytime! And this, I am pertaining to the Agents at my work and not myself. Boy, do I love to sleep instead of work at night! Although I do not see myself doing anything else other than what I'm doing in my current job. As of the moment. *wink*

And you know what they say, "you gotta love what you do to have to do it every day."

And sleeping over chatting? Well, wake up calls from the love of my life would not ruin any beauty sleep for me. I just hope I can immediately pull myself up easier like years ago. I think I'm just getting old.

Anyway, in connection with chitchatting, here, I added a new blog feature. The Cbox! (short for chatbox) where a quick message can be dropped anytime! Although I would recommend leaving a comment on a blog post if the message is pertaining to a certain post.

So let's see in the coming days if passersby just look and click by. I just promise this, if you leave a comment (be it at a post or the CBox, I will surely visit your blog too!)

Check out my new ChitChat Box over at my sidebar and say Hi!

SONA Spoof: President calls on the Transformers!

2009-07-29T23:45:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: LOL

LOL! Too bad I missed this SONA (State of the Nanay Address) by "President Goria Makasakal Arrovo" last week! And can't find a vid at youtube. A good laugh would not hurt, right?

"Nanay", by the way, is the Tagalog for "Mother". Filipinos are known to always have something to laugh about despite pressing problems... Read the story at GMA news.

State of the Nation

2009-07-28T22:31:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: flickr pick, manila

28 July 2008

26 July 2009

What happened within the year? Did the Nation change? Did the Government improve? What happened with the P1.227 trillion pesos budget of 2008? Are promises just promises? What about you, what did you do? Think about it.

photo source: Flickr's Sona Rally 2008 and 2009

Live Streaming at BAYAN base

2009-07-27T13:37:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, manila

For those who can't go to the SONA, and would like to see the "behind the scenes" of the event, go to the BAYAN - Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance) official website and click the live stream.

Go to http://www.bayan.ph/

I'm not into Reality TV, but this is the real "real world", and not just a show to be broadcasted on TV or the net for the sake of commercialism.

Last Sunday night, before the SONA, I witnessed them paint the effigy of Gloria and if you click now, and if you're in time, you may watch the SONA itself. Live!

SONA Traffic Advisory

2009-07-26T22:46:00.002+07:00

☼ Labels: manila, non-work

Just got the mail last night. Read below:

The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) released a traffic rerouting advisory for the 9th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 27, 2009

The northbound lane of Commonwealth Avenue, starting from Ever Gotesco Mall area until after the Commission on Audit (COA) building, will be closed to traffic starting 6 a.m., with exception for those who will attend the SONA.

The southbound lane, meanwhile, will still be open, but authorities will provide a lane for the counter-flow of vehicles heading towards the Batasan Pambansa Complex, from the front of JOCFER Building to the U-turn slot after St. Peter’s Church.

Other southbound motorists may also take the same entry point in front of JOCFER Building and can exit at the U-turn slot in front of the COA Bldg.

The rerouting scheme has been designed to provide as much space to motorists along Commonwealth Avenue.

The NCRPO advised the public to take alternative routes in going to Fairview and other destinations toward the north like Quirino Avenue and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

For those living or travelling to the affected areas, please plan your routes accordingly.

Sleeping is like Eating

2009-07-25T11:29:00.005+07:00

☼ Labels: after work, sleepless

Last week I chanced upon a talk show where two doctors from top hospitals here in Manila were interviewed. The topic was about sleep and sleeping disorders. Too bad I didn't saw it from the start.

I sent a text message for a question but I'm not sure if it was live or a replay. So my question was not read on tv. Anyway, here are some pointers that I remember and wanna share.

+ Sleeping is like eating, so don't skip it - It's bad for your health if you skip meals and so does sleeping. Most cases, whenever you skip sleeping or you sleep way past your bed time, you have a hard time falling asleep.

I told this to a colleague a few days ago and she then realized that when she's awake more than 24 hours and tries to sleep, she's having a hard time falling asleep. It's like in Filipino terms, "nalipasan ng gutom".

+ Doctors recommend sleeping from 4 to 9 hours only - In eating, having a diet is good but depriving your body of nutrients is not. And eating too much is also unhealthy. This is the same with sleeping. It is bad for your health to sleep too little or sleep too much.

+ Do not drink water before you sleep - Drinking water will only cause you to wake up in the middle of the night (or in my case, day) because of the urge to go to the toilet. Then most people tend to have a hard time falling asleep again after this.

+ Use your bedroom ONLY for sleeping - It is helpful to train your body and mind that when you go to your bedroom you only sleep. This is quite hard to do, especially if you have a small house. Like me, I have my computer right next to my bed, and most of us have a TV in our bedroom too.

+ Make your bedroom as cozy as possible - Less noise and less light helps us to relax. So totally getting rid of them would be a big plus. Unfortunately for day-sleepers like me the sun is up so it's almost impossible to have a dark room. My solution is to cover my already dark curtains with a thick blanket and use eye covers. I would like to have ear plugs too, but I can't seem to find any in stores here. My honey have them and I would love to try using a pair myself.

I know there are more tips that I forgot and even more that I did not see. But it was good to see that show coz now I know that there are sleep doctors here in the Philippines. the reason why I'm interested in this is because I have insomnia for years and I wanna avoid resorting to medication to cure it.

Manila Flag Fever

2009-07-24T23:43:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: manila, non-work

If you're from Manila, you may have noticed various flags since yesterday. And as the SONA comes near, a few more may be seen, not to mention on the day of the SONA itself.

Today, as I was riding a cab on my way home, I heard the news on the radio that Cory Aquino's cancer has reached the 4th stage and may say goodbye to all living things soon. The hospital where she is confined, Makati Medical Center, as well as nearby places, is filled with yellow flags and banners. This is to show support for the Aquino family that they are not alone in praying for Cory.

On Monday, Commonwealth Avenue will be filled with banners and flags as protesters and activist groups carrying them will walk the long road until they reach the Batasang Pambansa. All because of the SONA or State of the Nation Address by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But the SONA is not the only event on Monday that will fill the long avenue. It is also Iglesia ni Cristo Day. This is in celebration of the 95th founding anniversary of INC.

It is always super traffic during these two days, so just imagine a combination of both events! Tssk!

But speaking of "combination", since everytime there is a SONA, it is declared a Special Non-Working Holiday and should be "double pay", and the INC Day is also a Special Working Holiday and should also be "double pay". Do we get 4x pay on July 27 then?

LOL

Watching the Eclipse

2009-07-23T22:28:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: manila, nature, neighbors, sleepless

zoom

Last Wednesday, I witnessed the solar eclipse just in front of my house. What my neighbors thought was bizarre is not the eclipse, but a girl who almost never goes out of her house. Who, they sometimes only see walk on the street past their bed time or early morning to either go somewhere or go home. And now right there, standing on the sidewalk taking photos of the sun.

But I didn't care what they thought, even if I sometimes whisper or smile or giggle to myself. I went out and stood on the street exactly at 8:33am, and went in and out my house every 5 minutes to take a photo.

Sadly, my digital cam failed me coz I am having problems with it for the past months. When I took a couple of shots, the previews were either all black or too bright. It was practically impossible to use anymore. So what I used was my Nokia mobile phone.

I took 90 shots. Yes, you read it right, Ninety! Once almost every 5 minutes until the peak at 9:45 am. A few shots after that and last one was a few minutes before 11:00 am.

But unlike the photo above, the results were not as clear. I so envy the cameras of those who were able to take a good clear shot of it! I basically did not see the whole process with my naked eyes, and I did not have the materials to make a pinhole camera thingy (whatever that gadget to use to see an eclipse is called). I just wore my darkest shades, didn't look up when I took shots and only looked up when it is cloudy.

To my surprise, I would prefer the times when a heavy cloud passes by! Coz soon as the clouds roll over and gradually reveal the sun, a glimpse of the eclipse is seen! And I can see it without any gadget! It was so AMAZING!

I know I know, I shouldn't have done it. But here I am, I can still see and not blind! My eyes didn't feel hurt even, just maybe a little tired but not because of looking at the short glimpses but because I was up all night at work and been awake for more than 20 hours!

My mom asked about this "weird things that I fancy" and added if I "gained anything from doing it". I said, it was a beautiful natural phenomenon that I would only see a few times in my life and is something worth waiting for. Besides, the last eclipse that I vaguely remember seeing was when I was a little girl and we used to live in a very small house and it was only me and my mom who were sitting by the backyard looking up one windy night. I asked her if it was during sunset or night. She can't remember.

Now, that's why I wanna take a photo of it, so I won't forget. Besides, I am a person who is very patient in waiting for something worth waiting for.

photo credits:
above: "Partial solar eclipse of July 22, 2009 -- Manila" by: landscapist
lower right: "Partial solar eclipse 2009 july 22, 45km north of manila" by: gud0

I can't believe it!

2009-07-22T22:28:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: healthcard, rants, work

I simply can't believe it! Our new healthcard ID's just came in with the handbooks and list of accredited hospitals. But to my surprise, my hospital is not in the list!!!

WHAT?? And we are not talking about just a regular hospital, but one of the top ones in the country too!! Geesh! What kinda card is this??

All my doctors are from this certain hospital and all my relatives go here too, as this is the only one we trust and feel comfy with. I basically won't get lost there and I know the major clinics too! Our old card is affiliated there, and that is the hospital I was rushed to, when I had an accident. We were doing fine with the old card, my brother's office even have the same provider.

Waah! And I have an appointment with my dentist next month! Now since the hospital is not accredited, I doubt if any doctor from there would be.

So a colleague asked me what's all the fuss, I can just reimburse what I paid. Yeah Right! And as if that won't take weeks if not months(!) to get!

Oh well, nothing else to do but sign it, accept it, and just move on with my life, hoping that I won't need to go to a hospital for a year (or at least when they change providers).

The Eagle has landed!

2009-07-21T20:17:00.002+07:00

☼ Labels: the boss, work

Yes, the Big Boss from the other side of the world have come to pay us a visit. No, it was not a surprise, but a short notice indeed.

Well, nothing to hide on my part. But boy do I know people who have trembling knees! I heard that she will be constantly monitoring the new campaign.

I am confident with the agents assigned there of course, I had my share of suggestions too, but with the system error they are getting... Tsk Tsk!

I just hope they won't assign my cube again to be "borrowed" during her stay. Let's see in the coming days...

The Boom Boom Neighbors!

2009-07-20T17:18:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: neighbors, non-work, rave, sleepless

Ahrg! I can't sleep! I have work tonight! And I only have 3 hours left for sleep!

No, it's not my insomnia, it's the stupid NOISY Neighbors!

I simply can't understand WHY PEOPLE HAVE TO PLAY BOOM BOOM MUSIC IN THEIR HOUSES IN FULL VOLUME!!!

^ Yes, I AM SHOUTING! I CAN'T EVEN HEAR MYSELF THINK!

I already called the security guard of our subdivision to please tell them to lower it down or SHUT UP!

Few years back my solution was to open mine too but only with enough volume to override what I hear, close my windows and open the buzzing aircon! But that won't work now, I NEED PEACE AND QUIET!

Waaaahh.... few more weeks and I'm off this noisy place! *Holding on...

Leather or Fur Coat?

2009-07-19T20:33:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, fashion, vacation

A few weeks from now, I'd be in hiatus for a month. I'm off for a vacation in a cold place but I will try to post or at least visit the blogosphere as often as I can. Things may be pretty busy then so I am not sure, but my absence here doesn't mean I will not return.

Last time I was in the other side of the word, I was not prepared for the cold. The jackets I brought were not enough that I needed a coat over it to prevent me from freezing. And boy do I look like a penguin! LOL

And now that I know how below 10 degrees really meant, I should go there prepared and not look like a 12 year old being dressed by her dad. lol And I must admit, I am not that tall!

One of my cousins just lent me her coat today. It was a leather coat sent by her mom from the US which she never wore here in the Philippines, for obvious reasons. It was a size small but thankfully it fits. I just hope I can still wear enough clothes under it in case it gets too cold.

Although I'm still hunting for a nicer coat, coz I'm really not into leather. It's just too difficult to find one here! Ahrg. I wanted to find something like this:

If you're from Manila, would you happen to know where to buy a coat?

Health Card's Help to Good Health

2009-07-17T21:58:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: colleagues,
friends, healthcard, rants, work

Catchy title huh? Unfortunately, the new health card that my office switched to recently did not help.

My colleague who was brought to the ER yesterday was not properly examined because the hospital "cannot contact our health card provider". (I shall not mention the name of the company nor the hospital, to avoid being promoted in search engines - and this blog getting hits from them too) Turns out, that they are not open 24 hours and the contact numbers were all just RNA's (CC term for phone's just ringing, with no answer).

Soon as they were there, the ER staff had to check the provider first, validate the identity, before even giving the patient a space to rest on. Then soon after the hospital staff realized that it's not possible, they just gave him some meds and asked for a urine sample (that the patient needs to pay first before doing so). Then despite vomiting blood, the patient was released. Just like that!

Strange! And I am simply appalled by this!

The patient then had no choice but to just go home with the doctor's prescription even if he is still not feeling well and totally clueless of what just happened.

....WTF!

But hopefully on Saturday, they will go to another hospital (and a better one at that) and get the proper treatment that he deserves!

I recommended the hospital that I went to when I had my accident.

Emergency at work

2009-07-16T23:42:00.005+07:00

☼ Labels: colleagues, friends, work

One of my colleges was brought to the hospital just now because he vomited blood. His wife was excused and given permission to go with him. They are both my friends and I pray that he will be okay. I hope that it's nothing serious. Please pause for a few seconds to pray for him too....

Entrecard Down?

2009-07-15T20:24:00.004+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, entrecard

I don't think it's the server at work. But earlier today, the site works. I was even able to drop some cards. Strangely, soon as I tried to logged in a few minutes ago, I am redirected to this page:

The widget is working fine though. Is Entrecard down? When will they come back? What will happen with our credits?

I hope this is just a glitch.

Invisible

2009-07-14T10:09:00.000+07:00

☼ Labels: flicker pick, quotes

“Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, Make me feel important.
Never forget this message when working with people.” ~ Mary Kay Ash

Shadow Dancer by Mozambique - Moments

...although sometimes, it won't hurt to feel invisible once in a while. That's the time you can do what you want when you want it, and accomplish things on your own way.

while everyone sleeps...

2009-07-13T09:50:00.005+07:00

☼ Labels: fictionalized non-fiction, quotes

...she lays down and think. Little sheep jumping over the fence. Growing with each jump. One grows up with a colored fur, few grew up with glasses. A couple more with tin foils on their mouths. One jumps in glee with a crown, and the other a scarf and a tiara. Ten. Ten sheep moving about.

TEN. Ten and a half hours of the day spent at work. An hour for traveling. Half an hour for walking. An hour for bathing and fixing yourself. Four to Five hours of sleep. One and a half hours of thinking or writing or reading a book or all three, a couple more hours for blogging. An hour of eating divided into three. Half an hour to keep your room or house tidy. An hour to talk to your friends or family, or a stranger. Sum it up, 24.

Have you done something good for yourself today? Have you done something good for others today? Is it true that how you spend your day would reflect how you spend your life?

Here's one last thought to ponder upon:
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." ~ Winston Churchill

Weekend at Work

2009-07-12T21:43:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: after work, CC lifestyle, work

This week, I lack sleep. And I was looking forward to this weekend to catch up with the hours that my body needed to rejuvenate. Unfortunately, that is not possible.

Yesterday, after our 2-hour overtime, I just got home to take a quick shower and went straight to meet my sister. We met near her work and ate lunch in a Japanese resto. I was not in the mood for raw fish (was I ever though?) so I just went for a tempura and asparagus wrapped in bacon. It was a fine lunch that ended up with a blizzard ice cream from DQ. Then we went to met her doctor.

It was a nice day with my sis, but my left arm is still heavy from the vaccine yesterday afternoon. My sister's doctor is offering a discount on the HPV (Cervical Cancer). So we got our shots and the next will be a month from now then the last one will be on January of next year.

Last night my team had to work but I was required to come in today with them. Good thing coz I don't wanna work while my arm is aching. But when I got home the night passed by so quickly that the sleep I had felt it was not enough. We woke up early to help out with my brother's party.

Today was a busy day and I wanted to skip the party and sleep, but my family requested me to help out. I had no choice but to go. And I was only able to sleep at 5:00 to 7:30pm.

Wow, 2 and a half hours and I do not feel sleepy at all! I really wonder how I survived this for the past 4 years and if I can still in the coming years.

The rabbit who was deprived of hopping

2009-07-10T09:25:00.017+07:00

☼ Labels: fictionalized non-fiction, short story

One sunny morning, amidst a flourishing forest of figs,
a bunny came hopping~ beneath the due drops of the trees.

Poor tired bunny
skipping hopping passing by,
thinking dreaming of her cozy burrow
beneath the green grassy fields where she could lie.

A night of digging carrots
for her baby kits waiting at home
talking to other rabbits from far across the globe.

While on her way to her borrow
poor tired little bunny
slip slide down a hole!
And broke her chin and broke her toe!

But oh scary big rabbits!
from the carrot digging fraw
do not wanna help o'ur -
poor tired little Zoe!

And Zoe the bunny went bleeding sobbing
to hug her little kits.
As sun down and sun up
and countless night of sore passed by so quick.

"I cannot lay here and do nothing!"
thought the poor weary little bunny,
so off she went back to the forest
the flourishing forest of figs!

She went there and peeped
almost begging sincerely asking
for the carrots that is rightfully hers
and hers only for keeps.

Alas! The scary big rabbits!
outside the carrot digging hole
was waiting for her to knock on
their doors made of stone.
They kicked her out because of her
broken chin and broken toe!

You are of no use to us anymore!

So they grab her neck they grab her ears
and they hold her til her death.

And poor tired little bunny was nowhere to be heard of since then.

~THE END (?)~

"The Tale of the rabbit who was deprived of hopping"
original story written, © Miss Zee, 09.10.09
Dedicated to a Fierce Rabbit named F.R.G.

Back to Work

2009-07-09T04:18:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: rants, work

First day back at work. And boy am I in for a surprise or what?!

When I sat down my desk, my chair was awkwardly high, papers on my desk were disarranged and posts on my cork board were misaligned. Some of my colored pens were missing as well as my masking tape! Hmm, maybe they will surface later, I thought.

Soon as I tried to log-in on my PC, my password was not being accepted. After several attempts, typing it slow or double clicking the Caps Lock and Num Lock were useless. So I called for assistance, and I learned that they reset my PC to the default password. Oh well. I'm still all smiles.

But then, when I tried to open my email, my password was not being accepted again. And after another call for assistance, they do not know what caused this and they can't access my email too. So they resorted to reset my password to the default key once more.

But boy, that didn't stop there.

So I was able to log-in on my PC, read my mails, sent some replies, deleted the useless "reply to all" mails from people who I do not know why they need to CC their replies to me and all the other spam crap...

I thought the first phase of my day was over, but no. When my boss asked me to call a customer with a long list of complaints, I need to request him to email us the list of his complaints so it will be dealt with "quickly".

But when I went to my desk and checked my Bookmarks Menu to log-in the CS email, all my bookmarks were gone! Now, since I haven't opened the CS email for weeks I tried to remember what's the link to the domain. And of course, I just need to go back a few months on my work inbox to see the client's email. He gave me the url and the password to use before.

*Drumroll*

Tantadadaan!

Oh wow! My inbox ONLY contains mails from April 2009 onwards!

My boss does not know the password! Apparently, he does not have a copy of that email too.

The client is not answering her phone!

Then suddenly, somebody was caught sleeping!

It's my job to catch these people but since I was so busy with the email thingy, I was not able to switch on my eyes at the back of my head! Then the boss called on me and the other team lead (who was on break during the time the agent was asleep).

To make the long story short, the email is not the priority. The agents are. So, I dropped the case and didn't call the customer and just sat next to the agents and listened to their calls.

End of shift. I went home. Checked and sent personal mails, and my honey replied to me saying:

Please dont get too stressed or too angry ok you cant make up in
one day when you where not there for two weeks and nobody can't expect that too. So just try to be calm.

Okay... *sigh* I would do that now. On to Adgitize! LOL

It's always good to have someone to breathe in with the things that frustrate you...

Stairs Photo and Quote of the Day

2009-07-08T08:44:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: flickr pick, quote

“Never look backwards or you'll fall down the stairs.”
~Rudyard Kipling

Oia, Santorini, Greece

by palindrome6996

One of the places where I wanna visit... in this lifetime. Oh, and yeah, minus the "falling down the stairs" again. I'd rather fall only once in this lifetime. *wink

CCTales Turns 1

2009-07-07T08:53:00.004+07:00

☼ Labels: lovelife, blogging

One Month! Ha!

Happy ONE month to this blog!

and Monthsary to my Honey!

Insomnia or Anxiety?

2009-07-06T03:07:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: lovelife, reading, writing

I woke up in the dead of night. Silence enveloped my room. I felt shivers through my skin and realized my blanket fell to the floor. The aircon is still open proving that the timer did not work. I looked at my mobile phone next to my blanket which I usually use more as an alarm clock than a communication device. It was exactly 12:33am.

I stood up, opened the fan and closed the aircon, remembering that in my boyfriend's house they do not use an air conditioner, but a heater. What time is it in their side of the hemisphere? Is he cooking dinner, watching the telly or reading a great novel? Maybe he's playing his guitar. Four more hours and he will call to wake me up, so I laid back on my bed and tried to continue my slumber.

Tossing and turning, I remembered the papers that I need to fetch from a friend. I could pick it up tomorrow after her work, err, that would be about 6 to 7 hours from now. So I picked up my phone again, but this time to sms her. Their break will start 30 minutes from now and I better be awake and wait for the reply. Then I would know what I'd do in the morning.

Tomorrow evening I'd be going back to work. Two weeks have passed and I wasn't even able to draw or paint anything for my Honey. I used to write poems for him too but the whisperings in my head have stopped. Or maybe I was just too busy at work to listen to them that my mind got immune to their words. I lost count of the days when my writer's block started. Maybe it was less than a year ago, over, or even double. On second thought, I am starting to write again... in this blog.

Today, I finally finished a third of the book he gave me, "Three Tales" by Gustave Flaubert. Thanks to lightning and thunder who kept me away from my computer. Sometimes I feel like Felicite, who cares of nothing but her work and her beliefs that her happiness is not focused on satisfying herself, but others. But sometimes I envy her simplicity that a simple joy of a companion to talk to is all she needs, even if it would be a parrot.

Now I wonder... Why am I still keeping this blog from the love of my life? Even I, do not know the answer. If he finds this I know I do not need to be ashamed because I never really kept anything from him. And there's nothing new to discover here anyway. I meant this blog to be a surprise on our monthssary but it's been a month now and I have posted alot already. I don't want him to feel that I am keeping him away from my thoughts. Although he is a person who respects my privacy and insists that I should never tell him any of my passwords.

He used to be my "stalker" too. He's the first one to read my posts (on my other blogs), he finds out new blogs that I create and even prints my poems and tries to decipher them. He loves to read and I was his novel; his poet; his artist. I remember making great pieces from the only available materials that I have. I never really studied art and do not have any real mediums available. So he gave me real oil, expensive canvass paper and brushes, which I haven't really used yet. I don't know why but I feel afraid to use them and disappoint him with the outcome. Although I know he always supports me and I can make whatever I want.

A few days back he encouraged me to write again. He always reminds me to read my books or watch the DVD's he gave me. He would love to know that I spend at least a few minutes each day to be creative again. Paint or draw or just read one poem at least once a day. Of course he respects my decisions and he never forced me to do anything I do not like. But I really do not know why my creative juices suddenly froze.

He asked me to write at least a diary. So I smiled and suggested an online journal. But his notion was he's always doubtful of people online. Some people tend to be too honest. And I know what he meant by this. But he also joked that I would probably fall asleep writing on a diary. (Ha!) Although he mentioned about some who write under pseudonyms. (Hmm.. like now?)

Tomorrow is not only this blog's monthssary but also ours. So I'm thinking ...should I tell him about this then or still keep it as my private diary (that is actually open to the rest of the world) Oh! The irony.

No Holidays at Work!

2009-07-05T08:34:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: US Holiday, rant, work

While everyone in the States are having a "blast", away from work, out for the weekend with the family or having BBQ's and watching fireworks with some friends, some people are stuck at work and are obliged to work.

I just learned from one of my colleagues that they were required to work over the weekend and continue calling. We don't normally work on a weekend and usually, during the 4th of July, we do not either. But strangely, this year, we do. Maybe this is the "storm" that I mentioned on my other post. And I feel a bit guilty that I am not there to support them. Well, we don't really celebrate America's Independence here in the Philippines and to work on a weekend is ok. But I can now just imagine the irate people who receives their calls on a holiday such as these! Well I can't say that the bosses do not know that, they are living there!

What would hurt me though is that, after my substitute sends out his reports to them, he gets an automatic response from the client saying "Thank you for the email but I am away for the weekend... blah blah". Ouch! And just a reminder, that last Philippine Independence Day, we also have to work!

So here I am waiting for an sms from my local boss if he would require me or even ask me if I can report for work on Sunday night. But lol who am I kidding? He did not even ask me how I am doing and what happened to me. Duh.

Should I text them and volunteer? Well if I do they might accuse me of just being there coz its an overtime pay and not a change of work schedule. And where am I the whole week?

Oh well... as the running gag with my brother and I goes... when he asks "Who cares?" I always reply: "The care bears!"

So for those who required people to come to work while they sit on their houses eating BBQ and watching fireworks, I wish them:

Something to ponder upon:
“Life without liberty is like a body without spirit.” - Kahlil Gibran

Happy Indie Day America!

2009-07-04T07:33:00.002+07:00

☼ Labels: US Holiday

off to the hospital again?!

2009-07-03T08:13:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: accident, recovery

And I'm off to the hospital again today...

*sigh*

When will it ever stop?

Maybe next week!?

Alas! I shall be right back for updates...

This blog supports Do-follow on comments!

2009-07-02T18:53:00.001+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, tips

All Blogger templates have the Nofollow attribute built into their comments. This is done to discourage comment spam. However you can, especially if you are a new blogger, encourage people to comment on your blog by removing this attribute. The Nofollow attribute instructs the search spiders not to follow the link thus preventing the spread of "Google Juice"...........

You can encourage people to comment on your blog once they recognize that links in comments are being followed. To discourage spam enable comment moderation in your Settings---->Comments. Also put a prominent text widget in your sidebar proclaiming that links in your comments are followed by the search bots. This will act as a freebait by sharing your link juice with fellow bloggers.

MODIFYING THE TEMPLATE

To do this login to dashboard and click on layouts of your blog. Then click on Edit Html subtab of Template tab. First backup your template by clicking on the Download Full Template link. Put a check in the Expand Widgets Template Checkbox at the top of the Edit Template text box. This expands the Blog Posts Widget Code within which is the comments code. Then press Ctrl+F and find:

rel='nofollow'>

Delete the words in red in the above code : rel='nofollow' and save the template.

TEXT BOX WIDGET IN SIDEBAR

Click on Add Page Element link in sidebar on Page Elements subtab of Template tab. Choose Text widget and add following text in it :

COMMENT POLICY
Comments on this blog are made DOFOLLOW for the Google Spiders.
Comments are moderated.
Spam will not be tolerated.

(And you can always add the U comment I follow badge too!)

Save the widget and place it in a prominent position in your sidebar.

Source: The Blog Doctor

Top Droppers for June

2009-07-01T08:03:00.008+07:00

☼ Labels: blogging, entrecard

Diet Secrets Online
Entreblogger
Business Sphere
Online Money Intelligence
The Way I See It
Momspective Reviews
Comedy Plus
First Door on the Left
Prove Me Wrong
AsTheCrackerheadCrumbles

Back at the Hospital

2009-06-30T14:53:00.005+07:00

☼ Labels: accident, recovery

So I returned to the hospital for a follow-up check up. My knees are feeling better and my wounds are not that painful anymore. The problem is, I still can't walk straight and one of my foot aches every time I step using it. Maybe it's because of the swollen muscles and veins. But it was just my speculation, and in cases like this that is not advisable.

I went to consult the doctor about it and ask when I can go back to work. But before jumping into conclusions, he looked at my x-rays. A dozen shots of my bones were placed on his lighted plate apparatus as if we were viewing a slideshow. He rechecked all by doing another round. He joked about my bones as being "xeroxed" and said that of all the xrays they did to me, the ER missed on a vital part. My toes.

In going over one xray at a time, I noticed a couple of blurry circles below my ribs. It was round as a coin to not notice so I asked him. The doc said that it was just air. And the solution to get rid of that was to ... yes... fart! Ha!

Since I have a swollen foot, he needs to see if I broke any bone on my toes too. He's jolly disposition made me less nervous for another round or radiation. He even went far as to say that he will scold the x-ray people about missing out on a vital part. And as he placed it "like going to a party and missing out on the celebrant". lol... that was kinda creepy but funny.

So I went down to the Radiology Department to have my foot "xeroxed" (as to what my doctor said). They took 2 shots, one sideways, and one facing down. The position I was told to hold made my leg ache. I knew something is still wrong with my muscles. After that, we went back to my doctor's clinic but he was not there. The secretary said that he went to an emergency surgery as one of his teenage patients had a motorcycle accident.

So I waited. And waited. And waited... It took almost 2 hours! I can actually return the next day but I have to know if I broke my toes. And I need to know if I can go to work or not.

A few snacks later, he arrived and checked my new xrays. His disposition was different now, compared to hours ago, and he was not smiling. I thought it was serious. But he said there were not fractures. Pfew! He knows the stress and weird sleeping habits of people who works in call centers so he advised to take a few more days of rest until the swollen muscles subsides. He then gave me the prescriptions and the medical certificate.

So 5 more days at home. No work and no play. Oh well... better follow the doctors orders.

Home Confinement

2009-06-29T23:09:00.003+07:00

☼ Labels: accident, recovery

Maybe it's fate's way of saying that I should take a break from all the stress at work. Maybe it's also a blessing in disguise that something more terrible would have happened if it wasn't for that fall.

I grew up believing that everything happens for a reason. Everything in this world is connected. Although this time, I don't know. I'm not sure if what happened to me applies. But do I really need to ask?

Today I asked my bosses about the insurance from work since the accident happened at the building of my office. Unfortunately, one of them replied and said they have talked about it and "technically, it was not within the company's premises" he said.

What?! So there are no guarantees for safety?

I spoke with my family about this and my mom got frustrated. She said that they shouldn't meddle since they are not the ones who will actually pay me. It won't come from my bosses' pockets. My sister also said that it is by law that whatever happens to an employee even after working hours, even after he left the premises, as long as he has not reached his house yet, the company is liable. Unless of course, the employee goes wandering about in other locations like a mall or something. As long as that is the daily route of the employee, it is still covered.

Laws in countries differ of course and the ignorance of the law excuses no one. But I searched for this over the net and found nothing. So best thing is to ask the doctors and consult with my parents who knows people from government institutions.

For now, I haven't really decided yet on what to do. What I'm focusing more is on recovery and taking my medications on time. I really like to go to work soon and need too! But it's always nice to take some breather once in a while...

At the ER

2009-06-27T22:03:00.006+07:00

☼ Labels: accident

Continued from Accident at Work...

Soon as I arrived at the Hospital, the nurse at the entrance took my temperature. It was a new standard procedure to check if patients have the H1N1 flu. Then I was brought in a wheel chair to the surgery emergency room for examination.

After a few questions and presentation of my Health Card, I was brought to the X-ray Department to have some "shots". Strangely, they preferred having those xrays first before treating my bleeding legs and arms.

I had about a dozen shots before they wheeled me in back to the ER for treatment. Then I realized the reason why the xrays should be first. I was calm enough for the xrays but soon as they cleaned my wounds I broke down. It was all painful and I couldn't help but bite my lips and cry. How I wished I was just unconscious during this time.

The nurse was gentle and very careful but it was the mixed cold and heat from the liquids passing on my swollen broken skin that hurts so bad. After the procedure, I was asked to wait for the xray results and for the resident doctor. I tried to sleep to at least skip time and not feel pain but I couldn't. Because, every time I close my eyes, I see myself falling again and again. It was a nightmare!

I cried again for the thought that I may have broken my legs or I would need surgery. I wanted to call my boyfriend but he would be asleep by now and I do not like to worry him. I was thinking of the scheduled vacation I have with him and the fear that it may not push through because of this. But the doctor came and a glow in his face signaled that everything would be okay.

He has seen the xrays and said that I did not break any bone and the scars will heal in time. They just needed to give me anti-tetanus shots to avoid infection. He interviewed me for a while and gave me the shots. I was given an immediate anti-tetanus vaccine and another one that will last for 5 years.

They gave me the prescriptions and schedules. I was also required to go on a follow-up check up after a few days. They also mentioned that my health card will not pay for the 2nd vaccine. So I just paid for it through credit card and the hospital ER staff told me that I could refund it from my company since I fell within company premises. All I need to do is file for an Industrial claim from the SSS and all will be fine.

And I thought, everything would be fine, soon as I can walk properly.

Right now I am staying at home and recovering from my wounds. I hope I can walk straight soon so I can go back to work. I miss my friends and my hectic schedule. But most of all, I miss my honey. I hope he is here right now to take care of me...

Accident at Work

2009-06-26T20:09:00.012+07:00

☼ Labels: accident, after work

It was just like a dream. Perhaps it was due to lack of sleep that caused my motor imbalance or temporary loss of visual acuity. Maybe it was just my heels or the slippery stair handles. Who knows!

What I know is that my feet did not reach the 4th step of the staircase. In a split second all I heard were echoes and voices. The words were not clear, while I felt myself falling slowly and everything turning into a blur. I tumbled and rolled like a falling log. I remembered thinking that this is not happening. This could not be real!

But it was.

And soon as I hit the ground it all went clear. I saw the floor, the staircase, my things and people all around me. I did not feel anything but my extremely aching legs! Someone tried to pull me up and someone else gave me a tissue. Another one gave me a handkerchief with two ice cubes. A guy gave me a glass of water but I refused to drink.

I was bleeding. My elbows and arms were scratched and my chin was cut. But strangely despite blood coming from these parts of my body, I do not feel them ache. I was saying to myself that I am ok. I feel that I will be ok. But I was worried that I broke my legs because they are so painful that every other wound were numb.

One of my friends asked me where it hurts and I pointed on my legs. She attempted to roll my pants up but I refused. I was afraid to show them because I know I was bleeding badly.

A few minutes more and my ride will come and get me I said. Then I will go straight to the hospital.

They all said I should have a check up right away. I said I was fine. I even joked about bouncing like a ball and that if I were skin and bones my bones are all broken by now.

My friend told me that I should take a rest tonight and not report for work or else she will get mad at me. I said I will if I can and I need to go to work tonight. It's been almost 4 months since I was last on leave and I wanted to finish this month with a clean record.

I guess some goals are meant to not be reached.

To be continued...

To My Love...

2009-06-25T23:47:00.007+07:00

☼ Labels: lovelife

distance will never really keep us apart...

Jam Packed Restos on Father's Day

2009-06-22T23:01:00.006+07:00

If you live in Manila, you would know what "traffic" really means. Traffic is part of my everyday life. But since I work at night, I do not experience traffic, I see it on the other lane.

While everyone else goes to work, I am on the other side, in a fast cab looking at how the cars are moving like turtles. And when everyone else are heading home, I am on the faster lane going to where they have been.

But it's on holidays like Father's Day that you experience "human traffic". And if you were out yesterday with the family to celebrate Father's Day, you would know what I mean.

It was my first time to visit SM Marikina. And since my job asks me to sleep during the day, the only time I can go to malls and other recreational facilities are during weekends.

We first went to Burgoo, but it was impossible to get a seat. Then we went to Max's and I tried to reserve a table for us but we were given the 10th place. At Gerry's was no big difference as we were in line too at 11th. Old Spaghetti House was just across Max's and we were at 3rd. I voted for that but my siblings protested and said the place was too small. I wondered, we are only gonna take up one table so what if its small, the food is great anyway? But of course, majority wins! And we ended up waiting the first 9 tables to be given at Max's.

It's always nice to spend time with my family as I seldom see them. I arrive home when most of them have left or about to leave then I leave home when either they aren't home yet or are already asleep. They never really complain but I know I have been missing alot because of this. I guess being the only one in the family who works at night isolates me sometimes. But it's not all disadvantage though. The good thing is... hmm... well.. hmm... uhh... what? let me think and post about it later. LOL

To All Dads...

2009-06-21T21:39:00.003+07:00

...and for my Papa, my brother, all my uncles, the expecting fathers and all those guys who may not be a father yet, but treat kids as their own...

Your Guitar...

2009-06-20T22:52:00.008+07:00

...plays the tune of your beautiful soul
that captivates me anew
please don't stop playing for me
as you soothe the sorrow of our distance.

As mentioned in my previous post, my boyfriend doesn't know this blog yet. But I plan to tell him... err, soon. Tonight, as we were talking, he sent me his latest songs played on his guitar. He let me hear the unfinished ones too as I stare at his beautiful gray eyes. He may not know it but deep inside I melted hearing how great his songs were. I have the coolest man ever! And his sweet voice lingers in my thoughts now...

Sweet dreams my love, and see you soon...

When you can't laugh, staple your mouth

2009-06-19T02:11:00.009+07:00

Sometimes it's not just ego that keeps people from asking questions to things they don't know. It's also their determination to solve it or find the answers by themselves.

But when one already consumes too much time in trying to resolve something and still nothing works, it's time to swallow that ego. And if one is really determined to resolve that issue, there's nothing wrong in asking others.

Just like today, while I'm busy in my bay checking on the agents, the Sup from the other campaign approached me. He appeared to be confused and frustrated with an excel file sent to him. He asked me how come the columns in A to F were not showing and only G and the rest appears. I told him to "unhide" it and he claimed he tried it several times and it still did not work. He wants me to go to his desk and check it out.

But to avoid leaving my team under no supervision, (not that they can't work without one, but its just too simple for me to go over at the other end of the room to show some hidden columns) I went to my desk to show him the "trick".

I opened a sample excel file from my pc and showed him how to "unhide" the columns. He then repeated that that is what he did but it did not work. So I told him that if it's not hidden, the columns are just on freeze. I showed how to unfreeze by clicking alt+w+f. I know for a fact that shortcuts confuse him so I did that on purpose. lol But as he was not leaving my side, I got the hint that he was not able to follow. What the heck, so I just clicked "windows" + "Unfreeze". Then! That's the time he said "ahhh! I know now! Thanks! It took me an hour to figure it out!"

Uhm. You figured it out? O...kaaaay.

So I just said "Yeah, nice huh" and stapled my mouth shut and excused myself before I laugh out loud.

Slow Day at Work

2009-06-18T22:13:00.004+07:00

"an idle mind is the devil's playground" ~ American proverb.

In searching, I found out that this quote doesn't really have a particular source except that its a disambiguation of the line "Idle hands are the devil's tools". It means that Idleness is the root of mischief. This maxim has been traced back to Geoffrey Chaucer's "Tale of Melibee" (14th century).

Well, I hope there are no demons here at work, lol.

I am not used to no pressure and slow pace at work. I feel like it's like a storm. You are in the middle of the eye and it's all silent. But once the storm moves on, the strong winds, rain and flying debris come rushing in falling all abruptly on you.

We currently have no "big project" at the moment and I am just handling only a fourth of who I used to handle. People got promoted and moved to help me out. Now I am not used to not cramming, staying overtime (with no pay) to encode, fix files and send out reports.

I guess after some time anyone would get so used to what he is doing that even with closed eyes, the job will be done flawlessly. But lo! Over-confidence may also lead to disaster. It's good to be keen, particular to small details and as my boss used to say (I do not hear this from him anymore lately), "We need to be OC sometimes".

OC or obsessive compulsive, in reality, is a medical condition. This is an anxiety disorder based on the dread that something bad will happen. The sufferer feels compelled to voluntarily perform irrational, time-consuming behaviors to diminish the anxiety. But at my work, it's the same except for the word "irrational".

Sure, we have to be extra careful even if it takes us hours and hours to figure out what's wrong or find other possible solutions. I guess I am trained this way and I see right away a small flaw, a detail, that is often not seen by first glance by others. The tendency for this attitude is positive, as people (even Sups or your own boss too!) approaches you to ask your advice or look at their work.

Now going back to the "storm"... Let's see in the coming days if we get busy or not. Maybe my boss is just not divulging any information at the moment but I sense it. For now, I am prepared and will keep my poise. Although at the moment, let me sit back, enjoy the dull moment and breathe...

Bloggeraddicts Anonymous

2009-06-17T22:08:00.004+07:00

Today I made another blog for a colleague. So that sums up to 7 blogs created for co-workers. And three of which are just for one person. Two are not being updated anymore and... oh wait! I made 3 more which are not being updated too since the owners have resigned from the company. Maybe they made "secret blogs" which I was not made aware of? Aha... hmm...

Okay, so the grand total is actually 10. Yes a whopping TEN original blogger designs! All linked to my ~~former~~ art blog. (Well, I scratched the "former" coz I was in hiatus there for months but am now trying to post at least once a month.)
So what if that blog has a 4 Pagerank? I don't even care about those and funny how others desperately want a Pagerank of 4 or above.

Due to the popularity (*ehem*) of that blog, suddenly I just wanna drop it off. Hot like a bomb. lol... I don't know but sometimes I crave for anonymity. My boyfriend doesn't even know this blog yet. Well I am planning to tell him... soon. I know he won't mind. But I also know that he would tell me to avoid being "too personal". He is a private person, of course, and he would not like it if his family finds out his blog too.

Strangely, for me, since there are "real people" who knows my Art blog (Ha! I make it sound as if I have more blogs!) I really do not care anymore if my family finds and read it. Who would like to dig up old posts about me anyway? That blog dates back to 2004 and my first entries were dark and "gothic" (if I am allowed to use that word).

Oh well.

Anyhoo, here's a cute personality quiz I just took up at blogthings:

You Are 86% Addicted to the Internet

The internet is your life - seriously.

You spend so much time online, you should be a dot com millionaire!

Are You Addicted to the Internet?

Uhuh. Yeah right..

Thoughts before lunch

2009-06-16T22:51:00.004+07:00

And so the payslips came in yesterday. Complaints from the Sup in another campaign and his agents were spreading. Apparently, they were not paid on a weekend that they came in. And the Sup announced a 2k deduction. So... he was being paid 2k per day then. And his Team Lead confirmed that he was also deducted 1.4k. All these were announced on their bay. But of course, I heard it way back here in mine.

Another rant aside, yes, I am being paid less and almost half lower than the other Team Lead. And I was promoted a year before he was. I guess seniority doesn't count. Unfortunately, Hard Work and Skills do not count either. And what does then?

And speaking of seniority, our dear boss is not around too. The canceled Management dinner was never discussed in any meeting yesterday. Oh well.

Strangely, I'm thinking of pizza pasta and pesto. I wonder why. ~~seven~~, make that two minutes to go before break time. Good. I'm starving...

Management Dinner Postponed

2009-06-15T21:58:00.003+07:00

I woke up earlier than usual today. I checked my phone and there were no messages. So it seems that despite the rain, our management meeting will push through. So I got up and prepared.

On my way to the restaurant, the big boss sent me a text message, asking if we still want to push through. WHAT??!! After a few seconds he sent another message and said that the meeting is canceled because of the rain. We will talk about the re-sched on a meeting tonight at work.

Two Points:

(1) We can have a meeting at work all along. Why the trouble in a restaurant? What's so confidential about it? Or is it one of those "bonding" things he wants to have amongst us?

(2) Since when does rain affect meetings? It's not like there is a storm or flood. It's just an ordinary rain, and let me remind you that we are in a tropical country!

Update: We just received our payslips today.

Happy(?) Indie Day!

2009-06-12T22:07:00.001+07:00

Thanks to google.com.ph for placing this beautiful tribute! And just for today, a special one day signature was affixed to all my reports:

Happy Independence Day!

Yes, even to our international bosses. You got it! While everyone else is having a holiday, watching fireworks, (or concerts in several places) BBQ, spending quality time with their families, here we are at work. Calling... and being called. So what if its double pay?

Yeah, independence alright. Brr...

Payroll Inconsistencies

2009-06-11T22:41:00.001+07:00

Not that I am complaining too much. I am just complaining "a little". LOL

But its really a buzz here in almost every corner of each room. People are discreetly talking about it and nobody admits out in the open.

Last payday, we were delayed by a bank holiday and on the opening of classes, some agents with children do not have money at hand and over the weekend. Today, I was surprised by the news that we already have pay!

Everyone was expecting to receive their salaries on Monday since it is the 15th of the month, but just 2 days after the cut off, the money is already in. Strange. So, they can finish it in 2 days all along.

But there is a catch. We do no have the payslips yet.

*Apologies for the blasphemous photo above. If anyone is offended, please go over and visit the FSM aka Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Contact Me

2009-06-09T22:20:00.008+07:00

In the Beginning...

2009-06-07T15:03:00.004+07:00

...God created the heavens and the earth... And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning — the first day. ~ Genesis 1:1&3

But on this side of the planet, in this very place, this city, this building, this room, in this very seat, we make days into nights and nights into day.

We base the time when we should go to sleep and should wake up on the time Americans wake up and go to sleep. We force ourselves to hide under the sheets while everyone else in the family are preparing to go out in a weekend or watching loud TV. And while the sun beams through our windows in the peak of the afternoon, we had no choice but to shut our eyes and ears.

If we do not sleep in the afternoon, we won't stand being awake all night way past midnight til the sun rises. This is where we can testify that coffee is not really effective in keeping people awake. And falling sleep means trouble!

Yes, this is the life of those who work in a call center. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.

So, sit back on your cozy chair and grab a popcorn, or your favorite chips (a bottle of beer would be fine too) and prepare to read the boring yet exciting, monotonous yet unpredictable, funny yet stressful life of working in a Call Center here in the Philippines.

Okay, now time for me to take my break and eat lunch. Err, midnight snack? Ugh. Whatever...

2009-04-05T00:37:00.000+07:00

Your message has been sent. Thank You for contacting me.
Please allow 12 to 48 hours for a reply.

~ HOME ~

Name:*

Email:*

Subject:*

URL / website:

Message:*

Verification No.:*