Seven is such a great number

Today, my wife and I are celebrating our seventh anniversary. How time flies when your having fun! I can still remember that wonderful Saturday afternoon when we met, as he it was just yesterday. I can even remember every single day, every single even that led up to that special day that would change up both forever. Today, i feel nothing but grateful that i have her in my life. I cherish each and every moment that we spend together, every adventure and every challenge that we share.

Hello?!

Why don’t you shut up and listen?

Times like these… I just want to go home.

What an aaaaaarghhh moment

This would have to be one of the most bizarre weeks of my life because of the following reasons:

1.      I experienced how an earthquake feels from the 27^th floor
2.      I had to get my wounded foot on dirty flood waters just to get home
3.      One of my sisters at work got sick, which meant more work load for us (as of what we already have isn’t enough)
4.      There was some political drama in Makati, which worsened the traffic situation
5.      The political drama resulted to a 12mn to 5am curfew, which meant less time to finish the work load

I wish I could...

        get drunk

        pig out

        sing my lungs out

        sleep in the whole day

        park my ass in front of the PC the whole day

        watch TV the whole day

        go shopping

        play video games

        play billiards

        stare into deep oblivion

        chat with old friends

        hang out in Starbucks

        play with my feline siblings under the sun

        play badminton

        jog until I couldn’t breathe

        logon to Friendster and create slideshows

        do pseudo-artistic stuff

        read books and magazines

Envy

I just realized that I envy those people who always get what they want, regardless of how they get them.

I envy them because I’m not the type of person who’ll always do “whatever it takes” to get something.  Oftentimes, I’m not ambitious enough to step outside my comfort zone to just get out there and grab what I want.  As I’ve said before, I have my moments of shyness and insecurity – unsure of what I can and cannot do, so I just wait for things to happen for me and credit them to “It’s not meant to be” if they never do.

I envy those people who can get away with murder and know it – those people who are bitchy and cocky enough to wallow in the fact that no matter how mean they are, they’d still be the life of the party the next day.  I wonder how those people could live with themselves…  Oh well, if it works for them, so be it… Good for them.  As for me, well, green is so not my color! Hahahaha!  J  

Friday thought

Jelaineism #129:        Sometimes, doing something that doesn’t make sense is the most sensible thing to do.

Yeah I know...

…it’s been months since I last visited my blog.  Yeah, yeah… I feel bad about it.  There’s just too much I want to share, but I just don’t have the time.  Things have been über-hectic at work – just when you thought it can’t get any more toxic than it already is!  Hahahaha!  It’s cool though… my sisters and I are blending well with our new bro – too well if you’d ask me!  Hahahaha!  Imagine how we got even crazier and noisier… the Big Boss next door had to shush us. 

I guess it really is the little things in life that gets you going.  Laughter, friends, love… the best things in life are indeed free… J

It's a miracle! My weekend was a blast!

Well, well, well, who would've thought that in spite of my condition last week, my weekend would be such a blast! Last Friday, we had an office party, which was soooooo much fun! I got to be one of the event's photographers (which I love doing, by the way), I laughed a lot -- thanks to our fabulous host, I got drunk (for free!), and I danced my butt off! To cap the night off, my honey and I ate our favorite calzone from Yellow Cab since we didn't do much eating at the party.

Come Saturday, I woke up to have an amazing breakfast of pinoy-style mami, which my beloved yaya prepared for me. She makes one nasty mami so I always end up overeating! Then, my honey and I went grocery-shopping with my mom tagging along and I went crazy buying ingredients for my pasta recipes and I was so excited to find that our local supermarket actually sells Bostik Blu-Tack! And guess what else I found... they actually have coloured Blu-Tack! Of course, I just had to buy one! Hahahaha! I'm such a kid!

Saturday night, my honey and I decided to celebrate the month that was. As much as it was stressful, we recently discovered that all the hard work and the stress that comes with it is all worth it. I recently learned that I'm now a certified Quality Professional with a rather impressive score (not just mediocre, hehehehe!) and that my honey, although she's a part of the youngest batch, has been consistently delivering great work. She even managed to be on the Top 10 for 3 consecutive weeks now. As such, she was awarded as "Most Improved Agent" by her coach at last Friday's party. I was like a proud mama when I took her picture! It was crazy! :) So then we decided to celebrate with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon GatoNegro (Yup, even my wine of choice has a feline reference. Gato Negro means Black Cat), my favorite cheese, Camembert, and some cappuccino and hazelnut chocolates... trust me, that was heavenly.

After getting drunk for the second time this weekend, we ate left over sinigang for lunch... yummy, yummy, yummy! That's another specialty of my yaya who I love sooooo much. Later tonight, I think my honey wants to eat some more junk food... maybe as some sort of a final hurrah to this fabulous weekend that was. I wish I could get drunk again, but no, I wouldn't push it. I think I'll just cuddle up with my honey tonight... Now that makes a perfect weekend... :)

Sick

Let’s see…

Nagging cough

Stuffy nose

Body pains, especially my neck

Throbbing headache

It’s official.  There goes my weekend… again.

Rest Day

It’s normally a Saturday and a Sunday.  Normally, people go out to have fun as early as Friday night, knowing they could sleep in pretty much the whole day by Saturday.  Normally, people go out-of-town to their favorite retreat.   Some hang-out in coffee shops to read that book they’ve been dying to get their hands on for the past weeks or to catch up with friends they’ve never seen for months.  Then of course you have the regular moviegoers – always updated on what is now showing, what the next attraction is, or even on those movies are coming soon.  Others stay at home to do their favorite things – whether it’s watching reruns or having a DVD marathon, cooking a feast for the family or well, working out to relieve stress and stay fit.  Normally, this is how people spend their rest days.

It’s been a while since I had a normal rest day.  The past couple weeks I’ve spent catching up on my sleep only to find out there’s no such thing.  I’ve also been spending my weekends recuperating from a terrible cough-and-flu combo-bordering-to-flu, and yeah, running errands.  I wish this coming weekend would be a bit different.  By then, I’m hoping that I’m feeling better, that I can sleep late but not the whole day, and still be able to do the thing I enjoy…  You know, to actually have a rest day…

 

 

The "About Me" Article That Got Lost in Cyberspace

When I had a short stint as a web writer a couple of years back, I submitted a short "About Me" article that should go with my articles. Unfortunately, it seem to have disappeared in cyberspace and I ended up being an old English lit fan who likes listening to goth metal music. In some articles, I'm even called "Gem" who loves to read novels that are set back into the Medieval Period. Trust me, these "Not About Me" articles could easily suck the fun out of googling yourself.
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My writing style is one that is straight-forward. No big words, no fuss. I want the maximum number of people to get the maximum amount of message I intend to convey in my articles.

For me, writing is not about pleasing people. It’s about giving a part yourself to people that’s why I always give my best in whatever it is that I’m writing.

The world wide web never ceases to fascinate me – the exact same reason why I love working with it and in it. I’m a certified netizen – both an information-seeker and an information-provider. But don’t get me wrong… I’m not your regular geek… I’m also 50% bad girl. I do have a life outside cyberspace – one that happens in real-time. I love writing short short stories (this isn’t a typo!), blogging, cooking, watching a whole lot of reality TV, and making life miserable for some people. ***Devilish laugh in the background***

Changes

A few years ago when we first moved to my family's house, the one thing that I've always, always hated was the flood. I would sometimes miss three days of work (which isn't very dandy if you have lots of bills to pay) and there was this time when my best friends got stuck with us for a good two days until we're freaking tired of playing Uno cards.

That was a few years back. Now, I'd rather immerse myself in muddy, bacteria-inhabited, mid-thigh level flood waters than to be away from home and not sleep in our own bed. I guess people become more willing to change the more they get use to things. How ironic...

Good morning

Today I start my day with an open mind and an open heart.  I’m not feeling very well with a sore throat and some bad news from last night but I’m optimistic that I would be productive this morning.  Kinda like starting your day with a “Good morning!” instead of a “Good morning.” or “Good morning?”  I hope the day doesn’t disappoint me.  Having said that, I guess I’m starting my day with a “Good morning…”

It's a Friday and Nothing Can Bring Me Down

This is my Friday mantra.  No, not the rain, nor my enormous work load, not even bad calls or stubborn agents would bring me down today.  It’s a fucking Friday and I’m going to have a ball.

Whatever happened to love?

A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends said, "Love is so overrated." I was like, blink blink... "Uh, I don't know... You're talking to someone who's been happily committed -- not to mention in love -- for the past seven years. So I don't know, I don't think love is overrated."

For the past couple of weeks, I have been fortunate enough to catch up with some really good, really old friends. One of them is currently having this weird, open relationship thing, a couple of them just ended their marriages, one of them had a change of heart about taking the plunge, and one of them, is as usual being pestered by "the wrong kind of men" -- the kind with excess baggage. Times like these, I can't help but wonder whatever happened to good ol' fashioned love?! I mean, I am thankful for being lucky in love but I think I'd be happier if my friends are able to find it as well. When I meet up with friends having all kinds of horror stories about their love life, it feels awkward, 'cause I kinda feel like I cannot share my happiness with them 'cause if I do that I'd only be rubbing it in to their faces that I'm happy, and they're just cursed with having bad taste in men and women.

Oh my gawd... and I really thought that we've reached that age when we'll just laugh about our exes, the way we used to handle break ups when we were younger, but no... turns out, we'll just be talking about a longer of list of exes, and more bizarre ways of handling the most melodramatic break ups! Weirdo!

Stranded

Nope, this isn't a song. This is what my wife and I are right now -- stranded. I'd be on leave in two days to have my much-needed break after three months. I'm so pumped to catch up on my work and hopefully finish earlier than scheduled. My wife, who's currently on her first month of being eligible for the incentives has been dragging her ass to work regardless of how ill she feels just to have a perfect attendance. But no, I don't think the rain would give us a chance to accomplish these short-term goals we've set for ourselves. Haaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy!!! This isn't a good sign of things to come! I know everything has a reason... I can't wait to discover the reason behind this one...

Counting Good Deeds

Finally, after going through a series of unfortunate events at work, I can now say that I've survived the worst and just geting ready for the better. And what better way to recover from a horrible, horrible nightmare than to do good deeds and forget that the nightmare ever happened. Today, I'm just grateful to have a few opportunities this week to do good. Makes me realize that I may be good for something -- it's exactly the confidence boost I need after that über-terrible time a couple of weeks back.

This week, I was able to show courage by volunteering at work -- and apparently delivering great output. I was also able to offer a few words of encouragement to a troubled mind and a bit of hope to someone who's about to give up. It is because of these opportunities that I am able to look back with a smile on my face... It is indeed a refreshing change. I've finally shaken off that feeling of self-loathing and shame that I've been feeling for that past couple of weeks. :)

What the f???

Whatever happened to my blog?! I can't believe I haven't been able to post anything for the past month and a half! I've been very busy at work and haven't been able to even answer my personal emails.

Just a quick update, I'm still struggling to be confident and über-comfy with my new tasks at work. My honey and I are now working with the same account!!! It's kinda weird how we're now talking about work even at home, as if we're always having some sort of coaching session! Hahahaha! I haven't been able to see my best friends because everyone's just so busy.

It amazes me how time flies sooooo fast! I'm hoping to be able to do more fun stuff in the near future... Oooopps, gotta go! 'Til next time!

Tagaytay

Over the weekend, my QA family including my wife went to Tagaytay. We had a blast just chillin', singing, drinking and of course, watching TV! All the meals were great! From lunch at Leslie's to dinner in Cafe Lupe, plus another lunch in Dencio's before heading back to Manila -- everything was just perfect! Oh well, just want to share some of the photos. More to come as soon as I get copies from their digital cameras. :)

Weekend Rant and Rave

I've been busy as hell for the past couple of weeks... and as much as I would like to slow down even for a bit, I've decided that I'll continue to strive until auditing, calibrating, coaching, training and scheduling have all become second nature to me.

I've recently taken some sort of leap of fate. Sometimes, when I wake up in the morning all tired and still groggy, I ask myself -- "Why the hell did I choose this?!" Yesterday, when I realized a major mistake that I have made, which was brought about by the fact that I was never good with math, I nearly fainted in front of my peers and again, I asked myself, "What the fuck am I doing here?!" When I forget things or do something awfully silly, I can't help but wonder, "What made me think that I can do this?"

Again, contrary to popular belief, I am not as confident as I seem. A lot of times, I don't even know what I'm capable of doing and I'm often doubtful of what strengths and talents I possess but I'm also certain about the things I cannot do or the challenges I can never handle. It is because of those people who believe in me that I survive... My Mom, my Dad, my wife, my friends and most recently, my peers at work. I hope someday they'll know hot grateful I am for all the support that they've been giving me, for all the help and the guidance that they never fail to offer. Not once have I planned to give them something, a token of sorts to show my appreciation but of course, I would never want to appear like I'm kissing ass or something -- as you know, that's never my style. Well, I guess I'll just wait until the holidays or something -- but that is, IF I ever survive until the holidays! Hahahaha!

On my promotion

Originally posted on my Friendster blog on march 17, 2007

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New faces,
different names,
yet a very familiar feeling.
New relationships to build,
different personalities,
they're my family nonetheless.
New tasks and challenges,
on an entirely different scenario.
This is homecoming for me.

Bad news for me, good news for my Friendster blog

Originally posted on my Friendster blog on March 17, 200

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My blogspot blog (that doesn't sound right) is currently out of commission as it was suspected of spamming or something like that. It really sucks because now is the only time I have to finally write something. Luckily, I still have my Friendster blog so here I am! :)

My life has been a bit weird the past couple of weeks. I recently got promoted, which was a great thing because I seriously miss being a Quality Assurance Analyst, but it is scary because I'm starting over again and being a firm believer that every account and every team is different, I know I have to adapt my style to this new gig but as I've learned, old habits do die hard! I'm not fast a learner as I think I am so oftentimes, I get really frustrated with myself for not getting things right and for being über-forgetful! It really sucks and it's fucking embarrassing!!! Plus, the fact that my beloved wife is currently on the night shift isn't helping. Imagine, she has a job that she swears off, while I am back to being a newbie... Needless to say, life is not exactly peachy for us. I don't mean to be corny or anything (ok, this is a bit corny) but I'm really glad that we have each other! Times like these, it's nice to know that you have someone to bitch with and well, bitch at! Hahahaha!

And... as if that wasn't enough, something strange happened to me recently. Someone dear to me, who has gone MIA from our lives for like 6mos now tried to make contact. Of course, I didn't reply because, why should I? Obviously, she's still clueless as to why we're even here in the first place. I don't need people like that in my life. I mean, I do care for her, I miss her and I love her (she's virtually my sister for cyring out loud!) but hello?! Stupid as I was, I do get tired too, you know. Emotionally, I think I've given enough for the past 10 years that we've known each other and it's hard to admit that someone you truly care about isn't willing to take any responsibility in her life. Most of all, I've always hated liars. Being someone who doesn't make a good liar, it feels so fucking wrong to have someone important in my life to lie to my face and pretend nothing happened. It just hurts like hell! I mean, what the fuck do you want from me?! You leave, you screw up, you come back. You leave, you screw up, you come back. The cycle goes on and on and on and on... It never ends! I've been very under-fucking-standing in the past, accepting that maybe that's just the way you really are, but to lie to my face -- I ain't gonna take more from you, honey. It's emotional abuse. Oh, and what I hate the most is the pseudo-asking-for-forgiveness-i-don't-deserve-y'all drama. I mean, if you've figured that something is über-wrong about you, do something about it! And I don't mean simply saying "I'm sorry, this is just the way I am." Try changing for once! Spare everyone from all your fucking crap! I mean, seriously, you gotta me ice queen to remain unaffected by this person. It's so fucking draining just being around her. She's a handful. Trust me, she truly is.

But hey, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that I would never ever let her back into our lives, mine specifically... but I guess, not now. I'm just not ready. Strange as it may sound, but I need a sign. I need to be sure that this time, she's not coming back to us just because it has always been that way (meaning, she remembers us when things are going über-shitty in her life or when things finally turned sour with her current object-of-obsession). I need to know that she understands what's going on -- truly understands. I need to see that she has at least taken the first step to taking responsibility and owning up to all the things you do, no matter how fucked-up they are. Bottomline, I need to see that she grew up. She may be über-smart with impeccable English and whatever title at the end of her name, but hey, she's the most immature person I know and she doesn't make a lot of smart choices. Last time we were with her, oh my gawd! She had a lot of growing up to do and I'm hoping that since then, she has realized that it's high time for her to grow up. So there... that's all the bitching I have to do. Hahahaha! =)

Whatever happened to January (Part 2)

Nope, you didn't miss a post. You would never see the first part of this entry as it was written a couple of weeks back and my fucking browser crashed before I was able to save or publish it. And no, I don't think I can ever re-write that entry. Too bad... it had a lot of good stuff.

So what happened to my January? Now even I can't remember! Darn it! I remember the earthquake in Taiwan, causing us to have really slow internet connection, lots of early-mornings in the office because of my girlfriend's überearly schedules, several email trails among my best friends and lots of bullshit at work.

My February, I should say was a bit better -- more colorful and action-packed. Still had a lot of early-mornings in the office because of my girlfriend's shitty schedule, over a week of no internet connection because of evil people stealing cables, and several email trails not only with my best friends but with new virtual semi-friend. Oh and of course, let's not forget all the bullshit at work. I remember a couple of family dinners when my girlfriend's aunt visited from the U.S. And yeah, I've recently applied for a certain position at work and my tummy's getting all fuzzy with the suspense as I still don't know if I got it or not! If I do get it, my girlfriend and I will be watching not one, not two, but three movies in one major date day and will be eating a bucket of chicken from KFC. Yum yum! But if I don't get the job, I'm so getting my hair done... I'm thinking of having some color -- maybe red or blue... Not really sure about the color yet, but definitely something I've never done before.

So there, that's it for now. I feel bad that I haven't written anything for my blog for almost two months! I hope my blog doesn't feel abandoned or anything... Oh well, I hope I can write more entries in the next few days! Keeping my fingers crossed! =)