Work, Family, Motherhood...and Everything In Between
:: About This Blog ::
They say that when a child is born, a parent is born. This blog will tell my stories as I balance the demands of work, a social schedule and the rearing of my precious child. This blog will also tell you everything about home improvements (I have just moved to a new apartment). As a restless lady, I will also tell you my travel and vacation stories. Reviews on books, music, gadgets, fashion, shopping experiences, current events and business matters will also be discussed here.
I'm so excited. Two more weeks and I will be able to know what gender little peanut is going to be.
Your Pregnancy- 23 Weeks
Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.
When I arrived from Japan in 2004, I bought Mama a set of pearl jewelry and I had Papa an 18-k gold chain. I was able to find a good deal in one of the jewelry store in Motomachi, Yokohama. I think I purchased it for an amount in Japan Yen close to $600 in dollars. That’s the only priced-possession thing I have them. I am hoping that when I get to work in the US, I could give them more.
Dino, my housemate’s boyfriend, recently acquired a 1994 Honda Civic. He was able to find it in one of the Internet listings on car for sale. This is the reason why Thursday of last week I was alone in the apartment. The couple just got the car from Fairview. He got the car in a very good price and it is still working in good condition. I just noticed though that the tail lights are already worn out. I think I once mention to him about getting led tail lights and he is now searching the internet for it.
Dino, my house mate’s boyfriend, recently acquired a 1994 Honda Civic. He was able to find it in one of the Internet listings on car for sale. This is the reason why Thursday of last week I was alone in the apartment. The couple just got the car from Fairview. He got the car in a very good price and it is still working in good condition. I just noticed though that the tail lights are already worn out. I think I once mention to him about getting led tail lights and he is now searching the internet for it.
After my wedding, I didn’t know what else to do with my bridal gown. I have entertained the thought of having it preserved but I almost got "electrocuted" when I found out the cost of preserving a gown. So as much as I want to preserve my gown (hoping I could still use it after 25 years LOL), I just opted to have it dry clean like the service being offered by Ladybug steam cleaners. I just saved almost 80% of teh cost of preserving a gown. I just don't know if my gown will still be in good condition after 25 years. Hehehehe
What the hell is wrong with Union Bank? I’ve been trying to contact them for the past 2 days and the only I got is a response from one of their reps that I should receive a call back within the day (yesterday), which I never received, by the way. Now, I am attempting to call the customer service hotline again and so far, I’ve been on hold twice. The first time was for about 43 minutes and 48 seconds and at this very moment, I’ve been on hold for 1 hour and 35 minutes already. Can you believe that?!! Goodness gracious! Their customer service hotline really sucks! I’m not even sure if they have people in their customer service hotline. It seems that they don’t.
During my tender age years, I used to collect watches. As far as I can remember, I had 12 watches. My ultimate favorite is my blue-green pop swatch that my elder sister gave me as a present when she went to Tokyo. However, as I grow older, my taste for watches has changed. From the colorful watches from Swatch, I am now drooling over Technomarine and Bell and Ross. These brand of watches might be a little costly but I know that the style and design is worth the money.
It’s been a while since I last fed the baby shih tzu that R gave me (almost two years ago). When I first head Rocky (he was about t2o months old then), I bought him quite a number of dog suppliers like com, shampoo, jersey, dog house and dog food. I even bought him a blower so that I could comb and style his hair more easily. The only thing I forgot to buy is the pet supplements. Food supplements can be quite expensive that is why I had a second thought before buying one. At some point, I got tired taking care of him so I had my father take care of the dog. It’s a good thing though since it seems that Papa now has a new found friend in Rocky.
Mark, one of my former QAS, is set to celebrate his birthday on Saturday. We’re planning to watch a movie (either Caregiver or Sex in the City) in Robinson’s Manila. Marianne is drooling over Indiana Jones but I am not just up for that kind of movie as of the moment. How I wish I could have a home theatre system so that I could watch highly technical movies like Indiana Jones while at home. I once saw Toni Gonzaga’s luxury house and I envy her so- called discount home theater seating. I don't have a house yet but I'm hoping that I'll get similar to what she has when the time comes that I'm finally able to build a home of my dreams.
When I was not yet pregnant, I was fond of muncing potato chips. But caffenaited chips is something new to me. So meet ENGOBI.
ENGOBI™, the love child of caffeine and snack chips, today invited Guitar Hero™ aficionados to fuel up, then create and upload to ENGOBI.com energy-packed videos of themselves and their friends rocking out. ENGOBI, which has been taking convenience stores by storm since it rocketed onto shelves last month, announced its “Don’t Be a Piano Hero” showdown to give caffeine-craving rockers the chance to win an Xbox 360™-enabled, customized Fender® Stratocaster, ENGOBI gear and other prizes.
I felt so giddy when my yahoo mail prompted me with this new message.
Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.
We have just installed my set set of curtains in my room. In our living room though, I strongly believe that we need new set of blinds. I have gone window shopping in the home section of various department stores looking for blinds and so far, I haven't seen yet that suits my taste. Besides, I don't think that the blinds I have seen offers life time warranties (that goes with lowest prices) unlike the ones being offered by NoBrainerBlinds. I am not sure either if there are blinds for sale that are custom made that can be delivered straight from the factory.
I know, I know. Holloween is still months away. But thsi celebration is something I always look up for every year. The office spirit just becomes feisty during this day. Last two years, I bought holloween costumes in the kids section of a department but I am hoping that this time, I'll be able to find Adult Halloween Costumes.
I tried withdrawing some money from Paypal last week, May 16 but up until this time, my bank account still doesn't reflect my paypal withdrwal. I am just hoping that I'll be able to receive it before Friday. It's just gonna be on time for my credit card payment.
I own 4 credit cards but I don't use them all. In a few months, I am going to terminate my membership to my 2 credit cards. I just don't the point of having more than 2 credit cards anymore. Actually, my fascination with credit cards started when I became an office worker. Back in college, I envy my friends and class mates who owns an extension of their parents' credit cards that is why I promised myself that I would own one when I get to work. So there. When I started working, I didn't bother to check on the available credit card rating in the internet.
JoshI've been in hiatius mode for a while... I'll blog more about it soon. For now, I'll just finish all the tasks that have been assigned to me.
Posted by ruther ::
11:57 AM ::
0 Comments:
We had our very first set of PC way back 1999. Back then, PC was still expensive so we have no other choice but to scout Green hills in the hope of finding the best and most affordable parts of computers. We had to build a PC on our won as buying computer sets in malls and other electronic store can cost a fortune. Good thing that I have my very god friend in UP, Kuya Homer, as he accompanied me to the electronic haven n the metro. By building the pc on our own, we were able to save as much as P6,000. Our set came very cheap and it already came with a Canon bubble inkjet printer.
Ny whole body is aching right now, including my tummy. Too bad that OB GYNs are not available during Sundays. I might go to a hilot later. My joints and back feels really terrible.
Posted by ruther ::
6:05 PM ::
0 Comments:
Just a couple of minutes before I left the office, I over heard the team from the early morning shift that they are having system latency on our client tools. I didn't bother that much since my work is done but I can't when I heard that the problem has something to do with FTP. That problem has been pestering us for 2 weeks already. I am not sure what our IT is doing to rectify the issue.
It really feels terrible (condition wise) when I am in Nova. I really sweat a lot. Eh ayaw ko naman din mag aircon. I just can't help but miss papa and mama when ever I am away kaya tyga na lang me. HayyYyY :(
Posted by ruther ::
5:56 PM ::
0 Comments:
Josh's parents (he is by the way one of my QASs) used to be fulltime teachers. Now that they have retired, they are concentrating on publishing their books. I know that Josh had a vacation leave early this month because he had to accompany his mom to a Book Publishing office. Talks about cost of publishing and marketingw ere discussed. I am not sure though what particular niche of book his mom is going to publish but I'm sure, it's gonna be for kids since her mom used to be a grade school teacher. It just rekindles my memories of me wanting to be a publisher of children's stories as well. I wish I could do it when I retire, maybe 40 years from now. :)
Construction is being done on the 3rd floor of our office building. I guess there is already a need to furnish the 3rd floor since the manpower of our company just keeps on ballooning. What irrites me though is the sound of the power drill. It is distracting not just me but our entire department. I hope they cna finish what ever they have to finish thsi week end.
I already have my AC system, rice cooker, blender, water dispenser, TV, DVD player, gas range and microwave when I moved to my apartment. What I don't have though is a washing machine and a refrigerator. Honestly, I am quite hesitant over purchasing these appliances since I am not that savvy. I mean, I don't know if the price for a particular brand of appliances is just right for its specification. I only wish that hubby is with me right now. Between the two of us, I can say that hubby is a smarter shopper when it comes to appliances and gadgets. I know I have blurb for many times how I long for hubby to be with me. I am not sure if this a fortyunate event but he just passed the navy exams and he is going to be in a boot camp for 3 months. *sigh*
I love this person in the office. I really do. But honestly, I think thsi person has some how slacked in his job for about a week already. The problem is, I don't know ho to properly approach him about the situation. I don't want to hurt his feeling but at the same time, I need him to wake up (and be his usual self) because somebody else is noticing how he is neglecting his job?
Mich, one of my fellow agents (now also a supervisor) from a previous call center employer now owns an iPhone. She considers it her boyfriend so you could just imagine how much she is protecting her this cell phone. She did have a protective cover for scratches but I don't think that she has one of those iphone covers that could prevent her "boyfriend" from crushing. She has owned the precious phone for about 3 months now but I'm telling you, the phone looks like as if it just came out from the box. But for me, I won't buy this kind of phone now. Not now. I just don't find it practical.
So it's out. The very hot hot hot David Cook won the American Idol Season 7 versus the teeny-weeny-smiley David Archuleta of Utah. Honestly, when I heard him sang Billie Jean, he started to be my bet for this season of AI. David A. is also a good singer but I just find David Cook more versatile and more charming too. Actually, I love all of his songs. It's like listening to an entirely original piece. My most favorite song that he sang is "Hello" of Lionel Richie (though I find the first note really off). Though I am not really a teen of '80s, I can clearly remember this song as one of the theme song of Sharon Cuneta's flick that I used to watched during my tender years.. LOL oo na, bakya na ako. LOL I tried searching for its full version in Limewire and multiply but I didn't find any. Ayaw ko naman magabayad just for this song noh! I really get emotional when ever I watch this in youtube. So if any one of you got a full version of this song, send it to me...pretty please!!?!!
Mahal ko na yata si David Cook? LOL Siguro, if Russell would sing me that song the way David sang it, laglag kagad panty ko... har har har!
I am now 5-months pregnant. Despite of the fact that many people are discouraing me to take sodas, I just can't help it. But I am trying to regulate it though. I just consume one bottle of Pepsi or Coke in a day. Sometimes, I don't even drink even a zip. I would have nestea iced tea then. I know that it is not that dangerous for my baby but I am not sure either if it is healthy. Somebody told me to take Tulsi tea insetad. I research about it and found some nutrional value to be really helpful o one's body. I might take this one going forward instead of sodas.
It's already Thursday. One more day and it will be week end. I'll be in Nova again. Though I get pissed at times when ever my nephew would know on my room, I'm loving his presence. Actually I'm loving the presence of my entire family. It just makes me feel sheltered and secured. Something that I didn't feel when I was still single. :(
I just cancelled our team building. I feel that nobody really wants to go for a swimming in the stormy month of July. I am no longer up for any team building as my tummy is getting bigger and bigger. I guess, we will just have the much awaited team building next year. By that time, I already have my little peanut and for sure, my mom will take care of my little angel while I am away. Maybe having a paintball activity somewhere in Antipolo where everybody could join it. I am afraid though that I don't have any paintball gear like tippmann x7.
One of my QASs texted me earlier that my bet, David Cook won the American Idol versus David Archuleta. It's too bad though that I didn't had the chance to see his performance as I hurried to my work office or else, I am gonna be late. I might just see his performance in youtube though.
We have two exhibitors in our building lobby that offer personal loans. I am not inclined to have a personal loan though because I don't think I have the need to do so. I have mentioned that one of my QASs is set to be married this July but I am afraid that she and her fiancé have insufficient funds for the wedding so the probability of getting Personal Loans is not far from reality. Time is really running out for them. Oh, if you are wondering why is there such a need for quick cash- my QAS is already two months pregnant and since her parents are conservative, they want her to be wedded ASAP.
I would just like to say Happy Birthday to my very good friend, James Becky. It's his 23rd birthday. He's actually supposed to treat the team for a lunch tomorrow but decided (last minutes) that he will have it today instead. He gave me a chocolate croissant which his mom did. Talaga naman oh! Happy lunch for me. Hehehehehe!
As previously mentioned, I own a Motorola A925 phone. For a petite lady like me, it’s just too bulky for me. For a while, I have been contemplating where I should just get a new phone. Not necessarily those fancy 3G phone but something that would always be dependable. And of course, it must be affordable too. I’m now thinking of Samsung Instinct. I know that Globe and Smart offers free phone but the phone these companies are offering as not as good as the AT&T Cell Phones .My folks and my brother subscribed to a family wireless plan from Sun but unfortunately, they didn’t get the best cell phone family plans I, on the other hand have been looking for mall –wide sale in the hope of finding a good deal for wireless phone but I have no luck so far. I guess looking at wireless phone sale at bestincellphones.com will be a better option for me.
I tried cooking tortang talong with giniling today. The result was quite satisfactory, biased set aside. I took a picture of it but I don't have yet an internent connection so I can't post the picture yet as of this time. Kakatuwa lang. I think, I'm gonna get addicted cooking. I'm still trying to convince hubby to get me a personal ref. (Ironically, I'm still thinking about getting one kasi for use, I'm gonna use it for one year lang.)LOL
One of my subordinates just walked in the clinic and he found out that a female employee of our company has been mugged just a few meters away from the office. Her bag was snatched by a couple of people riding a motorcyle. Darn it! The company should really pay us with hazard pay.
My office mates and I are thinking of building up an events coordination company, maybe not this but definitely in the future. Oh by the way, most of these officemates that I am talking about are ‘gays’. Talented gays. In fact most of them where officers of their college organizations where they would always take care of the production unit of a particular event. I am not sure if I have already blogged about it but one of my QAS is set to be married this July. Because of her limited budget, we offered to be her wedding coordinator with me being the head coordinator of course. Josh is going to be the emcee while Mark will be the wedding singer. The rest, Allison, Avhen and I will take care of the other wedding details. We actually started canvassing suppliers last Saturday. Our first agenda, flowers for the entourage and the reception. Somewhere in between our ‘joyride’ the idea of getting Small Business Loans just popped into my head. Though already have an office location in mind, we will still need some funds in order to sustain some basic business needs like advertisement, calling cards, website building and other representation expense. The only problem is, I am scared of getting loans! One, I think that the funding process will take a long way. Two, I am afraid that the service I might get from the loan company will be as horrible as what I have heard through other loan subscribers.
I was late in the office for about an hour of so. I guess, I am already experiencing the 'ngalay' thing or the what they call leg cramps. To add to my dismay, a couple of people has asked me today about some things which I believe, this people already knew the answer. HayyY, papampam.
I have been into blogging for less than a year. This has been my outlet for every emotion that I feel on particular instances. I am not really a good writer. But I believe that somehow, I had my share of readers who find my entries interest them in some way or another.
I started blogging when I was preparing for my December 2007 wedding. Blogging has been my constant ‘companion’ whenever I feel frustrated with my then-fiancé (now husband) because of his insensitivity. Blog has also been my outlet whenever I feel giddy over booking a particular supplier.
Now that I am a soon-to-be mom, I started to chronicle the events of my motherhood. It’s a mixture of fear, fund and excitement. It is also now that I realized that I could make money while doing the thing that keeps me pre-occupied most of time when I am out of the office-blogging. Signing up with payperpost is probably one of the best thing that a blogger could sign up for. It offers various options on how to make money online. The best part of the program is , you could write only the things that you think interests you. Isn't that awesome?
I miss hubby. Looking back in our 5-year course of relationship, I realized that we didn’t travel that much. My parents, especially my father, are just too strict to allow me to go in an out-of-town trip with him. The only time that I got to spend a long out-of-town vacation with him is during our trip to Boracay Island. Though I really didn’t like the place, being with the one I have long wanted to be married with is more than enough to make me the happiest girl on earth during those days. I wish we could go to Bahamas or have a Caribbean cruise when we have more money to spend.
One of the island hopping destination: Crystal Island
My first time to snorkel. I had fun!
I can only wish that hubby is with me these days. :(
This day seems to be a boring day for me. I have already finished the entire task I need to accomplish 2 hours before the end of my shift. It drizzled a few hours ago. I like the cool weather. That way, I no longer have to use the AC system to keep me cool. I still have to cook using our new gas range. I been longing to cook tortang talong with giniling but I just don’t have the time. Yesterday, I didn’t sleep well. I don’t know why. Maybe because anxiety is attacking me every time I wonder about my little peanut’s gender. Last Monday, I paid a visit to my OB GYN. We were supposed to do an ultrasound gender but baby wasn’t just hat cooperative. So most probably, we will have the ultrasound on June instead.
Somebody close to me is going to celebrate his (or her?) birthday this Friday. My team is ‘cooking’ something for him though we have not finalized anything yet. Despite of the fact that he annoys me (sometimes), I cannot deny the fact that he has been a good help to me. In addition, he has been a very good friend to everyone so it’s about time that we return the ‘favor.’. I’m sure, this Friday is going to be fun and exciting for all of us.
Yesterday after coming from my grave yard shift, we went to Dangwa to buy some flowers. I was home at around 9:30. I chatted and talked to hubby over the phone until 1:30 in the afternoon. I finally dozed off around 2pm. I was woke up by some noise in the other room. I didn't know that my mother-in-law bought some Jollibee chickenjoy for my dinner. It was around 11:30 then After enjoying the good meal, my sister in-law gave me some ube-macapuno dessert. I'm telling you, my mom-in-law makes the best ube (that is as far as I have ever tasted). I really thank the Lord for giving me great in-laws.
I got married last December. Our wedding bands were given to us by mother-in-law. It's a gift from her. It was very simple though, just like how we want our rings to be. But now, I am thinking whether I should custom engraving service. I came across a website that offers custom wedding bands and I find their products really beautiful and the price is also competitive.
This is our very simple wedding bands
One of my QASs is getting married this July. I don't know yet what to give her. I am torn between getting her a wedding cake of I will just let her decide if she wants to have the custom engraving service as well. The couple is going to have a limited budget for the wedding so I will just let them decide. A simple wedding band will look more appealing and of course, will have you have a feel of being "more meaningful" if you could engrave a part of your wedding vow or your favorite love passage from the bible.
Click the picture for more information
She only has 2 months to prepare for the entire wedding that is why I, together with the rest of the team volunteered to help her on her wedding day.My QASs she was worried that I might get to stressed and tired preparing her wedding. But hey, preparing celebrations like this is my cup of tea. Besides, I also want to lessen the stress and pressure she is feeling right now (she is two months pregnant already). It's now 12:43 in the morning and I am busy searching any bridal fairs there could be that we could attend. Next Saturday, half of my team members committed that we will go to Dangwa and Divisoria to scout for the cheapest flowers, gowns and what-nots for the wedding. Just like me, they are all excited about the wedding though we are really not that excited with the fact that our dear good friend is going to marry a.... hmm never mind. LOL
Today, my good friends from the office had this unplanned activity to go to Dangwa to buy flowers for our respective moms (well for me, just for my mother-in-law. I was with mom during mother's day) since we missed the Mother's Day last Sunday. After leaving the office at 4:20, we headed to Jollibee to have our breakfast. We had some nice chit-chats and of course, the usual teasing was there. The focal point of discussion was Avhen, as always. Anyhoo, after having our breakfast we went straight ahead to Quiapo We intended to ride a cab from Jollibee Julia Vargas but we just decided to take an FX ride to Crossing. From Crossing, we rode a jeepney. Wala lang. Just for fun. It felt like we were trapped in the 80's because the stereo music was so 80's. It's only 5:30 then so we didn't worry that much about traffic. Before heading to Dangwa, we had a pit stop at the DVD haven in Quiapo. I bought myself a copy of Cloverfield (a film which hubby and I didn't get to watch in MOA's IMAX) and The Practice's Season 8. It was so funny how Josh was able to get a copy of M2M (man to man) sex DVD. I won't go into any further details for that. LOL LOL LOL
It drizzled as we approached Dangwa. We had a nice stroll first before finally deciding which flower shop we're going to choose. The sales ladies there were really nice. And of course, flowers were really cheap there too. Josh had a bouquet of 2 dozen of roses for P400 (approx. $10) and mine was at approximately $15. I had 3 dozens of roses though.
When I reached Cavite, I went straight to the Caltex-Chevron station thinking that my beautiful mother-in-law is already there. But to my surprise, she is still home. I had to carry the huge flower bouquet from the gas station all the way to Remelville. As soon as I reached the gate, I was greeted by a beautiful face. I think Mama was a bit surprised to see that I have this huge bouquet. It seems that she is not expecting it. Oh well, I was not in Cavite during mother's day so I just thought of giving flowers to make up for the lost time. She then told me that hubby also sent her flowers but it was two days late of the Mother's Day. When I saw what he sent, I was quite disappointed. He paid $32 for it but the bouquet was so simple. I took the liberty of taking some pictures but I don't think that my camera gave justice on how beautiful the bouquet from Dangwa was as compared to what hubby sent.
Left to Right: My $15-Dangwa bouquet vs. Hubby's $32.
Next week, my good father in-law will hand me the sofa set that my sister-in-law used to own. I was quite hesitant at first (kakahiya!) but the thought of buying set of furniture and selling it after a year or so hit me. It’s not just practical. I haven’t bought any dining table. I’m just thinking getting of monobloc/plactis dining table that can be assembled so that my folks in Fairview can still use it when we are gone.
I know that it’s still a year before hubby and I could be together but as early as now, I am trying to earn some moolah so that I could save some money to buy a DSLR and a decent dining table like this one.
Personally, I would want to own a DSLR and enroll myself in a photography school. But currently, getting into a workshop is all but a plan. I still have to think about the expenses of giving birth. Maybe next year, I’ll have the time and extra money to do that. Now that I’m about to be a mom, I hope that I had the initiative to learn more things like cooking and baking when I was still single. But I don’t think I am that helpless now. I can still learn those things. I just need to do good budgeting of money and time.
I am a self-confessed 24 addict. Ah uh! When the first 4 episodes (2-day back to-back pilot telecast) of 24 went out in the black market , I insanely headed to Quiapo to get myself a copy. To make me look even more obsessed with Jack Bauer, I bought again another DVD copy of 24 Season 6, this time with 13 episodes in it. Thanks to the court room drama series in Crime Suspense because for a while, my obsession with Jack Bauer was put into halt.
I am really anxious on when is going to be the telecast of the latest season of 24. As I research, I came across a site for 24 fanatics. How to act on Talk Like Jack Bauer Day.
-Make sure to yell very simple requests.-Take a helicopter to work.
-Issue threats that involve family members and/or body parts.
-Always mention that you're running out of time.
-Carry a manpurse. Wear aviators. Don't do drugs.
-Start each conversation with "I'm (your name). I am a federal agent and today is the longest day of my life".
-Carry around zip ties and a pair of pliers (because you never know).
-Ask a coworker for either a hacksaw or lighter fluid.
-Keep a car battery and some jumper cables on your desk.
-Use your cell phone as much as possible. If the battery dies, just pretend it's still working.
-End phone calls by stating "remember, I'm in a Flank 2 position". Works well when you are on a conference call.
-Use at least 5 exclamation points in every email!!!!!-Ask "Who are you working for!?" to as many people as possible.
-Throw out a "Dammit" during the day, just for the hell of it.
-Drink each time you hear a co-worker say "Dammit".
-Make a mistake at work? Blame Nina Myers.
-Request everything be sent to your PDA (works best if you don't have one).
-Accuse co-workers and/or children of being moles.
-Make sure to let your co-workers catch you looking at Google Earth maps of their houses. When they ask why, tell them that you've tracked a terrorist cell to that location.
Samples Co-worker: How was your weekend? You: damnit Bob, we don't have time for simple questions. Co-worker: I just asked about your weekend. You: Dammit. Who are you working for? Co-worker: Never mind, forget I asked.
***
Co-worker: Hey man. Did you already get breakfast? You: I've killed 3 people today and no I've yet to eat breakfast. Dammit! Co-worker: Is that a threat? You: That's not a threat, that's a fact.
*** Boss: Hey, where are the reports I asked for?(pull out stapler, move towards boss) You: I think the question you should be asking is how are you going to read the reports after I staple your eyelids to your desk!
*** (If a co-worker tries to talk to you while you're using the urinal, finish up, flush, walk over to the sink, wash your hands, and remove a paper towel from the dispenser.) You: You probably don't think that I can force this towel down your throat. But trust me, I can. All the way. Except I'd hold onto this one little bit at the end. When your stomach starts to digest it, I pull it out. Taking your stomach lining with it. For most people it would take about a week to die. It's very painful.
***
Co-worker: Hey, can you cover for me? I need to run an errand. You: Let's get one thing straight--- the only reason you're still conscious is that I don't want to do your work for you.
And this is my share: Remember that for the whole 24 hours of Talk Like Jack Bauer Day, you cannot go to the bathroom or charge a cell phone. Also, it should only take you a maximum of 3 minutes to get anywhere you are going.
I was never wrong when I predicted that it's gonna be David vs. David in the AI Season 8 Finale.
So, it’s going to be David vs. David on the head-to-head battle. Personally though, I think that David Cook is a stronger contender than David A. David A. has a nice voice too but David C. is more charming to me. Seeing his audition video, David C. seems to have grown a lot- physically, emotionally and PR wise. I really love the way he performs. His voice is for rock music. But it really amazes me when he turns a love song into a rock hit just like what he did to one of Roberta Flack’s song. Simon really chose a good song for David C. He really rocked this song! I really really heart the high note at the end of the song.
I’m really having a hard time sleeping nowadays. I am not sure if its due to bed bugs or if I just can’t find the most comfortable position especially now that I am 5 months pregnant. I have a twin size bed. Though the foam is still good, I think it needs a replacement. I am really drooling over a memory foam mattress but I just can’t find one in SM or Robinson’s department store. I am really hoping to buy something like this one. If I am still not able to sleep well tomorrow, I’ll just buy a Uratex foam.
I work as a call center quality assurance supervisor. My main task of course, is to supervise a pool of 16 quality assurance specialists. Some those non-call center professionals might assume that I have a very easy job but the truth is, managing people in a working environment that is extremely high pressure is no joke. I really wanted to shift to another job but the fact that a year from now, I’ll be moving to LA keeps me from doing so. I guess I am just tired of the procurement process and the challenges of dealing with new co-workers.
But in spite of these worries, I am now preparing myself in looking for other office jobs. I search various head hunters in LA as well as direct employers even though I can’t really apply for a job in LA as of this time. I just want to have an idea on what they are looking for in a specific job like PA jobs. I have browsed various jobs opening from being a legal clerk or any receptionist jobs. I know that this is a 180 degrees turn of what I currently do. But who cares? I just want to try something new. I guess I have always been comfortable with my current job now and it no longer stimulates me since I’ve been in my comfort zone for 3 long years already.
There has been a lot of internal job postings that is happening within our company. To the surprise of a lot of people, I didn’t apply for any managerial post. It’s not that I don’t want any career growth. It’s just that, I don’t think that I am ready enough for such additional responsibility on my shoulder. Besides, when little peanut comes out I want to give her quality time. I think my couple of hours can create a huge difference rather than being a corporate slave in dire need of additional moolah. Aside from the fact that hubby is supporting us financially well; my online ‘sideline’ really works. If I only have a choice, I really want to be a stay-at-home mom to see my kid growing. I want to nurture ‘him’… I want to take care of hubby. I want to learn how to bake, how to cook. God knows how much I want to learn domestic chores. I am thankful to God that he has always showered me with a lot of blessing.
Hubby gave me a PDA-phone about 2 years ago that has a GPS technology.
It’s a huge phone for a petite lady like me. To add to my dismay, it consumes batter life faster than any other phone does. My old nokia phone would last 2 days with 3 hours talk time. When idle, it could last as long as 3 days. But with this Motorola phone, a fully charged battery would only last for half a day. Now that sucks isn’t it? Those are the reasons why I am trying to save some money so that I could buy a decent phone that will match my personality. Of course, I will prioritize buying some baby stuff and some personal ref too. I really don’t need those bulky furniture and high tech appliances since baby and I will be migrating to US in a couple of years. It’s not just practical.
I first saw Mannequin when I was 9. I think I watched it for more than 10 times despite of the silly theme and plot of the story. I don’t know. It just really entertains me. It was only a year ago when I saw again this movie in a cable channel. Then I realized that the female lead star, the mannequin is actually Kim Catral of Sex and the City. Her character in mannequin is way far from the liberated Samantha of SATC. Then I reminisced and searched of the movies’ theme song- Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now. The song really makes you feel good. I am actually listening to the song right now. :)
I know that most of you guys have already bought your gifts to the most special lady in your lives- your mom. Unfortunately for me, up until this time I haven’t bought any. I am thinking of giving her just flowers and a few cash so that she can buy what ever she wants. On Sunday, I am going to treat the entire family for a lunch. Afterwards, we will go to Fun Ranch (which is by the way just a few steps away from the office where I am working) so that my niece and nephew will have the time of their life playing in this big playground. LOL. Now that I am married and about to have a family of my own, I am beginning to realize the times passed that I didn’t get to spend with them.
Just when I thought that our department is experiencing with internal promotions, the operations department even has worse. In fact, one of the agents sent an email to the entire executive management questioning how a low-performing agent got promoted. It came to me as a schock. I mean, I am also a great critic of under-the-table and palakasan system but not to the extent that all the managers (even those that are not involved in the issue) would be bragged into the shameful situation.
On the other hand, my team is very motivated right now. Motivated in a not-so-positive sense. Or I guess, agitated is the more proper term to use for what my people are feeling right now. How could you focus at work when you know that when you commit a single mistake will equate to termination? Hmmm... I have never believed in negative reinforcement. That is not just my style in motivating and driving people to perform excellently. This is a very sad event. I just wish that I can do more. :(
Ah huh... You must probably know that I am part of a call center quality assurance department as stated in my profile.I’ve been listening to calls for more than two years now (with 1 year handling a crew of 27 people). The accounts that I am handling are all North American accounts. For the other teams, they get the chance to audit local call center professionals (we are an outsourced-third party auditor). They get to listen to agents not only from Manila but to call center agents across the Philippines (even as far as Bacolod). People from the operations department would call us "God", or the "Police", the "fault finder." That's pretty harsh!
We are just doing our jobs.I have heard almost all types of calls- from prank calls to demanding (but stupid) callers to hilarious CRS. For a while, I’ve been trying to collect some funny recordings that I got not just from my crew but also from the other teams. I didn’t realize that I have collated a lot already. I have first thought of sending this to my crew and other friends but I think I might just go ahead and post it in my blog. While some people think that call center people are just a bunch of bourgeois stupid people who knows nothing but good (but sometimes trying hard accent) English, I feel sorry for them coz na-ahh--being a call center agent takes a lot. Otherwise, you’ll be the center of destruction. A laughing stack. Hehehehe!
So here it goes (just a few of my favorites...)
***
agent: thank you for calling (company) can i have your order or customer number please?customer (irate): i am going to smash this computer into your face! agent: is that a desktop or laptop? (duh?)
***
customer: my address is 459 quintin drive... agent: sir, is that Q for cucumber? (geeeshh!)
***
technical support: ok sir, can u pls type cmd on the run field customer: what?!!! technical support: cmd sir customer: (beginning to be irate!) WHAT IS THAT?!!! technical support: ok!!! c as in CLIENT, m as in MUST and D as in DIE (LOL)
***
agent: (gave an assumptive question to get the billing add) so ma'am, youre still living at P.O. Box... customer: honey, i dont live in a box. i have a house. (hahahaha!)
***
agent: Thank you for calling... this is Candy how may I help you? customer: What did you say your name was... Mandy? agent: No sir it's candy... customer: Sorry can't hear did u say Mandy? agent: No sir.. candy sir ...candy as in Storck! customer: What? You’re a strange girl Mandy!
***
agent: So, you want to reset your password? Is that correct? customer: Yes. agent: Would you like to set your own password or would you like me to give you a generic password. customer: Uhmm.. just give me a generic one. agent: Alright. I have reset your password. Your new password will be... let me spell it out for you. That’s K as in Kilo ... A as in apple....M as in mama.... O as in October..... T as in tango.... and E as in Echo customer: “Kamowt?” (kamowt in American accent—kamote in Pinoy). That’s a cool password. I’ll never forget this. All right. Everything is working.
***
agent: i was hoping you can take this survey with me. would you have the time to do that sir?customer: how long is this going to take? agent: mga three minutes (LOL speaking in Tagalog?).
***
And my very own blooper when I was working as a Tech Support Rep for Dell. After resolving the issue of a very irate customer, I had the chance to get myself a “payback” time. Darn it! I spent almost 2 hours resolving his old pc (model 96) issue---add the fact that this customer has a hearing problem. Lintek!
customer: I no longer remember my service tag number and losing that is a real pain in the ass. Can you give me my service tag please?
thet: Sure. Do you have a pen and paper handy? (in a dead tone voice)
customer: Yes I have.
Thet: Ok. (I just invented this one. can no longer remember the exact service tag). That is 2g49rsd.
Customer: What is the last letter again?(Seeing this opportunity to get back at thhis customer)Thet: That’s D as in Divisoria. (wahHhHHHhHhH!!!!)Sometimes, I miss handling customer calls. It makes me feel like I am a human again --- unknowingly,unintentionally but hilariously make mistakes.
There is an opening for QA Manager. I didn't apply though despite of the fact that a bunch of people are urging me to apply as I am a good candidate for that position. And then I remember an email I received a long time ago.
What Matters
CTALK By Cito Beltran
The Philippine Star
02/09/2007
Having opted to live a less stressful lifestyle away from the limelight orthe Rat Race, it's but normal for people who made the choice, to sometimeswonder if they did the right thing.
They experience pangs of guilt about being under employed, less productiveand certainly reduced in their income potential. While everyone else isBUSY making a LIVING, you ask yourself if it's a mature thing to be at homeor semi-retired at the farm.
Are you wasting all your God-given talents raising kids, growing your ownfood, or simply living on very little money and simple needs? Shouldn't yoube involved in today's politics, today's technology? And are your friendsright about saying "Sayang Ka"?
Last month, a friend called me about an opening in a major corporation thatwas paying P300,000 a month, all the perks, and even a brand new Volvo. Myfriend asked me how I would react if the job was offered to me since I was very qualified.
It took me all of 5 seconds to tell her I wouldn't accept it.
To begin with P100,000 would certainly end up with the government as taxes.That would leave me with only P200,000.To earn that, I would have to be at work by eight everyday, instead ofcoming up with imaginative tricks to wake up my daughter like placing herpuppy in her bed, or simply standing over her watching this angelic childin her field of dreams.
I would have to eat breakfast by six, leave the house by 6:30. That meansno more breakfast conversations with my wife and certainly an end to ourmorning prayers not just for us but for family and friends.
From the P200,000, I would have to spend at least P20,000 a month or 10% of net to pay for gasoline driving the brand new Volvo to office everyday.So in effect, I would only be earning P180,000 or even less. Not to mentionthat my friends who sell Mercedes Benzes, Jaguars, etc. would brand me as a traitor.
Work, Family, Motherhood...and Everything In Between
