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.
Papa is rushing into getting an auto insurance for our Toyota SUV VX200. Its insurance has already expired last month. Mom feels worried about my sister travelling the road without having the vehicle insured. Good thing that we still have the Lancer that we can use anytime. Next week, Papa is scheduled to talk to a couple of auto insurance agents. This auto insurance thing really needs to be rushed.
I love shopping home furniture. During our wedding, we received on gift from a friend from Play and Display. It was a lovely table lamp. Up until this time though, I haven’t use that lamp since I am just renting an apartment. I don’t have much furniture in the apartment as I anticipate living with my in-laws during my maternity leave. We are not yet financially capable of building our dream home but as early as now, I am starting to look at Target and IKEA. And I am getting addicted to it!
I spoke too early. I have previously mentioned that even though I am carrying a baby boy, the ‘bad signs’ of carrying one has not been transparent to me. But lo and behold. Last week, I just noticed that my neck has started to darken and so are my armpits. There are also some zits which could be mistaken for acne I also now have a couple of line of stretch marks below my abdomen. I just thank God that the symptoms came in late. I am now on my 36th week. Four more weeks and I will be popping out Baby Terrence.
I just saw Toni Leviste’s huge billboard in EDSA. I am familiar with the name but not with the face. I know that she’s a former Olympic equestrienne and that she belongs to the elite part of the society. What the heck, horse back riding is such an expensive hobby. I couldn’t imagine myself investing on those horse supplies when I know that I will gain nothing from such investments. If I am a daughter of a millionaire, maybe I would be willing to delve into this kind of exciting hobby.
I feel so down today. I know that a lot of people in the office as well as relatives are following this blog. And somehow, I feel like I have to censor myself. That is why I decided to make another blog. A private blog. A blog where I can write about what I think and how I really feel. Sorry. I won't allow others to read it. It's just me and my blog. I need an outlet. I have no time of keeping a traditional diary. Besides, I am no longer fond of writing. Saka burara ako sa gamit. Baka mamaya may makabasa pang iba. I just want an online diary where I could vent out my sentiments anytime of the day, any time of the week. Without worrying about how others would perceive what I have written.
As early as now, I’m trying to complete my Christmas list for shopping. Don’t blame me. Last year, I really didn’t get to enjoy Christmas last year because we were soOoO busy preparing for our wedding. Now is the time I have to make “bawi” for my family and friends. I already know what to give to my family members. I am not sure though if I will give Chelsea (Russell’s only niece) one of those dollhouses sure because I know that it can be quite expensive. I’ll still have to see if I have more money left when November comes.
Busy-busyhan ang dram ko ngaun so I'm gonna make this week end review quick.
After having some good conversation with my team when we went to Banchetto (night amrket in Emerald Ortigas), I headed staright to my in-law's house in cavite. The renovation of the house is still in progress. One change though is that they colored Russell's room with blue print paint. It was really nice. Pang baby eh.. Hehehehe. Saturday was supposedly a chat day for hubby and me but thanks to the defective webcam that I bought, it didn't work. In addition, the configuration of the wireless router was screwed. They had to move things so they disconnected some of the wirings. Nahilo na ko kakahanap ng kung ano mang dapat isaksak sa router. Good thing though that I was able to go online on Sunday morning na.
Sunday morning- after attending the mass in Noveleta, pumunta naman kami sa MOA (together with my pretty sis-in-law and her family). Birthday kasi last Sunday ng bilas ko. They were not able to celebrate his brithday kasi nasa Singapore sina Mama and Princess (by the way, Mama bought me a Nine West handbag... sale daw sa Takashimaya..ganda!). We dined in at David's Tea house. After that, punta naman kami sa department store to buy soem few more stuff for Baby Terrence. Habang namimili si Mama ng mga gamit ni Baby, kinakabahan na ko. All this time, kala ko konti na lang ang kulang like everyday mittens and some bigkis so I just withdraw 3k. When we were in the counter na, the things we bought amounted to 7k. Naku patay! walakong dalang card! pero buti na lang may debit card akong dala. Nagulat na lang ako ng dumukot na si Mama ng credit card. I was insisting na ako na magbabayad pero mapilit si Mama. WhooooosSshHhh!!! mabuti na lang. LOL
After buying those stuff, si Chelsea (Russell's niece) naman ang bumili sa department, At this point, naalala ko na wala pang paliguan si Baby. Balik na naman ako sa Infant Department. I bought some bath tub, sponse, panlinis ng feeding bottle and few pairs ng comforter etc. This time, ako na nagbayad kasi hindi konaman kasama. When I was done, I tried looking for Chelsea and Princess. Nahanap ko sila sa kids department. Tapos sabi ni Princess, Mama headed to the infant's section kasi naalala nya daw ung liguan ng bata. So there.bilis na naman ako lumakad. Sayang naman kasi kung bibili pa ulit liguan at kung anik-anik pa eh nakabili na nga ako. When Mama saw the stuff that I am carrying, natawa na lang sya. So binalik ung ibang items na nabili ko na. Bumili na lang si Mama ng isa pang set ng comforter and baby carrier. She was asking me kung gus2 ko daw pa ung isang Graco crib. eh ang mahal mahal kaya! 8k! Juice ko day! hindi na no. Besides, according sa mga N@W, gettinga crib is one of the most impractical thing na binili nila..saglit lang naman kasi magagamit. And apart from that, meron pa namang lumang crib sa Cavite. Maayos pa naman at hindi mukhang luma so iyon na lang ang gagamitin ni baby.
Monday- I went to my OB GYN for my check up. Binigyan ako ng anti-tetanus injection. Starting Sept. 6 daw, yun na ang start ng kabuwanan ko. Lapit na... :) Sina Mama and Papa ko, panay ang tawag at text, checking on me if I am ok. Nami-miss na daw nila ako at hinhintay na nila ang Saturday para makauwi na ko sa Q.C. I attended cousin's wedding sa Cavite din. "J" is still young..nasa 23 lang ata. and mukhang mindali ung kasal. True to my instict, bilog na ang tyan ni "J"... LOL After the wedding, Princess fetch me to the office na. I know yesterday was a holiday pero since wala naman akong gagawin (which I hate the most) I opted to report for work na lang.
I am just thankful to the Lord that he has given me families that are very supportive of me. Somehow, nako-compensate ung absence ng mahal kong asawa. How I wish he could be here but I know that it is not practical...So all I can do right now is to WISH....
I just had a messenger talk with one our account managers. She sent me a pic of her niece. Her sister just gave birth last night. The baby's name is Ava. God, she looks so adorable. She said that her sister underwent normal delivery for 12 hours. God knows how long it will take me when it's my time. I just hope that I'll get to deliver Baby Terrence through normal delivery too.
I can't wait for Saturday to come. Hubby and I will get to see each other again in webcam after so many months. Everything looks good in the office now so I have less things to worry about. Tomorrow is payday Friday. And I'm expecting quite a few of my team members to be late again!
My brother in-law is set to buy a new car. This is despite his current SUV is less than 7 years. When I curiously asked why, he said that cars in Japan tend to be "trashed" because the older the car that you have, the more expensive you have to pay for its registration renewal. I don't know the exact reason why but I'm guessing that it has something to do with air pollutants old cars tend to emit. That also goes the same of insurance quotes. He has done quite a number of online car insurance quotes and they just all tell him the same- that he should get a new car. LOL
I am now on my 33rd week of pregnancy. I can't help but be excited over the fact that in less than 2 months, I'll see the bundle of joy that I only used to feel in my tummy. I can't wait to see him. I guess everybody (home and office) are very excited over his arrival. But for the meantime. Here is an update about Baby T is growing courtesy of Babycebter.com.
This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
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The team is off for a Tagaytay breakfast today. It's such a good thing because with all the things happening in the office recently, we really need this kind of break.
O cia, busy-busyhan muna ko ngayon. :)
Posted by ruther ::
7:48 AM ::
0 Comments:
Even before getting married, my fiancé (now my hubby) are maintaining a savings account where we would put our monthly savings for our wedding. We have been keeping that savings account, only this time I am now using my married name. Apart from that, I am planning to open a savings account of my own. While it’s good to have a joint savings account, it would be nice to have a savings account of my own so that I could put a little saving on my own and in turn, buy the things I love to buy without asking for hubby’s approval. I still need to have a life you know. While I can purchase some cosmetics and other kikay things, hubby can also buy what ever electronic gadgets he wants to have without hurting our savings. :)
By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
About 4 years ago, I was tempted to get a health insurance. The monthly premium was not high after all. But when the news about how the educational plan from CAP got scammed, I begged off. I freaked out I guess. But when the time comes that I’ll get to US, I have to have a health insurance. Otherwise, It’s gonna be more costly should I need to be hospitalized or simply just going to a dentist. I am wondering though if health insurance would cover maternity expenses. Anyone?
I have previously posted something about few of my people being transferred to another team. I thought that I wouldn't be able to handle it lightly. But then again, nature has tested my capacity.
I started my Monday with so much eagerness. I don't want the rest of my people think that they are losing their supervisor. We tried to cheer up despite of the fact that our work station aisle is somehow EMPTY. The transfer shoudl not mean the end of the world for us. Month-to-date, we are right on track with our completion rate, with no reassessments or client audit errors yet. I am closing my fingers that it will stay the same until the end of the month and probably until next month.
I rendered 3 rest day OTs for the month of July. I thought that I will be able to convert it to cash but I was wrong. Nakakaloko lang becasue payroll department only updated me about my cash conversion request after the payday. Eh ang tagal ko ng ni-request yon. I was in the fighting mood na but I was given another option to file a vacation leave soemtime in December in liue of these rest day OTs. Madali naman ako kausap so kebs na. I have already secured signed copies of Philhealth and MEDICARD for my maternity benefits. I have already received my maternity benefits (though parang aga naman yata nung sa SS eh Septmeber pa due date ko). I am all set. Kulang na lang eh lumabas si baby.
Yesterday, Hubby and I talked over gtalk while at work. He told me about the idea of going home just in time for my delivery. As much I want him to be at my side, I said NO. Aside from the fact na sayang lang ang pamasahe, he will be able to stay here for one week. Naku, one week lang? Pahirapan na naman pag alis nya. Besides, baka di na sya bumalik sa US pag nakita nya ang baby boy nya. Hehehehehe!
I was supposed to buy a Graco crib last week end sa North EDSA. Sale kasi eh. But I remember what my Mama Luvie said na meron pa daw crib na panglalake sa Cavite. Bago pa at hindi pa nagagamit. So I thought, since mga 5 months lang naman magagamit ung crib, might as well save ko na lang ung money for child proofing. I was thinking of buying baby some mittens and bonnets pero sa sobrang dami ng tao, I beg off going to the department store. Instead, I bought hubby some boxer shorts na ipapadala ko sa kanya next week. I am still waiting for the waiver form from HR. Sayang naman kasi ung tax refund na makukuha ko by the end of the year.
I am not yet sure but MAYBE, my team (with former team members) are off for a breakfast activity inTagaytay this Saturday morning. May natitira pa kasing incentive funds so uubusin na namin and everybody is excited about it.
I just came from a meeting where I am not sure if what I am going to agree to what have been discussed. I think I am going to commit one of the top 10 worst meeting offenses
1. Being Unprepared.
Participant: If you receive an agenda or support material beforehand, read it. Or, contact the leader of the meeting and ask for some background info. Figure out what you’ll be able to bring to the table in a discussion.
Leader: Make sure any technical aides are working – have a back-up plan if they aren’t. Confirm your meeting room; make sure it’s big enough for all attendees to fit comfortably and prepare the room beforehand so you aren’t wasting people’s time. Always provide an agenda or support material in advance.
2. Showing Up Late.
Participant: Whether you’re in a meeting with two people or 200, get there on time. Being late will damage your image and show your disrespect for others’ time. Don’t expect others to review what you missed if you are late.
Leader: Don’t call an “important” meeting and then make everyone wait for you to stroll in at your own convenience. Worse, don’t forget about the meeting altogether and leave your co-workers waiting for you.
3. Being a Meeting Hog.
Participant: Don’t talk just to talk – plan to speak when you have something useful to say. If you’re asked to say something, be conscious of how much floor time you’re taking to make a point. Be blunt, be brief and be done.
Leader: It’s your job to facilitate proper flow of conversation. If there’s someone hogging the floor, it’s up to you to keep track of the time and let others have a turn.
4. Sitting Silently.
Participant: Refusing to participate will earn you a label you don’t want: Either as someone who lacks creativity or who can’t get things done; or your colleagues might get the vibe that you think you’re too good to offer your input. Engage in conversations, even if it’s only to share one suggestion. Otherwise, don’t bother showing up.
Leader: Encourage participation. Don’t hand attendees a topic and let them run with it – lead the conversation and motivate others to get involved. If no one volunteers, take it upon yourself to ask people for their questions, comments and opinions.
5. Expressing Rude Body Language.
Participant: Sleeping, sighing, slouching in your chair, hair tossing/touching/smoothing, spinning in your chair, leaving the room, eating loudly and making rude gestures or facial expressions are all distracting, rude and disrespectful.
Leader: Manage those who are being rude. Don’t put anyone down, but don’t tolerate disrespectful behavior.
6. Conducting Sidebar Conversations.
Participant: Having a side conversation is possibly the rudest thing you can do in a meeting. Even if you’re discussing the topic at hand, save sidebar conversations for after the meeting.
Leader: If you notice attendees chitchatting, ask if there’s a question or concern – this turns the attention back to the meeting’s issues, and lets everyone know sidebar conversations aren’t tolerated.
7. Arguing or Putting Others Down.
Participant: Disagreements are fine – as long as they’re appropriate. Don’t make others (i.e., the boss or your co-worker) look bad. Don’t contradict them, expose their mistakes in a condescending way or ignore their points altogether. If you have something to debate, do it in private and don’t waste everyone’s time.
Leader: There’s no need to discredit others’ ideas or comments just because you are leading the meeting. Be professional when you disagree.
8. Leaving Your Cell Phone On.
Participant: Cell phones shouldn’t even enter the boardroom, but if they do, turn them to vibrate mode. Interrupting meeting progress with your calls is distasteful and disrespectful. If you’re expecting an obligatory phone call, either skip the meeting or let everyone in the room know in advance the call might happen and excuse yourself quietly when (and if) it does.
Leader: Same advice - leave cell phones out or turn them off.
9. Chewing Gum.
Participant: The smack, crackle and pop of your gum are annoying, not to mention rude and unprofessional. Get rid of it.
Leader: You want attendees to pay attention to you, not your gum-smacking.
10. Shutting Down After the Meeting.
Participant: Forgetting what you heard in the meeting is counter-productive. Hold onto support materials, and if you still have questions or concerns, contact the leader.
Leader: Tie up all loose ends in the meeting. Reach a consensus if necessary; otherwise, summarize effectively to answer any and all questions.
I came to work today at 5:45. My shift starts at 8pm actually. I just have to come early because today is the first day that I am gonna play a dual role in the office. I am going to be the quality supervisor and at the same time, the quality assurance analyst. I should say that I am pretty excited with this new role. What makes this day a bummer day is the fact that I just lost 2 of the most efficient and effective specialists I ever had. Nakakalungkot lang talaga. But I guess, that's life. Change is something inevitable especially in the call center life. Though I'll still see these two people on the floor, I will certainly miss our chika moments during office hours. Guess, I will just have good times with them after shift.
I just notice that a lot of call center companies do not really do background checking which is supposedly a part of employment screening . I know a lot of people who falsified their educational background and work experiences. Perhaps, call center companies no longer do background checking due to the high attrition rate in this industry. I can understand if human resources department will say that a background check is useless if an employee will be in the company for only 3 months. But that shouldn’t be the point. Background checking is extremely important as corporate relationship is built on trust. If an employee has committed fraud or falsification of certificates/documents in his previous company what will be the company’s assurance that the person has already changed?
When I was in a different campaign, our client used to send us items from Canada. Every month, we would always have some sort of Employee of the month where a quality specialist would get a special item from the client. One of the most favorite item are the pens where the client’s company logo is engraved. It was considered precious as it had come on limited version. It was like a memorabilia for us. I know some of you might think, "oh, it’s just a pen." But for us, it’s like a laurel on our head, the fruit of our hard work.
Just when I am about to leave the office today, I received these emails.
Thet thank you for being a great supervisor and friend po…. Though we will see each other pa din.. but it would feel so different knowing that I would be in a different team… Basta Thet if you need anything im here po… Thank you is not enough for the things you have taught and given us… as in I owe you BIG time sobra.. ingat po and always take care of yourself and your baby. Hayaan mong problemahin ako ni m---. Unfair yun pag di siya mamurublema sa akin.Btw mother… me sinabi naman kaming matino ke amy bago magmeeting. Hindi lahat gay bar, pera at Bavarian. Hindi lang niya sinabi at ewan kung bakit yun lang mga natandaan niyang sabihin.Saka wala nay un. Basta wag ka na lang din magagalit palagi kahit alam ko na makakapatay ka na ng tao. I cannot blame you kung nagagalit ka Alam mo naman ako, pag ako mali, wala ka maririnig. Talaga lang minsan pag mamalasin ka…malas talaga na bonggang-bongga katulad ng nangyari sa akin last month. Pero I really thank you because you stood up for me. I will never forget that. In all honesty I would always prefer to stay here sa team mo if you let me. Me pakielam ka sa tao mo and you actually care. I couldn’t have anyone better as my EPS. Feeling ko, meron lang naghahanap dyan ng mapagbabalingan ng sisi.. At di rin ako sang-ayon sa ginagawa nila ke becky. Like what I told him it is unfair. Mother yung paorder mo ha…pakiemail kung ready to take orders ka na.
Thet,We were transferred to your team around Sept, I’m not sure. Thanks…for your warm welcome when we arrived, it made the transition a lot easier.for your hot temper when something goes wrong along the way, it makes us feel you carefor the cold shoulder you give us (with your eyes rolling), I have come to understand that it’s your way of controlling yourself from saying hurtful thingsit hasn’t been smooth sailing all the way but yes, it was one hell of a ridemaybe our relationship will be way better if we’re friends so things doesn’t have to be different in and out of the office :0
Thanks din 4 everything. Hope di ka na tampo. We had fun in this team and it’s sad to be transferred. See you around.
Hi Thet. I know I'm asking too much from you and I'm thankful that you are my EPS. I'm still confuse on what I can do best, but it's clear to me that a good chance for them to allow me to resign immediately is if I have medical health reason, otherwise, it's a termination for me. You've done so much for us and you have a lot of things to think about. I don't really want to put you in a tight spot because I know you can only do so much for us and at the end the management will still be the one to make the final decision. All the support that you are showing us is very much appreciated, Da best ka pa ren!
(I just read this one while cleaning my inbox. Never knew that I had this email) HayYyYYyyy.... I may have special children in my team. But for sure, I am going to miss them. Sa totoo lang, I am too sad about this. I am just too afraid to show them how I really feel. But last night, I cried buckets of tears... It wa slike breaking up with a boyfriend. :(
We're on the road
We move from place to place
And oftentimes when I'm about to call it home
We'd have to move along
Life is a constant change...
The friends we know we meet along the way
Too soon the times we share form part of yesterday '
Cause life's a constant change
And nothing stays the same, oh no
Clouds that move across the skies
Are changing form before our very eyes
Why couldn't we keep time from movin' on?
Hold on to all the years before this moment's gone?
Why must we live the days at such a frightening pace?
We're all like clouds that move across the skies
And changing form before our very eyes
Have we outgrown our Peter Pans and wings?
We've simply grown too old for tales of knights and kings
'Cause life's a constant change And nothing stays the same, oh no
This has been a crazy month for the company. There have been a lot of corporate movements- more on the negative note. Today, I learned that JA resigned. He was our Vice President. Nakakaloka lang. When the company started, he was already there as our HR Manager. Pundasyon na ng “T” yun eh. Now a lot of people are disappointed. A lot of people wanted to resign. And that includes me. But what is holding me back though is the fact that I will get tired doing nothing.
I used to manage a team of 22 people. It has been down to 16 and now I only got 8. Few people will be transferred to another team, that is why. It was a bitter sweet experience. It was bitter because I have learned to love this people and the fact that they are going to leave my team makes me frustrated. It was sweet because it’s about time that they shape up. I have been pretty lenient to them and I think some of them have already forgotten the reason why they are in the company- TO WORK and not to have smoking session in the roof deck, check Friendster or sleep during business ours.
We just have our last team lunch today. We have bought some take out food from North Park and 2 gallons of ice cream. It was fun and for the last time, I allowed them to go on over break. Whoa…san ka pa! supervisor na pumayag mag overbreak ang subordinate… But then again, that’s me. Kanya-kanyang style lang yan. I’m giving this day their “slack day”. I'll still see them pa rin naman on the floor. Yun nga lang, they now belong to another team so they will no longer be a part of our fun activities.
Work, Family, Motherhood...and Everything In Between
