Saturday, April 30, 2011

Junkyard #6


The quickest way to get someone's attention is to no longer want it.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Royal wedding

Don't you just love their smiles???
Whenever I see them on TV, magazines and papers, I can't help but feel mushy and kilig for them! It's a dream wedding indeed..at nakakainggit! I remember my highschool days when I still had a huge crush on Prince William, like I would rent for hours in the PC shop and will do some researching about him (we don't have our own PC before so I rent daily). Nakakainggit ka Catherine Elizabeth Middleton!

Oh well, I must admit, she's prettier than me. Might as well try my chances on Prince Harry =))
BTW, if you have any memorabilia you would like to share..I wanna have some :))


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!


Happy Birthday to my GREATEST and LOVING and WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL MOMMY in the whole wide, wide, wide, wide universe!!
WE LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH!! <3

Monday, April 25, 2011

Junkyard #5


From Twitter:
The reason why playground slides were made, is for us to experience the joy of falling even if there's no one else to catch our fall.

Friday, April 22, 2011

cameroid.com

Good morning!
Today is a Holy Friday and my family and I will go to church later.
Unfortunately I woke up too early, earlier than the break of the dawn. Blame it on the noise created by a bunch of bamboo pieces roped together on a long piece of string and being whipped and striked on their backs. Yep, "Penitensya" as you may call it. Ang bloody lang ng scene kaya I opted not to take pictures of it. 
Instead, I opened my laptop and discovered this new site! AT SOBRA AKONG NATUTUWA HAHAHAHA! Thanks to cameroid.com, may bago na naman akong past time!


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Ang sarap mo sanang...

Ilang days na namin pinaplano ni Bea Naval ang manggulo ulit sa kanya. Well, not necessarily manggulo but it's more like to cheer him up in a little sort of way. Accidentally kong nalaman ang latest sa buhay niya, at sikreto ko na yun kung paano ko nalaman haha! Syempre, I told Bea about that and we decided for this day. Ang "Cheer him up Day!"

It was Tuesday of April 5. Usapan namin ni Bea magkita around 3pm sa Glorietta. Anak ng tinapa, nandoon na ako mga 2:30 at siya nasa Divisoria pa din. Buset. So I decided to walk around, walk around and walk around. From donuts, coffee, fruit shake, fries, candies, chocolate..nabili ko na sa sobrang tagal at kupad ng babaeng yon. So ayun, kinulit ko na lang siya kung ano bibilhin naming gift for him. The choices are ballpen (??), a tie or a coin purse. MAHIRAP KAYA MAG-REGALO SA LALAKI! Yep, mahirap talaga. Kahit din sa boyfriend ko nahihirapan ako mag-regalo eh. Then I checked out anything from the Men's section, baka may makita akong worthy to give, something nagagamit as per Bea the makupad...until I reach the tie section. I decided to give a tie nalang since nakita ko na siya before na gumamit noon. Naalala ko pa sabi niya before na he uses it kapag first day niya sa bago niyang class or so. Whatever, basta sana gamitin niya yun. Sakto nung nakapili na ako ng design, dumating na yung makupad na si Bea, and also Ish. Then I ask her kung ok yung design, sabi niya ok na yan dahil yari na kami at hinihintay na tayo ni James. Hahahaha! Not my fault! Bought the tie, bought also a gift bag, wrote a note on it and rushed ourselves to G5. Sa sobrang pagmamadali namin, hindi ko na napiktyuran yung gift pati yung brownies na binili ni Bea =(
As we approached ourselves sa G5, nakita na namin siya..sulking and quiet. Not the usual James we knew. Yung James na kilala namin is "blooming" (hahaha), all smiles kahit mayabang, madaldal kahit mayabang, smart and mayabang. The traits that me and Bea liked about him..because for us, he's our friend. Ika nga namin ni Bea ---"Malas lang niya at nag-member siya sa Bitter Club eh. Forever na itong samahan natin. Whether he likes it or not, Bitter Club pa din!"

We just gave our gifts, a little hi and hello and ayun..go na siya. At NAINIS kami at NABADTRIP sa reaction niyang walang kwentaaaaa! We expected a bit different from that. Sana may maayos na "thank you" or something pero Lo, wala. 

Pero inisip nalang namin kung ano yung current situation niya ngayon. We know he's hurting at alam namin na nahihirapan siya because of that. Sana napasaya namin siya with our little surprise kahit papaano and we hope he gets through with it as soon as possible (yesss ang drama na. HAHAHA!)

Long live Bitter Club!
Get well soon, James. HAHAHAHA

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

On being happy

I read this from Jenni Epperson's blog. It came to her via email from a friend and shared it to her readers. I was one of her followers since she writes about mostly about lifestyle, cooking and well, being happy and contented with life.
I guess this is a must read for everyone. Take time to listen to yourself and stay positive!

45 Tips for a Happier, Simpler and More Productive Life
Written by Alex Blackwell 

Every now and then we need a nudge, a little extra help. Life can be challenging and sometimes it can test our resolve, determination and faith. When life surprises us with a pop-quiz, it’s good to know where we can find some of the answers.
The following 45 tips are by no means a comprehensive list, but rather a cheat-sheet of sorts to keep some of the most basic answers in front of us. 

1. Notice what’s right in your life
Some see the glass as being half-full while others see the glass as half-empty. This expression goes straight to the heart of the power of positive thinking and taking the time to notice what’s working – and then doing more of it!
2. Be grateful
How many times do you say the words “thank you,” in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying “thank you”, the latter will naturally happen.
  3. Remember the kid you were
As adults, we sometimes forget how to play, how to relax, or just how to be a kid again. We succumb to expectations we think are imposed on us. This keeps us from feeling the joy and happiness of just cutting loose and playing.
4. Be kind
There is no question by merely watching acts of kindness creates a significant elevation in our moods and increases the desire for us to perform good deeds as well. Kindness is indeed contagious and when we make a commitment to be kind to ourselves and to others we can experience new heights of joy, happiness and enthusiasm for our lives.
4. Spend time with your friends
Although an abundant social and romantic life does not itself guarantee happiness, it does have a huge impact on our happiness. Learn to make the friendships a priority in your life.

6. Savor every moment
To be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance in our lives, not appreciating the “here and now.” When we savor every moment, we are savoring the happiness in our lives.
7. Rest
Take the time to unwind, decompress, or to put it simply, just “to chill.” Life comes at us hard and fast. Fatigue, stress and exhaustion may begin to settle in on us faster than we may think, or notice. The best remedy for this is rest.
8. Put on a happy face
Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it. I’m not suggesting we not be honest, real or authentic, but I’m suggesting, sometimes, we just need to put on a happy face and keep moving forward. Researchers claim that smiling and looking like we are happy will make us happier. Studies further show if we act like we are happy then we can experience greater joy and happiness in our lives.
9. Move!
The expression a “runner’s high” does not infer an addiction, but a feeling or a state of mind – a state of euphoria. There is no question exercise, or any physical exertion, elevates your mood and enhances a more positive attitude as well as fosters better personal self-esteem and confidence.
10. Pursue your goals
The absence of goals in our lives, or more specifically avoiding to pursue our goals, makes us feel like we are stuck and ineffective. The pursuit of goals in our personal lives, with our relationships, or at work, with our careers, is the difference between a mediocre life or a life full of passion and enthusiasm.
11. Finding your calling
Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose – of feeling like you are here for a reason – can perhaps bring the greatest happiness of all.
12. Get into the flow
Flow is the form of joy, excitement and happiness that occurs when we are so absorbed in an activity we love that we can loose ourselves and time seems to stand still. What creates flow is unique to each one of us.
13. Play to your strengths
One way to achieve flow is by understanding and identifying our strengths and core values, and then begin to use these every day. Once we aware of our strengths and we begin to play to our strengths, we can better incorporate them in all aspects of our lives.
14. Don’t overdo it
Know when to say when. What gives you joy and happiness the first time may not work the second time. Too much of a good thing may begin not to feel as good if the “thing” becomes more of a routine, or an expectation. Set healthy and reasonable boundaries for yourself and don’t overdo it.
15. Forget regret
Leave your mistakes and regret in the past. They don’t define your value, then or now. When you stay in the past you become stuck and unable to move forward. We all have made mistakes with our job choices, friends and relationships. The consequences can hit us pretty hard. However, to begin learning how to put these experiences behind us – by letting them go, we can begin to live in the here and now.
16. Learn from failure
Learning from failure and having regret are two separate things. Regret is an emotion; a feeling of disappointment along with a modest amount of shame or guilt. But to look back at a circumstance and figure out what went wrong gives you some very important information.
17. Ask for help
You are not alone. It may feel that way sometimes, but there are many people who would extend their hand and lift you up if asked. All you have to do is ask. Often times we are afraid to ask because we don’t believe we are worthy to receive the help. Think about this: we are surrounded by millions and millions of people by design – for a purpose.
18. Believe you are worthy
Whatever your goal, your dream, or your desire, you are worthy of achieving it. The closer you get to it is when the enemy of your soul will begin putting doubt in your mind. Replace doubt with the truth – you are worthy to have your heart’s true desire.
19. Take 100% responsibility
Except in rare and unfortunate circumstances, you are responsible for the quality and condition of your life. Your career, your relationships and your happiness are all under your direct control. Avoid finger-pointing and embrace the control you have in your life.
20. Know what you want
Understanding what and where you want to go in life will provide you with a vision and an insatiable spirit for the journey. Here’s a simple way to figure out what you want: Take a sheet a paper and write down all of the things you want in life. The one that jumps off the page and causes you to cry is what you want most. Honor this one and nurture it. And if you allow, it will take you to where you go.
21. Trust
There are no accidents without value. When you get hit hard and land on your back, look for the reasons and for the value in this. Open your heart and trust this happened for a reason.
22. Keep the faith
At the end of the day when you are weary from all of the effort and energy you have expended and you are sore and tired from being hit hard so many times, but the dream is not realized, the one thing that tells you to keep going; to get up tomorrow and to keep moving forward, is your faith.

23. Get in touch with your life
Get in touch with the areas in your life you would like to change and have more success. Don’t try to boil the ocean in a short period of time. Rather, consider three “quick wins” in the next several months that will help you with creating new habits and will build the foundation to support longer term success.
24. Make a list
Write down the three things you want to do differently in the next few months, things you are not doing now, but would like to begin to do that will give you a greater sense of success, accomplishment and purpose in your life.
25. Perform new actions
Performing new actions will lead to creating new habits. Be aware of the habits you want to learn to change. Also be aware that the bad habits may interfere with your progress. Acknowledge these bad habits and don’t give them the power to keep you from moving forward.
26. Share
There seems to be a higher sense of accountability when things are shared. Tell your partner or best friend what you want accomplish and by when. Sharing also gives you a safer venue to discuss your fears and concerns.
27. Communicate in your marriage or relationship
Good marriages and relationships depend on expressing your thoughts and emotions to each other, of speaking and being heard. If not, everything else will live on shaky ground. In order to have a successful relationship you have to make yourself an expert in communicating with your partner.
28. Learn to resolve conflicts in your marriage or relationship
If your partner simply wants something different from you or does something differently from you, it doesn’t mean that your partner is wrong – it just means your spouse has different preferences, life experiences and point of view. Celebrate these differences. Chances are very good it is these very differences that made you fall in love with this person in the first place.
29. Maintain a commitment to your marriage or relationship
This can be especially difficult today with all of the distractions of our daily lives, but it’s important that you put your relationship first. If you’re committed to making it a success, and you know that your partner shares your commitment, there’s nothing the two of you can’t accomplish.
30. Get healthy
We spend hundreds and thousands of dollars a year on things that make us sick and lead to all sorts of other costs. So kick that smoking habit, go out drinking two nights a week instead of four, or ride your bike to work.

31. Smarter Saving and Spending: Buy Homegrown
Local craftsmen, farmers, and retailers offer unique items at prices that don’t include shipping and handling charges, which have increased exponentially of late due to the sky-rocketing cost of fuel.
32. Smarter Saving and Spending: Buy Used
Used clothes can be passed off as vintage, so why the stigma on other previously owned items? Most used items are perfectly functional and many have developed an endearing and priceless layer of character.
33. Smarter Saving and Spending: Don’t Buy Extended Warranties
If you’re buying that new laptop or plasma television, use your major credit card and it will likely lengthen the warranty just as far as the plan that will cost you hundreds of extra dollars at.
34. Stop doing what’s not working in your life
Comfort can be your biggest obstacle to growth and happiness. Take an honest look at your own life. Are you doing things you know don’t work; but you keep doing them nonetheless because either you are too scared to try something new or you don’t know any other way?
35. Try on things you’ve never done before to see if they work
In order to find the success and happiness you are looking for in life, you must be willing to take risks. Perhaps the most challenging oxymoron in life is in order to build self-confidence, you must first take risks.
36. Exercise to help you discover your source of strength
Exercise is indeed a good venue to discover your source of strength and character. It builds confidence and instills a spirit that better connects your mind to your body. It helps you appreciate the value of goal setting and ultimately goal attainment. It creates better life balance. Simply put, exercise helps you feel better about yourself.
37. Listen to your body
There is a direct connection between our physical and mental health. When we are fatigued our thinking is not as sharp and our confidence wanes. But when we are rested and full of energy, our actions are more deliberate and our results are more significant. Listen to your body – it will tell you what you need.
38. Slow down and do nothing
Take about 15 minutes each day and grab a cup of coffee or tea and give yourself time to think about whatever it is you want to think about. You will be surprised at the inspiration that will come to you.
39. Complete one item of your “to do” list each day
Return the overdue telephone call, clean-up your email inbox, or get an oil change for you car. By accomplishing just one thing that has been gnawing at you, will give you a much-needed sense of relief and accomplishment.
40. Perform one act of random kindness daily
Hold the elevator door open for someone who is a few steps behind you or lift the bag and place it in the overhead bind on the airplane for someone who can’t manage this task. Kindness breeds more kindness. The concept of “paying it forward” is real and effective.
41. Review your goals
If you have not put your goals in writing, do this today. There is a direct and proven correlation between people who have written, stated goals and their level of accomplishment compared to people who do not.
42. Listen, really listen, when someone is speaking to you
Listen without judgments or criticism. Try to avoid any self-referencing and be fully present for whoever needs it.
43. Say “I Love You…”
Tell the people who you truly love and cherish this every day. Do so with heart-felt sincerity. Love them as if this were their, and your, last day on earth. Don’t wait; tell them today because there is no day but today.

44. Practice forgiveness
The purpose of giving forgiveness is not to let the other person off the work, but to free you of the baggage associated with the event. When you refuse to forgive, you remain stuck in that place. With forgiveness you can begin the process of moving forward with your life.
45. Give yourself grace and mercy

We all make mistakes – always have and always will. Perhaps no one is harder on you, than you. Give yourself grace for your sins and mistakes. These don’t define your value or purpose in life. Focus on what you can today, right now, to begin feeling more comfortable in your own skin. You are worthy to receive the good fortunes of life and you are more than enough.


If you believe, please spread the word and reblog. :D

Monday, April 4, 2011

He rocks!



with Sir Edu of Pinoy rockband, Tanya Markova! \m/


Junkyard #3


From Paulo Coelho's Twitter page:
"Life is like cooking:
 before choosing what you love,try everything"


Break up season?


Recently, may mga friends akong lumapit sa akin and asked for my help. Whatever help daw I could offer. The best help I could give is to LISTEN. I'm good at that. I just let them vent their emotions and feelings and just listen to them. 

I don't know if coincidental or what but most of their problems is related to breakups or something that involves their partner. Is this the breakup season?

I thought nangyayari lang ito sa showbiz like what happened kina Jennylyn Mecado and Dennis Trillo, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson and the latest rumor Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay. Ang corny lang 'di ba? Masyado lang akong updated sa Pinoy showbiz. Nonetheless, I was just wondering bakit sunod-sunod ang breakup issues ngayon? Sadya bang nakikiuso lang ang mga tao sa kung ano man ang "IN" ngayon? Or talagang this is how fate works?

Hindi naging madali ang position ko as a listener. Habang nagkukuwento sila ay bigla nalang sila iiyak na parang ikamamatay nila ang nangyari sa kanila. Yung tipong "Basha, mahal na mahal kita..pero ang sakit, sakit na.." --- Thanks One More Chance! Nakaka-inspire ka talaga na movie for people na kaka-breakup lang. Bilib na bilib ako sa mga unforgettable script mo. So ayun na nga. Lagi naman akong listener sa ganitong pangyayari eh. Happy daw sila na nandoon ako para damayan sila sa pinagdadaanan nila. And hindi nila alam, sobra din akong nalulungkot at nadadala sa mga kinukwento nila. Pinipigilan ko nalang ang sarili ko na mag-advice ng kung anu-ano, baka ako pa maging sanhi ng kung ano man. Minsan naiisip ko nalang, mukha ba akong tissue paper o kamukha ko ba talaga si Joe D'Mango? Ewan. Gusto ko tumulong pero 'di ko alam sasabihin ko. Siguro nga ang the best help na mabibigay ko is offering myself to listen..kahit ilang oras pa yan. I am so ready to listen, friend.

Bum

Current time - 3:10am
My plan? Nothing. 
What have I done for this day? 
Major clean-up of our kitchen area after construction.
Sang like a rockstar with music from Evanescence, Flyleaf, Avril Lavigne and not so rock with my fave Lady Gaga.
Discovered my new LSS, On the floor by JLo
Oh and btw, I discovered something by accident. Geez and it was sad :(
"City and state, please" keeps running in my head! --- THIS IS MAKING ME CRAZY!!!
Posted my graduation photo as primary picture in Facebook, got a lot of fans after posting.
Sang like a rockstar with music from Evanescence, Flyleaf, Avril Lavigne and not so rock with my fave Lady Gaga.
StumbleUpon.
Had quick chats from Facebook with my former officemates. They miss me. I miss them too.
Received a phone call from my friend at the office. She missed me a lot. 
La, la, la, la, la, la, la -- LSS with JLo's song. Crap that lambada thingy!
Checked out latest home interiors. 
WANTED: STUDENT INTERIOR DESIGNER. ASAP. Contact me immediately.
Sang like a rockstar with music from Evanescence, Flyleaf, Avril Lavigne and not so rock with my fave Lady Gaga.
Had quick exchanges of text messages with boyf. I missed him superduper.
Saw the latest ad of Lady Gaga's Concert to be aired May 7 on HBO.
I'm pretty excited.
I want this.


HEY! YOU! YES, YOU! I'M TALKING TO YOU!
It doesn't hurt to smile once in a while so do me a favor of a lifetime. Smile :)
I know you want to. 


Sang like a rockstar with music from Evanescence, Flyleaf, Avril Lavigne and not so rock with my fave Lady Gaga.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

My first job experience


Nagsimula ang drive kong mag-apply sa call center industry nung nawalan na ng laman na pera ang wallet ko. It was a summer of 2010 when I decided to go for it. I first applied sa isang big time call center company. Matatanggap na sana ako doon. Isang interview nalang, pasado na. Unfortunately dahil sa mga maling sagot ko sa mga tanong niya sa akin like:
"If you were given an opportunity to pursue your career as a nurse while you are with our company, will you take the chance?"
---YES, I WILL. Opportunities like that comes rarely nowadays so why not?
 Ayun, FAIL. HAHAHAHA! Ayos lang sabi ko sa sarili ko pero sa totoo lang ang sarap upakan nung nag-interview sa akin noon. If I remember clearly his name is "Bob" and he is gwapo. Pero kahit na, sarap niya lang silaban. Basta, alam mo na yun. HAHAHAHA!
with friends Cherry and Kena

And another opportunity knocks. Ni-refer ako ng friend ng sister ni boyf sa company nila. Go lang ako ng go kasi I'm in desperate need of money! It took almost a day of processing and I was fortunate enough to be hired finally! So, nag-start ang Communications Training ko 2 days after ko ma-hire. Naaalala ko pa noong first day ko sa office, sabi sa akin ng guard na naka-post sa may entrance:
"Miss, ilang taon na po kayo? Ang bata niyo pa po siguro noh?"
Echoserong manong guard yun. Pero natawa ako sa sinabi niya, napagkamalan pa akong bata sa itsura ko nung araw na yun. Napaka-haggard ko lang kaya nung araw na yun. Crap. 
My very first team! Team Metamorphosis!
Certification Day!
I belong to GCMA Batch 103, meaning I only have 3 weeks for certification or else, fail ako sa training. Luckily for me, na-certify ako after 2 weeks! You could say I was so proud of myself for that. Others would take 4, 6 or 9 weeks for certification but I managed to just do it after 2!
After certification, nalaman ko na din kung ano ang magiging account ko. I was placed sa isang Directory Assistance account for US platform. Nag-research ako about sa account na yun and a lot of people would tell that the account is super easy but the the work is very stressful. Each person will be receiving 500 or so calls per shift/day and each call takes a few seconds to accomplish. Exaggerating? No. I'm not.

At syempre, hindi doon nagtatapos ang training ko. Madami-dami pa akong training na pagdadaanan. There's the OJT Training that would take 2 weeks: PASSED. The PST Training that would take 2 weeks: PASSED. The GMAX Training that would take 4 consecutive QA periods for me to pass: PASSED. 
PST days: During our lunch break
GMAX days with TEAM APRIL
Team April after we won 1st place during our GLEE-Max event!
Team building at Pansol, Laguna
The day came and all operators from Team April CERTIFIED! Training phase has just ended and we are so ready on the floor! Goodbye training and say hello to us, Santa Monica switch!
Entrance to Santa Monica switch, 18th floor
with fellow Santa Monica people =) imy'all!
SURPLUS is equals to HAPPINESS!



I've been a part of the Santa Monica switch for 9 months.I have a permanent working schedule which starts at 500 until 1430 so you could say I have a normal sleep cycle since I'm working in the morning which is not usually enjoyed by most call center agents. I was also an availer/surplus-er/bakal girl or whatever you call it so that gave me the opportunity to meet everyone in the floor. Our work is very stressful. What kept me from hanging on despite the fact that I really wanted to resign earlier in my career life is MY FRIENDS. Sila yung mga taong pinaghuhugutan ko ng lakas para ako maka-survive sa pangaraw-araw na trabaho ko doon. Sumasaya at napapatawa nila ako palagi kahit na minsan gusto ko na talaga murahin lahat ng callers ko. Yung tipong I reach a certain point in my life wherein I really wanted to give up pero THEY wouldn't let me. THEY made me stronger. So yeah, THEY ARE A BIG PART OF MY SUCCESS.

9 months.
It's not bad after all. A growing experience indeed. Thank you my dear company. Thank you dear supervisors of mine (except for one), Thank you dear Operations Partners and ASTs. Thank you dear manong guards and custodians. Thank you dear 5th floor canteen and Mini Stop. Thank you dear fellow operators from Santa Monica switch to Soft switch and Thank you all my dearest friends of mine. Our friendship will not end here. No, definitely not. I will just follow the path where I really belong and our memories altogether will forever stay in my heart =)

I LOVE YOU ALL AND I SURELY DO MISS YOU ALL!
Goodluck and NO SURPLUS FOR YOU!
Haha =)