Mapping Out 2012

Just before I dish out another backlog post. Let me just list out what 12 things I've decided to accomplish for 2012:

1. Save Save Save - Seeing that I spent a lot last year. I am determined to be thrifty and wiser this year.
2. More Travel - Yes, more places please.
3. Get Driver's License - and car if possible but I'd like to start small.
4. Be healthier - My last check up was a definite wake up call.
5. Join and participate in a Photography Group - I need to share this hobby to help me grow. 
6. Bookworm - Read more and collect more! Sales here I come.
7. Share Freedom - There are people that need my help and I'm not even looking to far. I hope to be a big impact for improvement in their life. 
8. Post Post Post - be a more active writer whether its blogging, journal writing or contributing.
9. Swim better - if I want to be a better surfer I gotta be a better swimmer. 
10. Get a Passport - I want to be ready for a travel filled 2013 (outside the country)
11. Four Strong Years - with what happened between me and Arckham last year. I am more than proud we made it to number 4.
12. Out Grow and Grow Out - I think it's time to have more space for me and more me space. 

So 2011 was not as amazing as I had actually wanted it to be, but I learned a lot and I experienced a lot that made me a better person. Apparently, this 2012 is the year of the Dragon. This dragon wants to make the most of this year. 2012, hear me roar and watch me soar!

Of 2010 and For 2011

Well, in about 15 minutes, it would be Feb 1. I've taken the entire month of January 2011 to look back at 2010 and look forward to 2011.

So here are a 10 notable things of 2010:

1. Career Growth
• This isn't merely because I got more responsibilities at work but also the growth in my skills and the feeling of accomplishing something. That something being worth while and meaningful. There are a lot of people whose lives might have changed due to getting a job, I'm glad I played a part in that. In the least, I know where all my OT, blood, sweat and tears had gone too. Hopefully next year, I'd be able to do things better and treat myself better as well.

2. Travel
• Well, this is discounting the Baguio trips which is something I've been doing since college. I was able to fulfill this To Do around December. I would like to extend my thanks to E who was kind enough to be our tour guide and host. This mountain girl loves the beach!
• 
3. 2nd Year
• Of course, despite the turbulent 2nd year we've had. We're still here and stronger than ever!
• 
4. Cosplay
• This I have to admit is fun. I think I got the push and encouragement I needed courtesy of my mentor in Cosplay, K. Teh, salamas!
• 
5. Gadgets
• Corby Pro, though you are not an Andriod, I absolutely love you, my every ready companion.
6. Hunger Games
• This is definitely my Book series of the year. Despite my excruciatingly busy schedule, I finished this series in 2 weeks. I hope the rumored movie won't disappoint. I STRONGLY suggest you read this trilogy.
• 
7. More of Moore 
• And Christopher Moore is my author of the year. Thanks, for making me laugh when I needed it the most.
8. Beautiful Script
• Thanks to R for bringing them on top of my music pile again. This still is a favorite of mine: 
9. Standing Up
• Well, this was the year where I finally stood up for myself. Despite fear, oppression and pain, I was able to stand up for me and for those precious to me. Thank you Papa God, for helping me up.
10. Far Apart but Closer Together
• Despite the pain we are subject to, we are closer than ever. We are working our way to happy.
• 

Here are the 11 things for 2011:

1. More Travel - I want to see the world, well, perhaps just the Philippines for this year, but why not the world? 
2. Freedom! - I want to show them that we can live free of fear.
3. MechaPinay - Yes, I will finish that Gundam. Oh and I will get Nobel.
4. Marathoner - I've started with Star Trek: Voyager and will continue my marathons until I've caught on with the world both Comedic and Animated. 
5. Net Life - If last year, it was Corby my constant companion. This year, I'm aiming for a new best friend. 
6. Photography - By end of year, new shots, new colors and new perspectives will come your way.
7. Made Up - Made up with Make Up. Walking a little bit more into the girl side of life.
8. Bookworm - Returning to an old love of mine. It's about time to start slowly but surely building up my library again.
9. Cos Play - More that just costumes this year. Major projects are: Eva, Genesis, Pegasus, Shooter and 23rd [Yes, code names for now.]. Minor projects will be announced throughout the year.
10. Three Times the Charm - I'm counting on 3 this year.
11. Movie Year - With all the movies lined yup for 2012, I can not NOT go see them.

If 2010 was great,

2011 is going to be AWESOME!

Thank You 22.

This is me at midnight:

Yeap, start of my 22nd year on earth was on the job. Oh well, I wanted everything I needed to be done finished before I left to have my one day of rest. [Sadly, no I was not able to finish everything but I made a dent on the things I needed to do in the least]

Yes, it's been quite a long time since I blogged. I got way too busy. Oh well, at least it's work and it's earning me a living and keeping me alive. 

I spent the rest of the day in bed and had some one on one time with myself. I had my nails done and went to the mall to window shop for Christmas presents [I always made sure that I start to budget my Christmas spending right after my birthday.] 

Though that Christmas post will be for some other time. 

Anyway, since I turned 22. I wanted to share with you how much my life has changed over the last year by sharing 22 things that I am thankful I have now.

Let's do this...

22. Corby Pro - Mainly because this is my new buddy. It's my hard earned reward for all the things I've been doing. Though, as my dad taught me this is a tool for me to be better and get somewhere, not necessarily something to flash around. [Still, it's nice that it's pretty.]

21. Wendy's - Since, it's not Mcdo *laughs*. It's my birthday meal today. 

20. CDR King - for all the cheap [technical] life support they give me. I mean I can't help it but this store has made things bearable-slash-affordable for me. From the music pumping into my system that keeps me alive during my long commute up until the screen protector I just bought.  

19. Sky Broadband - enough said. [3 mbps.. nummy]

18. Full night's sleep - because it's been a very rare occurrence lately.

17. Opportunities - because without any of those opportunities I would not have experience numbers 19-22. I think it's good that I learned to grab opportunities [with calculated risks of course] and make the best out of them. [I think I owe this to my upbringing but more to the environment I grew up in.]

16. Perseverance - because without this, I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't be happy if I didn't see this until the end. From the very low points in my 21st year to the skyrocketing improvement now that I'm 22, this is all because I persevered. 

15. Principles - that I have due to it that if I didn't stand by what I believe in I would still probably be stuck in a place where I was itching to get out of. I am thankful for principles has been instilled in me for it keeps me grounded.

14. Hope - because I was so close to losing it but it's still here. I continue to hope.

13. Health - because with the lack of number 18, the mere fact that I'm not yet dead is a sheer miracle. [Of course, I'm exaggerating...I think] Nevertheless, I am thankful for my health that I am still well and that I would continue to be.

12. Employment - because it's something that not everyone would have. I'm happy in my current company because despite the long work hours at least all of it is compensated both by triumphs and finances. I'm glad I'm employed and am with a great company.

11. Promotion - not necessarily due to the compensation but more of the recognition that you performed well and are worthy of that recognition by your peers and superiors. It's like graduation all over again. 

10. CompetiTEAM - because they are such great people! I enjoy work because they are there. I am glad that they've got my back and I've got theirs. I could have not asked for a better team.

Though this is not only for my core team but for the people that we work with and I've gotten to know. I admire you all for your great work ethic and for the patience you've shown me as I improve myself and learn the skills necessary to become an asset in this company. Moreover for bearing with me as I keep asking questions. XD

9. Noreen and Mai - because no matter how much time passes these two understand me to the core. [I miss you both!]

8. Bookclub - they have been there through the confusion of puberty. The pains of growing up and of course the support in the real world. They have accepted me for all the craziness and weirdness in me. For giving me the best conversations and real love. [I will see you guys in December?]

7. Chicas - cause no matter how diverse we are, we most definitely are made to be friends. From the stress of college to the stress of the real world, I wouldn't have been where I am now if not for my chicas.

Then and Now

6. Pointy Points - because they have been such a blessing to me. Putting up with me and opening their doors to me. Gian to all points: you do not know how grateful I am for all that you've done. [I promise to do chores on my next off XD] 

5. Dad - because for his commitment to be a dad to us, no matter how hard the situation is. For being my confidant and best friend and my Father. Faja, I love you.

4. Siblings - because no matter what, we stick together. I maybe far away but I am affected. I am doing everything I am doing right now for things to get better. My soulmates since birth, I want you guys to know I love you and that I promise to do the best that I can to make things better. 

with our best buds since diapers XD

3. Love - because without this, I would probably be a very bitter, angry and hostile person. I would never know what it is to have someone stand beside you until you came into my life and really just stood by me through all the hell that has been raised against us. As I've always said, real love and real food what more can I ask for? [Thanks for cooking and waking me up XD]

2. Courage - because without that first step I would have never ever have started walking on my own. 

1. God - for guiding me and watching over me and just being there. I don't think I would even be writing this if He didn't allow it so. For all the wisely unanswered prayers, thanks Big G. 

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, would be 22. Good night! 

Sundays: Our New Day

I've been way to tired to blog lately. Big things happening at work that has been keeping me busy and moving about. [Plus the fact that I'm sniffling for the past week doesn't help either.] Well, at least we ended on a high note last week! Go Team!

Moving on.

Despite everything that's been happening to my serious side of life, I'm glad to say that all the others areas seem to balance out all the work I actually do. So here are some quick updates:

• Sorcerer's Apprentice Syndrome: Last week, Arckham and I decided to catch The Sorcerer's Apprentice. [Instead of The Last Airbender for reasons we will blog about later on.] This was after church, which we now do regularly. Moreover, I loved this day because we went on a date-DATE which we don't get to do a lot anymore. To top it all off, a long kwentuhan session at Starbucks. *le sigh* I totally loved feeling like and being treated like a princess for a day. :P

• The Company GA: Yay for company paid day outs. I am so glad to say that I think I found a place where I will last a very long time. Besides getting to swim [which is something I totally love doing] I also find that people here have great tastes in music. My music geekiness has found a home. *big smile*
• Start of the Month: So today being the start of the month, I think it started well. The house is beginning to shape up which is great, everything is beginning to fall into place here. I also love that despite the very hectic week last week, Arckham and I were able to do some unwinding and a little bonding. What I loved about this day the most is the new flavors out for the DQ Blizzard: Strawberry and Chocolate Cheesecake. YUM! [Go grab one!]

This post is titled Sunday: Our New Day because it's the only day that our off days from work fall on the same day. Back in college, Friday nights was our bonding time since it was the only time I used to get off work early. Now, it's Sundays and it's my one day refueling day for the rest of the coming week.

Moreover, I hope to be back blogging decent posts again soon. 

Everyone, have a good week ahead. Let's start this month right! :D 

Charles Dickens, Huh?

I know the sudden updates in my blog is quite shocking for most of you, but truth be told this is one of the things that is keeping me sane. [Or rather convincing me that I have a life outside work. Or that our targets have been doubled but it's not big deal. Or....]

Well, anyway, I found this on my timeline at plurk. I decided to try it out and my result is:

I write like
Charles Dickens

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Oh and this is the piece I had them analyze.

*feels important*

So give it a try and let's me know what you got. :D

There's Something About The Rain

So Basyang was quite a fright! I literally couldn't sleep despite having my MP3 player in my ears. The winds and the sheets of pouring rain kept me up. [They were trying to knock our wall down, I swear.] If there's one thing I am not yet prepared to handle, it is a Ondoy/Pepeng-like catastrophe.

As with Manila weather, it tends to scare you at night then the next morning, it's all sunshine. Oh well, at least we were allowed to dress down in the office.

There is one good thing that made very happy with this recent storm: My travel time went back to normal!

You see, lately, there have been an increase in deployment of traffic enforcers in my route to work. I already leave my place an hour and a half early and what annoys me is that I still cut it close to being late. I know they're just doing their jobs but the time intervals between the waits on each traffic enforcer would have an estimated total time of 30 mins. I don't think they're helping ease traffic at all. If at all I think they're creating the traffic. [I don't like being late for work, especially if I've exerted all effort to get there early.]

So to all the traffic enforcers out there: please do either 1) a better job at coordinating among yourselves, or 2) just assist motorist when needed. I think the reason why people would have a license to drive is because they would be able to assess the situation on the road and respond accordingly. [At least, that's how I am.] Nevertheless, it's rush hour, people tend to move faster and make better decisions if it's for their good and usually that works for everyone. I prefer you to be there when it doesn't work.

The only reason I really see why we have traffic is that the traffic lights, as compared to the traffic enforcers, are more coordinated than the enforcers are, hence, traffic lights are better at managing the car inflow.

So to Basyang, despite your tantrum during the evening, I do thank you for giving me a good morning. I hope next time you let me have a decent night's sleep too. XD

Great, Good and Bad News

A lot of things are new as of today. I personally always want good news first. [Yeap, I'm not that stereo typical nice girl that always wants happy endings. Doesn't this line come from a movie somewhere?]

Anyway, the great news is I just signed my contract with my new company. [Yes, I've already done my jumping up and down.] I'm super excited to start working again. I'm currently completing my pre-employment requirements. [I'm nearly done actually.]

I went about today to the different government agencies to get my requirements done. I stopped by the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) to get my NBI Clearance. It just happens that in the city I am located in the NBI offices are currently missing. So, I had to head to a neighboring city. The process was relatively less harsh than I thought. [Or I'm just a veteran of pila sa init or queuing in the heat as is with my Alma Mater.] The sad thing is with a name as complicated and as long as mine, I'd still get a namesake! *shocking*

I have to wait a week to get the clearance. Gah!

This couldn't get my spirits down still. I'm still very thankful for all those who prayed for me and for the work that I now have.

The good news is I present to you:

 

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III 

and

Vice President Jejomar Binay

They are the new leaders of our country. I hope that they both lead well. I am glad with the turnout of the election on the national level. [Yes, I do feel a bit sad for Mar Roxas, he sacrificed so much for this year. Good things will come to you, Mar.]

To the President: I hope you do not let us down. Those of us who campaigned, trusted, supported and voted for you. May you lead with wisdom and may you be the change and not merely be a symbol for change in our country.

On Baguio politics: I don't have much to say. It's out with the new and in with the old. [Can't blame Baguio, the new didn't do as well as we hoped.]

The bad news is that there was a fire at UP! This I found out just now and it was all over the social networks I frequent.

A fire of undetermined origin razed the Palma Hall Pavilion II of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, which houses the university’s chemistry laboratories, close to midnight Wednesday... more

OMG, the laboratories! *flashback to undergrad classes at Palma and ChemPav* UP will get through this. I know so.  *sings: matatapang, matatalino, di patalo kahit kanino...*

Anyway, over all, it's been good lately.

My Graduation March: The Finale

So what can I say about it?

Cons: The college grad was rather sabog [unorganized]. I think last year's was better prepared for. The University Grad is the University grad aka hot, under the sun and guest seating rather sabog as well.

Pros: It's my graduation march, who cares about the cons.

Anyway, here are a few pictures from the College Graduation. I still can't seem to find that lady that took the pics on University Grad. Darnit!

It was memorable for a whole different reason, but it marks and end and a new beginning. A new life.

Still my thanks to my Alma Mater for the strength, lessons and training not only for the real world but for real life.

My Graduation March: The Overture

As this event progresses into my Baccalaureate finale, I am glad to say that so far I have accomplished two out of the three tasks that I need done before the weekend regarding the Grad March.

Arckham helped me secure a Sablay to wear [Thank you dearest!] and I've already attended the practice and pay the Php 200.00 they were requiring. So, all that is left is the dress and shoes. I will hopefully acquire them by Friday. [Otherwise, I am screwed.] 

Anyway, I was also able to hang out with Arckham and we were able to catch up on a lot of things. I also saw some other batch mates from the same course and that was fun. It feels so long since I've seen my block. [I seriously miss those people.]

As everything is being set in motion this week, I cannot help but feel a little apprehension. Though ultimately, I am at peace. I am praying for the best transitions and plans this week. [Pray with me please.]

Oh and before I go, do you think 500 pesos for 10 shots is too expensive? [This is for the official photographers on the weekend.]

My Graduation March: The Prelude

Yes, I graduated last year. Yes, I am sure. So let me explain.

I am a summer graduate and at the university I attended they only have graduation marches on April of every year. Hence, I had to wait a year to march. [Technically, I find it unnecessary but my dad asked me to. And well, I love my dad.] So, I'm finally marching this weekend. I think it will put a nice period on the whole Baccalaureate chapter of my life.

As with every graduate, I should have the following prepared:

1. Beige, White or Ecru dress that has sleeves and cuts below the knee ala Filipiniana. [aka something conservative] 
2. Sablay [My Alma mater doesn't believe in togas and the hat tossing thing, hence we have our sablay, which is really meaningful.]
3. Php 200.00  on or before the practice this Tuesday. [Cause apparently they increased the rates. *sighs*]

Yes, I should have the above ready. I don't, but I'll get working on that sometime really soon.

I'm making a lot of plans after this week, I just hope everything goes as smoothly as possible. God be with me.

Doormats and Snakes

"You're only a doormat if you feel like one."

Here comes the reason why I haven't paid much attention to my online life. I had a job. Yes, you read that right. It's in the past tense.

I worked from January to March. I didn't even have to finish the entire month of March.

Before I go to the resignation [Yes, I resigned. I am very good at what I do and I absolutely will not allow myself to be fired]and why it happened, I want to first look back on the good things.

I was in the field of Human Resources, the career I really want and plan to pursue. I was really glad I got this job. It was a start up company, and I got to sink my teeth into it. Develop, test, evaluate and implement what I learned from school and from my own research. I was excited and I wanted to give no less than a 110%.

The company is basically an outbound contact center. I first want to say that I loved the people I met there. I learned so much about the realities of working in the corporate world. I'm happy I met them and got to stay with them in this crossroad in time. I got to love the field I committed to more because of them. I like to help people. I like to know more about them and give them the best the company can offer so that they can be the best at what they do. It's a philosophy I hold and it works both for the company and the employees.

Then why did I resign? It's because there are things I stand for.

An excerpt from my notice:

"Again, I would like to thank you for everything. Despite my short engagement with *company* I have learned more about myself. What I’m willing to stand for and what principles I am not willing to compromise and these I believe is one of the best things about this experience. I am thankful for all the people I have met in this company and have worked with for I know they are good people. I pray that God bless you and your endeavors despite us going separate ways."

It's hard to implement something right if the people at the top of the ladder refuse to do so [and maybe they also have no respect for what the Philippine Law affords its people. You are not in your own country. Respect our soil by respecting our Laws]. Moreover I was placed at risk. My name and my reputation was place on the stake. [If you think this is overacting, it's not. I could go to jail with what they had me do.] If that wasn't enough, backstabbing was going on. Imagine this, I was working for the position I held and then I find out that I was seemingly demoted behind my back? This new girl comes in and acts all over me like she was better. [You're a frickin agent in you last job for frickin' sake] 

The thing I hated the most was that they kept rubbing it in that I was young. The thing is education levels out experience nowadays. It was fun watching the new girl sink into my shoes after my resignation. She even had to ask me when the deadlines of the government agencies were. If she was oh so experience, she should know that already. I ask, where's your years of experience now? And how dare you talk to me as if I have done nothing for this company. You snaked your last company by copying its guidebook. I may be evil at some points in my life but I won't go as far as hurting others on purpose.

Yes, I am frustrated, insulted and very much hurt. Then again, what should I expect there was a lack in integrity of word.

Truth be told, when I submitted my resignation letter I was ultimately at peace, because I was standing up for me. I just feel sorry for the people that I can no longer protect. For that, I am sorry but I can no longer lie for a company that doesn't bother to pay right either.

This was a learning experience and I am still grateful for it. Doormats are stepped on to get your feet clean. I refuse to be a doormat. I know I am far better than that. As for snakes, they are everywhere but I remember I am much bigger than them. I am not afraid to do what's right and to have some self respect.

Of course, I protected myself. I had them amend everything they did wrong in my name. Otherwise, I would have gone to the authorities. I also took everything that is rightfully mine. If they fulfilled thier part of the bargain, I don't know. I'll let karma, God and the basic laws of the universe do what it wills. I know there is better for me.

This is where I close the chapter of that first job and I take the good things with me and leave snakes and doormats behind.