It's taking a while for me to get used to the card concepts for daily tasks at the office.
I find it a bit odd. I understand the visibility and self sufficiency part, but the getting used to and how the card is written is a bit daunting.
I might get the hang of it soon since I seem to have a lot of homework and the guy who seems to be my favorite when it comes to the task I need working on is rather patient in teaching me how to do my cards right.
I did tell him he could train me and certify as well so I don't swamp him with work.
With the current rate we're going, I hope I learn faster.
This is borderline insane and we've only started.
I guess the photo in itself is self explanatory. I am a work in progress. =P
Our team had a get together or a team building of some sort at City Lights in Lahug since basically we had a few members that weren't part of our training group.
So in a way, the activities we did have allowed us to know the rest of the team and was an ice breaker for the awkwardness when meeting new people.
This photo was taken at City Lights. It's not as grand as my cousin's condo but it was pretty nice. The combination of urban living and the added greenery and the pool to balance out the concrete structures.
As much as I want to eat healthy...I have a tendency to stray. LOL
I mean, was I supposed to resist this???
I was actually on my way home when my cousin Mike sent a text message asking if we could go out and have something to eat. I guess he was in the mood for burgers.
So there went my diet and my sleep. Since I couldn't sleep immediately after that meal.
Worth it though. LOL
The great thing about being in a team, is being able to share not only problems which in a way lessens the burden for one person, but also sharing of lives.
In every opportunity we do try to share. Problems and even the ridiculous things we get into or have gone through in our lives or in our day.
Usually over lunch, snack breaks or impromptu snacks on our station and even during a lull in a work-mode atmosphere, where someone would suddenly say something strange, or as most cases are: "relatable". LOL
Another photo taken on the Thirsty stand at the I1 Building in IT Park.
It seems they have some sort of trend in having fruity decorations.
The last time was more on oranges while this one is a watermelon.
It's a very interesting way of attracting costumer. Rather visual and works well with someone like me who's a little trigger happy with the camera. LOL
I met up with my friend Adiong and had dinner at Dong Juan Parkmall. She was complaining that I haven't had time to meet up with her a nd a few friends I worked with at Sykes.
Training and learning something I am new at does eat up my time added the fact that I was just newly assigned to go to work on the EMEA shift.
As I have indicated on the photos I've posted on our date, since it was quite in demand so Adiong could have a new profile pic for her Facebook account:
Friendship is always a work in progress. To make it work, we put effort to meet up with friends despite distance, time and most especially work.
We each are entitled and responsible to be someone's sounding board and the comfort that they could be ours.
And at the end of the day, it is not time wasted, but moments of memories that strengthen our bonds.
I miss a lot of old friends.
I could understand if they do work outside the country. However, some do make the effort to stay in touch on line or when they're back in Cebu for a visit.
However, what sucks are friends that are within the same city and not a text, chat or email greeting.
So I don't think distance is a great factor, not with the technology we have now. Work has a greater hold on the time we have. And there's just plain neglect. And friendship without a little bit of effort don't flourish.
Lucky if by chance we are able to reconnect with people.
Luck however is something I barely rely on.
(This is a photo of my sister with chocolate-coated Sunflower seeds in her hands.)
I believe that giving should be done with open hands. It's symbolic that when we give, we actually mean to give and not hold back or have any doubts on that decision. Furthermore, to give is not to count it as a future favor that someone would give you, like a counter measure that good deeds would be my score for going to heaven when I die.
As ridiculous as it may sound, there are still a lot of people who give with the intention that the person they are giving something to would give them something in return. It's an anti thesis of the definition of giving.
I'm sure that not a lot of people think like I do. I just hope there are some that do than the bleak possibility that there aren't...which come to think of it, sounds pretty arrogant of me. Gomen gomen.
But honestly speaking. I actually think before I give. I think whether the person really needs what I am to give, whether this would possibly make the other person dependent on other people providing him what he needs instead of actually working hard to achieve it on his own. I think whether I am giving because I want to or being pressured to provide (which is rare).
It sounds like I am over complicating everything. However, some things aren't that simple. Giving is a simple act it's complication is before the decision to give and the aftermath of it.
I've always had a habit of taking pictures of my feet when in a new place or when out with friends. If not my feet, my glasses; which actually frustrates some people who expect that I post a photo of myself while there.
Well...I do...sometimes...okay very seldom. When someone else is holding the camera.
Since I've gotten my camera, If it's not a photo of the dogs, it would be of my feet or my glasses and light fixtures.
Can't really blame me. With this project I barely choose a photo with people as part of the subject...maybe body parts..like hands and feet. LOL
I try really.
It's not for an artistic angle per se...the artistic word is such a pressure. More like, for what I like to show and what I see.
I think I've mentioned this before in a previous blog.
Hmmm not too sure.
I was invited to a coffee date by Careyn and Carla during my work hours. So I opted to have my lunch break with them than eating out with my team mates. Good thing the coffee shop was on the same building as the office, so I didn't have to consider travel time on my coffee date.
It seems that Carla has resigned from Lexmark so in a way we were on a date to catch up on what's happening in each others lives.
I am excited for her. Our last stint with Alorica was fun and the exposure outside of Sykes was a welcome balm despite how things ended. Personally, I liked how things worked out. I needed a time off from work and I got it and I am now working in a different industry. Which is good for me. Learning new things keeps my interest, keeping my interest is a factor I never considered to be something I now consider for employment. Previously, it was working for the sake of making a living...that I think I have forgotten to get a life.
I hope that with the new job, Carla gets to have more options and enjoy the new possibilities. I hope Careyn gets some relief from all the stint in her office.
Wherever they're going, I wish them both luck, more opportunities and new discoveries.
After trying out the Little White Man plant project, I am now on a larger (not by much) plant that I keep inside my room and by the window.
It's an attempt not to make the same mistake with the Little White Man project, where I placed it outside of the room where there was barely any air and the heat was more than the plant could stand. Watering daily has not been an issue, I think the problem was the humidity inside the apartment, placing it outside would have been torture since I'm not home during the hottest part of the day to transfer it inside. So I now opted to place it by my window, with both Sun and Air at a moderate degree and then water daily.
We'll see how this goes.
After our apartment was ransacked, I had the door to my bedroom fixed, but because the door knob was completely destroyed and the door itself was cracked, the carpenter had to affix pieces of wood to sort of complete the door and I had to get a new door knob.
However because of the previous destruction of the door, the new door knob kept getting stuck or where it was difficult to even turn the door knob.
One day it just won't budge that my sister and I ended up destroying the door again. Frustrating. Most definitely. However, the funny part, was that we were sweating our asses off trying to open the door and the two monsters were looking at us like we were idiots. They would peek at what we were trying to do then go back to my sister's room to go back to sleep. So helpful.
Wall or ceiling ornaments are great subjects for photography. I could be wrong, so it just might be my own opinion.
It's the same thing with light fixtures, which could actually work as a wall or ceiling ornament as well. However some light fixtures are just for desks or center tables.
This was taken from a side walk vendor stall, that sells native decors and souvenirs. If it wasn't such a risky thing to do where I could freely take photos while I am in Colon street, that would be awesome.
I still have not found a photography club or group that is interested in doing a photo walk during my rest days. Usually have photo shoots with my sister and Jansen and sometimes with my mom.
We'll see. I have not actually been active in looking for a specific group. I think I am quite content with the current one I have with family and friends but I am open (I think) to meet up with a few people with the same interest.
I love dogs in general, but I am inclined more to the bigger breeds.
The first time I saw a German Shepard was when I was in first grade when one of the GSD from the house next to our school wandered inside the campus and even lined up in the cafeteria.
It was love at first sight. Sad to say, I never had a really big dog until Tinker.
My first.
I saw a number of large breed dogs at the Mactan Shrine during Bark for Love 2013. There were more people this year, it was like triple the numbers since last year's event.
My sister and I brought our parents with us and invited our cousins as well as friends. It was a blast taking photos of the dogs there. My parents who are the initial reason why my sister and I love dogs had a great time. I think my dad took a video of the labrador playing catch in the water.
This is one of the dogs I really really wished I could take home with me. A black German Shepard dog. He's so darn pretty!!!
*dies of cuteness overload*
I used to eat YanYan when I was younger. On a whim, we bought a few while we were doing our groceries.
To my surprise, the YanYan biscuit sticks have words written on them already, where they didn't have them before; just plain biscuit sticks.
Had a blast eating and reading and taking photos.
As silly as it may sound, I had fun.
Some people might find it corny; having words on food. But I think, it's a very innovative means to let kids have fun and at the same time learn while eating them.
I got myself something that I've always wanted. I find these two words meaningful and a good reminder aside from the fact that it's the title of one of the greatest songs I have ever heard; both in lyrics, composition and personal meaning.
Ever since I was a child
You always said that I should understand the rules
You take some and give less
Sit high above the rest don't you?
As I ask a simple question
Cuts me off with his reply
He's been practicing for decades
Now he thinks I have the time
He flows in and out of riddles
Looking me straight in the eye
But it seems like something's missing
From the days when he was more my size
Ten years older and I've finally found my pride
This old man comes rolling home to die
Old feelings make it hard to decide
Just what it means to me
Everything exists 'tween black and white
You can twist and distort the most blatant of lies
Or just offer up solutions
Practiced only in your mind
I've lost half my life to wisdom
So forgive me if I come off sounding bitter
If my words push you away
If I seem surprised to see you
Lying here, in front of me
Just consider what you're asking
And give me a little time
'Cause I'm still having trouble breathing
For in all these days
I've never seen you cry
Ten years older and I've finally found my pride
This old man comes rolling home to die
Old feelings make it hard to decide
Just what it means to me
No son of mine
Should I be sleeping?
No son of mine
You never understood
That I don't need your help
Don't have to save me from myself
Or take me out to prove
That I should live my life like you
As I ask a simple question
Cuts me off with his reply
He's been practicing for decades
And I am listening this time
He flows in and out of riddles
Stories change without the wine
And at least he seems much clearer
On how it feels to be my size
Ten years older and I've finally found my pride
This old man comes rolling home to die
Old feelings make it hard to decide
What it means to me
Just what it means to me
Ten years older and I've finally found my pride
This old man comes rolling home to die
Old feelings make it hard to decide
What it means to me
Just what it means to me
Just what it means to me
Just what it means to me
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/0-9/8stops7/
I was sitting on the floor during a meeting when I took this photo. My team mate Guen was on the table in front of me and kept trying to catch the moment she stopped moving her feet. I think I got the picture right when she was flexing her right foot up.
She was working on one of the reports we were expected to provide during carrier calls. Learning how the client does it and we'll probably change the report once it's our time to take over.
Of course that would come with re-educating the carriers with the "new" report. As defined, part of our role is to influence the carriers on a process that would fix if not eliminate defects that causes exceptions and to take control of maintaining a good relationship despite any issues that would come up.
Pressure.
I am a big fan of Thirsty or any fruit drink shake stand. Both for the health reasons as well as taste. Don't get me wrong. I like soda like most people. I like the fizzle in my mouth.
I guess in this time and age; mine considering, I should lay off from soda and just stick to water or fruit juices or milk tea. (Notice I do not mention coffee. This is because it's a different ball game for me).
Since we usually eat out during lunch breaks and we get to try places all over IT Park, I often have my camera with me since I get to go to places with interesting things to take a photo of.
Despite not eating most of the food I take a photo of, they are still interesting subjects, specially the ones with the odd colors.
This is a...cake of some sort in a cafeteria on the 3rd floor of the I1 building in IT Park. I didn't really get one for dessert,just rather colorful and eye-catching. (or this is just an obvious manifestation of my secret kink with orange)
I think I've had all kinds of snacks since I've been working with the new company. Everyone's into eating snacks and lunches together. So in a way, I get to try all kinds of food I haven't tried before.
Glad to say that some were quite surprisingly good and I would no longer avoid eating...just because.
Mildred took a few months off from Denmark to visit her family and also stayed here in Cebu.
Rahbie, Roy and I, met up with her for dinner of get together. I realized that it was the same set of people I was with on a "Dinner that went Awry"; where Mildred wanted to have dinner where she can see the stars, and so we ended up at Mr. As, which has a mountain view of the city.
We still ended up in the same vicinity and also went home via "habal-habal", which was over-priced yet exhilarating.
Diner was a success. We caught up on each other's current life, work, love and whatnot's. Had an awesome dinner under an artificial set of stars; although the place had a really great ambiance. But most of all, we get to have that freezing and hellish ride again. LOL
Until the next 2 years!
This is Ducky.
Just like Tinker, he's a little paranoid.
At least Tinker has a bit of social life since he has Rebel.
Ducky on the other hand has no canine interaction.
He's a little small than the types of dogs I'm used to. But he's a mighty little sprite who guards the house.
I think he's a bit used to me now. Since he allows me to goof around with him. It's when I get back home to my own monster where I'm having a bit of issue. Tinker doesn't like other dogs except Rebel. Often when I've been with Ducky and I get home, Tinker would try to rip my jeans or my shirt. *sigh*
This is a photo of Ducky who's still a bit paranoid. The camera's clicking sound makes him a bit frantic.
Last day of training was spent at the office where there were discussions on the raised issues we discovered during our stay at the Marriott as well as a training/discussion on assertiveness.
Added to the activities scheduled, we were provided with Valentine's Day goodies. We got ours post Valentine's Day since we were at the Marriott during the office's celebration.
SO this is my post heart's day note: Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you.
I celebrated Valentine's Day training at the Marriott and most of the guys there were either in Black or Red.
So my V-Day was an overload of more information but still with the sideline jokes and food photo op with the rest of the training group.
By the end of training, a group of us headed to the Jeepney terminal in Ayala. On the way, there were a lot of couples hanging around the Terraces area as well as clumps of (probably) friends.
Hearts day is not only for couples, as a friend has repeatedly said the entire day, which we basically proved to be true. I did have a short dinner date. (ehem)
I used to get annoyed with the concept of Valentine's Day. I found it over-rated and a poor excuse for people to spend for pointless things.
Now that I am older.
Scratch that.
Now that I am wiser, I find that I can be tolerant about almost everything. If it makes people happy and has not harmed anyone, go for it.
So yeah. I hope you had a great Valentine's Day with your loved ones or friends or both, whichever works for you.
An apple a day.
Doesn't work for me. I don't eat apples on a regular basis. Sure. I like eating fruits. And I'm glad our pantry at the office do cater a selection of fruits, which are easily consumed before my shift starts.
My team mates and I do try out eating at different establishment all over IT Park that's within reasonable expense. I am happy to say that said establishments do offer fruit choices.
I think I might try buying some when I buy our groceries and then take one to work every day. It would be less expensive that way I think.
We'll see.
I've always been a fan of Japanese food. I would say I was attracted first on the presentation and only appreciated the taste when I finally started working.
A student budget isn't sufficient to allow me to try out Japanese food. Not with the economy then.
The fascination with the Japanese language came a little later and greatly influenced by my addiction to Japanese anime.
I got tired of reading the translation at the bottom of the screen. I've decided to learn the language so at least I wouldn't have to switch from reading the translation and watching the actual anime action.
However, I really don't tell people that reason when asked why I try to learn the language. I always give the excuse that it's a good investment to learn another foreign language outside of English, which isn't exactly a lie.
Until now I'm still learning and it would seem I need to relearn a few things as well as practice what I've learned so far.
Totemo muzukashi yo.
