Thursday, August 30, 2007

The Fiasco Continues

I learned today that the AOTS slots supposedly given to us last month was moved to January instead of its original schedule of October. Nothing is really sure in life. When we we're asked if we're interested, we were asked to decided immediately (on the same day that we we're asked).

At the end of that same day, one of the two slots was revoked by top management (Cebu), which led me to take back my decision as well. I'm not telling all these to justify my decision. I won't even bother to find out why it was moved to a later date. These things do not concern me anymore. >:P

Right now, I'm prepping myself for a new chapter of my career so I won't dwell too much on the past. I have no regrets. But I won't deny the fact that sometimes, I do wonder, what would have happened, if the screw up, unintentional or not, never happened at all. :-?

You might wonder, whether that was the reason for my resignation... to get even perhaps. After all, scorpions tend to keep grudges. On other hand, those born in the year of the boar are peace loving individuals, so I can't be doing this for revenge... :) Talk about contradicting characteristics!

My next post will be about the true reasons for my resignation. Till next time... :)

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Things to Miss: Overtime, Overnight, Overload

I'm not really sure if anyone should miss these things. If not for the significant boost in my spending power during OT days, you really won't be able to appreciate whatever you're staying or doing for.

I remember a time when I had to render OT for a week. I was not able to see my sister even once. Whenever I got home, she's already sleeping, and when I leave for work, she's still sleeping. I was spending less than 8 hours at home, 3 hours traveling, and the rest working.

Those seemingly endless OT's have taken a lot from me, physically, mentally and emotionally. Aside from physical stress and fatigue, I'm often being scolded by my Dad for that.

In some extreme cases, we had to spend the night in the office. These are the times when we're a few days before our deadline. OT's are usually part of our regular schedule, we do OT's to be on schedule and overnights to meet deadlines. :(

In my case, I do overnights for other reasons, such as Network maintenance and support. I also stay in the office when its already too late and difficult to go home (past 11:00PM) and kind enough not to disturb Mang Jerry in his sleep. :P

Overload, like the other two, is not something unusual in our group. Mainly due to lack of man power and an unreasonable schedule.

But, what's really good about these 3 O's is the bond and friendship that we've built during these tough times. Having someone to support you in these difficult times makes everything lighter and easier.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

A Mini HS Reunion: Geeks Reunited

I attended Glenn's celebration Gloria Maris, Greenhills last Sunday. His father hosted a sort of victory party for him, for ranking 3rd in the Architect Licensure Exams. ^_^

Relatives, friends, classmates, and teachers were invited. It was like a mini high school reunion for some of us. It is really nice to see some familiar faces. :)

I haven't visited my high school alma mater for quite a while now and meeting some of our school teachers and administrators made me feel a little anxious.

As a sign of courtesy, we went over to their tables and greeted them. Some of them doesn't remember my name any more. 7 years must have been really long. Some of them were also surprised to see me. Probably because I've grown taller and changed my hair style :P

And as my title suggested, some geeks were reunited.
Magan short for Marc Gan, the Anime Geek.
Thomas Ellyson, the Anime/Math/Science/History/Computer Geek...
and me, your Regular Geek.

Ellyson works for PLDT, he's in-charged with residential DSL subscriptions. Back in high school, we used to be partners in several math and science competitions. Actually, he's the one doing most of the thinking and solving. I'm just the attraction. >:)

Here's a picture from last Sunday...


The guy standing next to me wearing glasses is Thomas.
The other guy beside me is Magan.
The one standing next to Magan is Glenn.

Here's a photo taken while I was in 1st or 2nd year high school...


I was really short back then...

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Water, Water Everywhere

Some photos from this morning...

Flooded street...


Flooded inside...


At least an inch...


Paper boats...

Road to Learning

I got a chance to talk with our manager when I submitted my letter of resignation. Not so long ago, I was just one of the people who feel anxious whenever an employee is talking to him. We all wonder whether that person is already resigning or not. And if he is, what are the things that they are talking about. Last Tuesday, I finally experienced the feeling of being that person, the one being watched.

It was one of the best conversations I've had in my entire stay in the company. Although I don't really remember much of the details, I felt good during the few minutes of our exchange of words.

After asking where am I transferring, he suggested that I should consider getting a master's degree since I'm still young. He also added that there are currently a bunch of scholarships in some of the best Universities in the world.

I think it's a pretty good idea to go back to school. But this time, I could take my time and don't have to be pressured just to pass or graduate on time... :)

I still have so much to learn in this life...

Friday, August 17, 2007

Why Boats Sink?

I came across this article while searching in Google...

WHY BOATS SINK (AND HOW TO KEEP THEM AFLOAT)

The cost of repairing a boat that has been underwater, even briefly, is usually about 40% of its value.

Besides having to pay the deductible, the skipper typically loses the use of the boat for several weeks while it is being repaired. The best defense against a dockside sinking?

Visit your boat. And, at least twice a season, inspect any fittings above or below the waterline that could be letting water into the boat. All too often, skippers rely on bilge pumps to bail them out when they can’t visit their boats.

The pump fails and the boat sinks. If you can’t visit your boat regularly, consider using a buddy system with other boat owners to watch each other’s boats.

Click here to read the full article.

I find the first few paragraphs rather funny and interesting...
Maybe, it's just me. :)

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Soaked Wet

I woke up a bit late today because I was really tired from another series of overtime work. I left the house around 7:30AM hoping to catch the 8:20 trip.

But to my disappointment, the colorum van I was riding was caught in traffic even before it could reach Roxas Boulevard. So much for the 8:20 trip. I just hoped that I could still catch up with the last trip (8:45).

Again, to my disappointment, before we reach Makati, heavy rains started to pour. Which worsened the traffic conditions in the area. T_T

I arrived at my usual drop-off point (The Peninsula Manila) around 8:50 and it was really raining hard. My umbrella was pretty much useless in preventing my jeans from getting wet.

I've decided to get a cab near Starbucks instead of walking to the Fort Bus terminal.
Finally, I was able to reach the office in one piece. It's just that I'm soaked wet. T_T

The first thing I did was to change my clothes so I won't get sick. Good thing I kept a pair of shorts in my cabinet. Then, I left my shirt, jeans, and socks in the eating room to let them dry.

It was an awkward day. Having to wear shorts on a working day. Not to mention the lady slippers I borrowed from Harmy. I tried my best not to move around a lot. >.<


The black one is mine and I bought the green one for my younger sister...


And I'll be retiring my 5+ year old semi-automatic umbrella which has served my pretty well in the past few years...


29 days to go...

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Things to Miss: The Risks of Going Home Late

For the next 30 days, I'll be posting the things/people/happenings that I would probably miss after I leave NSP.

First on my list, the thrills of going home late...

I live in Tondo, and it usually takes me more than 1 hour to reach home by LRT+MRT+Jeep combination. That is also by far the safest means of transportation available for me. But because LRT closes before 9PM, I'm left with some not so safe alternatives.

Jeepney, where I experienced my first and hopefully my last "Buko pie hold-up" incident.
Bus, where a gay dude w/ boobs tries to get my attention.
FX, where I was harassed by the same gay dude w/ boobs. T_T

I've pretty much tried every possible alternative in getting home. Luckily, I still haven't encountered any life threatening experience with any of them. Hopefully, I won't be encountering any in the next 30 days even though I'm asleep in most of my travel time. >.< ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For those who are interested in going to my place, here's a list of possible ways to do so: 1. (MRT to Edsa-Taft) -> (LRT to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Fast, Cheap, and Safe
2. (MRT to Edsa-Taft) -> (Jeep to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Slow, Cheap, and Unsafe
3. (MRT to Edsa-Taft) -> (FX to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Fast, Expensive and Safe

4. (Bus to Buendia-Taft) -> (Jeep to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Slow, Cheap, and Unsafe
5. (Bus to Buendia-Taft) -> (FX to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Fast, Expensive, and Safe
6. (Bus to Buendia-Taft) -> (FX to Moriones) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Fast, Cheap, and Safe

7. (Bus to UST) -> (Jeep to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Slow, Cheap, and Safe
8. (FX to UST) -> (Jeep to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Fast, Cheap and Safe

9. (MRT to Cubao) -> (LRT2 to Recto) -> (Jeep to Tayuman)
- Slow, Expensive, Safe

10. (Ask Donna to give you a ride) -> (Jeep to Tayuman) -> (Jeep to Pritil)
- Fast, Cheapest, Safe

Monday, August 13, 2007

For Food Lovers

Planning for a food trip? group lunch out?
Looking for a good place for a lunch or dinner date?
or Just feeling a little hungry?

Checkout this blog http://eatsmychoice.blogspot.com/
for some fresh ideas on your next food adventure.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Letting Go

I just had a pretty rough day indeed...

This morning, I talked to Ate May about my resignation next week.
It was really difficult, but it had to be done...
Tomorrow, I'll be talking to Tanaka-san and Sir Gonz.

But... this is not only reason why I had a rough day...

Though this may seem pretty embarrassing for some, I felt I need to put some details to complete my post for this interesting day.

Most people believe that "everything happens for a reason". I had weird experience today that can give a little truth to this statement.

As I came to the office this morning, my stomach started feeling weird. It seems that I may have eaten something wrong this morning or yesterday. It was making some weird sounds and was a bit painful.

And though I've already went to the comfort room twice this afternoon, it was still making some noise and getting more painful.

I had to leave the office early in order to reach home as soon as possible. While walking to the MRT, I felt that I should just "release" it right away.

I've decided to go the comfort room in basement of SM. When I got there, all the urinals we're removed and under maintenance. Because of this, all the people are using the cubicles instead. So I told myself that I may still be able to hold it until I reach home.

Surprisingly, the lines in the MRT entrance were short. This perhaps is my lucky day. At that moment I thought I'll be getting home in no time.

After a few minutes I found myself in the LRT station waiting for the train. At that point, I was desperate and trying my best to control it for another 40+ minutes.

After 4 stations, I realized that I really have to let go. I've decided to get off at Pedro Gil station, where there are several fast food chains. Just when I reached the door of the train, the train stopped, there was a technical problem. Talk about bad timing. After a couple of minutes, it moved and the door finally opened.

I went to Jollibee and headed for the comfort room. I won't be talking about what happened inside, I'll leave this to your imagination. After the "release", I bought the new Molo Soup and a glass of dalandan juice to replenish some lost fluids. Then headed back for the LRT.

The 1st train that came was jam-packed so I've decided not to get in. When the next train came, I got in. It was dark since some lights were not working.

After 3 stations, the guy standing on my left suddenly called my attention...
It was Matt! I was speechless for several seconds. Talk about coincidence. Meeting an old friend in such place at the weirdest moment.

Most of the time, we tend to question everything that is happening to us or around us. And most of the time, we fail to get the answers no matter how much of our time and effort we give. And sometimes, we simply have to let go in order to let the answers reveal themselves to us.