Tag Archives: work

Some Kind of Regression

So whenever I have some free time (or when I’m simply bored), I find myself not only Plurk-ing but also Facebook-ing. I’m not much of a Facebook person, but right now it’s got me fascinated because of all the stuff I can add (how late am I?!), and also on the people I find in Facebook. Awesome, right? It’s almost like Friendster, only more sophisticated. At least, I think so. :P

Anyway, so I’ve been “re-connecting” with a lot of friends and colleagues from my previous employer. Now to anyone who knows me and has talked to me and knows about my previous work experience…well, you know what I would tell you. Simply put, I was just extremely glad to be able to find a new job in a company that I like.

Needless to say, my dismal keeping in touch skills prevailed with my old colleagues and I was hardly able to be in contact with them for a year. I managed to visit them once to get my back pay, but things other than random phone calls and texts were rare. There was even a time when I was invisible to them on YM, mostly because there was this pending stuff that I didn’t have enough time to finish. Then came a time when I was supposed to meet up with one of my close friends there, but she didn’t show up…and then contact was zero afterwards.

Now I’m seeing them all over Facebook, and I can’t help but wonder how they are. I heard that my old team there went to a team building session last December (in Batangas, I think, not at a Wilmington NC real estate), and even if I feel a teensy bit bad that I wasn’t a part of it, I was glad that they actually had that. I also see a lot of gimmicks going on, something like a regular weekly thing (just like the Friday nights that my teammates have heh). There are also a lot of new faces, and I see that there are also people who aren’t there anymore. And then there are the Facebook groups that I wonder if I try joining, would I be welcome?

Anyway, the point is, I sortakinda miss it. I miss them. I don’t really miss my old job, or how I felt there (oh, but my being there was actually a time when my prayer time was very, very healthy), but I miss the people. I love my work and my team and the people I am with right now, but I did find some good friends and had some good laughs with the people I used to work with. And I kind of wish once again that I was better at keeping touch with them.

It’s not too late, isn’t it? I hope not. I really, truly hope not.

First Work Week of 2009

The first work week is over — yay. Just as how I used to feel back when I was in school, the first week always felt like it lasted forever. It wasn’t bad, really, just tiring, and it takes some time for me to get my bearings especially with other things that I have set out to do this year. I know it’s bound to get busier, but I just need to take it one day at a time. Deep breaths. Heh. I swear, I have to stop thinking about my to-do list so I won’t get stressed. :P

Oh, but a little Big, Fun and Scary Things to do for 2009 update first:

  • Wordplay‘s still ongoing and I just finished writing #9. I end up using my NaNoWriMo 2008 characters so much, which is good because I get to see them in other situations. It’s also bad because I can’t seem to get them out of the situations I’ve put them in back when I was still writing the novel. Hm.
  • I finished reading my second (e)book for the year, That Summer by Sarah Dessen. I’d review all the ebooks I read, but I’d really rather review them when I have the actual book in my hand, which I am planning to buy, especially if it’s Sarah Dessen. 48 more books to go!
  • I’ll be off to Batangas on January 24, so yay! It’s not really a new location to travel to, but I haven’t been to the resort. :P Haha this should be fun. I want to schedule s trip somewhere up North this year though, other than Baguio. Maybe Ilocos? :)
  • Cors and I checked out the boxing gym near the office and the price is pretty good. We just have to figure out a boxing schedule. :) I’ve been watching what I am eating and although it’s not really a diet, I’m eating less rice in the day, more fiber in the morning and generally less sweets. Now I need to get moving — literally — if I want to shed some of these flabs off so I won’t have to wear corsets when I need to have a figure. :P
  • And finally, I’ve been discussing stuff with my dad and I’m seriously thinking of getting an MBA. It’s funny how I am thinking about that now, especially since I did not want to have anything to do with business related courses back in college, but now I’m actually thinking about it. I think that it would really be interesting and useful and fun, especially if I plan to stay longer where I am (and actually get to climb the corporate ladder…erm haha I never thought I’d say that heh). But let’s see. :)
  • I’ll be meeting up with an old friend in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait. Must plan stuff with other friends too, and visit the alma mater to see the new faces of YFC. :D
  • Oh and finally, for the past week, I’ve been at work as early as eight in the morning and the latest I’ve been at work was last Wednesday when I had a meeting. I get restless when I stay longer than 8 hours already, plus I’ve managed to go home with the sun still out for the past week. Miracle. Haha, I hope I can keep this up. :)

I think that pretty much sums it up for now. :) Now it’s Friday, but I’m feeling sleepy already, and we have a wedding to go to tomorrow. Happy weekend everyone!

Oh, Saturday

So it was a lazy Saturday for me, which kind of made up for the fact that I was out almost all day yesterday. I still feel like I wasted this day a lot, but then again, who knows when I’ll be able to have a relaxing (not to mention very chilly) Saturday holiday again?

Anyway. What have I been doing since yesterday?

  • Worked on wordplay entries. I knew writing a piece for 365 days is crazy and difficult, but the first day felt like pulling teeth. The next two days were easier, but I have a feeling it’s only because I was doing it at an earlier time. I wonder how it’d be once I get back to work. I’m thinking I should set some rules on this, like how many excuses I am allowed to have, and how many misses…I don’t want to feel like I’m cheating myself though. So it won’t be 365 pieces anymore. Hm. Let’s see how long I can hold out. :p Oh, and if anything, I have no idea what to write about tomorrow.
  • Watched Baler with Happy yesterday. :) It’s a loooong movie, but it’s pretty good. I’m no movie expert, but I enjoyed it. I still prefer romantic comedies and animation, though. I got to watch Bolt that night when I got home, so that’s 2 movies out of the 25 I told myself I’d watch this year. I want to watch Dayo.
  • Again, yesterday was a day out with my parents and Happy. My parents and I heard mass at Megamall (love their Atrium!), then ate at Eat and Go (I might write a review sometime, if I feel like it haha) and then shopped. I love shopping with my parents, I get so many free stuff. Then Happy and I watched a movie, ate at Yogurbud, talked about Chuck ♥ and dinner at Amici. Great day. :)
  • Today, I stayed home and watched The 4400 all day. I’m on Season 3 already, and it’s starting to get really interesting. I just have to stop spoiling myself with Wikipedia entries. :P

Tomorrow’s the last day of vacation, and somehow I still don’t feel like going to work on Monday. I know everyone’s saying the same thing on Plurk, so I really echo your sympathies. Heh. I found it really weird that last year I was looking forward to going to work, and now I just want to stay at home and be on vacation, even if I’d end up watching TV and reading most of the time. Maybe it’s because I feel the incoming stress? Bleh. Think positively.

Tomorrow there’s a high school reunion (which I heard that there might be some fishy stuff that might happen, hmm) and I’m planning to go, provided my other friends go too. Hm, now I think I might have something for wordplay tomorrow. :P

Hm. And I want to go to Tagaytay before this chilly weather disappears.

Anyway, it’s getting late and I should start sleeping already if I want to change my body clock. Haha. One more episode of The 4400 before I sleep. :D Enjoy the last day of vacation everyone!

Upgraded to WordPress 2.7

As promised right after WordCamp Philippines 2008, I’ve finally upgraded my blogs to the latest WordPress versions.

Altogether now: HALLELUJAH!

I said I’d do it before the end of the year and with a new custom layout, but right now there’s just no time to make a new layout, so I thought I’d upgrade WordPress now, and work on a new layout during vacation (which officially starts tomorrow! WOHOO!). And here we are!

It’s not that hard to upgrade, as promised by the WordPress people. It’s a pain to back up so much files though, and check which plugins are not usable anymore. Honestly, I’m not even sure if I’m still using all of the plugins, but I’ll check that when I create a new layout. For now, this free WordPress theme would do. I still have to cleanup all the past posts and check for broken links, but I think WordPress 2.7 would help me go through all these past stuff. Yes?

Anyway, it feels great to blog again. I’ve been having some problems with the old version of WordPress that I have, and I hope this new version would help reduce those problems. (Oh and if you’re wondering what version I upgraded from, it’s WordPress 2.1. So whoever is still in that version, YES, IT’S POSSIBLE AND EASY TO UPGRADE TO THE NEWEST VERSION :D).

Today is the last work day for 2008, one day early because of the traffic on the streets. Our boss told us we could not go to work tomorrow, and just leave the dirty work for the seniors. I’m glad for that because I really don’t want to be at work during Christmas Eve. I already have our Christmas cake here (thanks Sugarhouse!), and I’m going to ride three tricycles with this. Haha good luck!

So yes, the last work day and when I get back to work next year, it’s going to be such a busy year ahead. I can feel it! It’s up to the point that when I think of it, I get scared…but I also know it’s going to be a good year ahead. :) I just have to make sure I make peace with this year before I jump into the next. Which means, a lot of de-cluttering and introspection in the next few days!

So here’s to a fruitful 2008, work-wise. I’ll post a longer one about this next time. For now, I’ve got to start fixing my things. It’s going to be a while before I get to see this workstation again. :D

Christmas Weather and December Stress

I don’t know what happened, but there was this deliciously cold breeze yesterday and I can still feel it until now. Can you feel it? :)

It sucks that I can’t enjoy it fully because I’m still kind of sick (these colds just won’t go away!), but I’m loving it. I can feel Christmas, and I haven’t even done my Christmas shopping yet!

I’m having some holiday blues though. Or maybe it’s because of the stress. Yesterday I was feeling all sad for some reason, and it’s not because I’m not out of the house because I really wanted to rest and work on my freelance projects. Earlier today I was panicking because of all the things I need to do for the next two weeks, and I don’t know if I have enough time or strength or if I can actually finish everything the way I want it to be finished, like:

  • Two freelance projects due this month. The second one is just a prototype and is relatively easier than the first one and I can do it during vacation, but the first one is consuming so much time that I feel like this will eat the developing time for the second one. Bah. The least I could do for the second one now is to make a template and a project plan and a requirements analysis document. That should take me one day…as long as I find some time. :| Can someone help me with Drupal theming?
  • PinoyWrimo TGIO party on Friday. I’m really thankful that Maita of Talecraft is helping me out, so less stress, but I still find myself stressing over the people who’s coming. Haha. Anuba. I’m missing our account’s party for this. Sorry guys, I’m needed here. I’ll be at our team’s Christmas party. :D
  • Work documentation stuff. I just need to send an email for this, and then worry about everything by the time I go back for work next year, but you know how I stress over these things. T_T
  • Christmas shopping/baking. Enough said. I’m thankful that we get one extra weekend in December before the  vacation, so at least I can deliver the gifts/baked stuff before we get off for the long vacation. :D I’ve got baked stuff for the people at work, some nice things for my other friends but nothing yet for my family. How lame is that? No complicated stuff like auto insurance, simple but meaningful stuff will do.
  • Domain renewals. Not only my domains, but send domain renewal emails to my hostees. Can do this in a day, and probably right before Christmas rolls around (haha what a Christmas greeting).
  • Upgrade my WordPress and make a new layout. This is personal, but I’ve put it off for s long and this layout’s been here for almost a year, that I really need to do something about it. When is WordPress 2.7 coming out?
  • Annual Physical Exam at work. This is stressing me out how? Oh the lab samples. And the exam is at 4pm. May I be excused this Monday because I’m still recovering from my cough? You don’t want me coughing during my X-ray, right? Hay. Good luck.

Add that and the usual work load at the office, club activities and this desire to write something even if I have absolutely no time at all. Bah humbug.

I really should get working now. I’ve got CSS e-books to hopefully help me with what I’m doing. Drupal, I shall conquer you! (Wish me luck!)

Sick Day

Today I filed my first sick leave in the span of one and a half years. Yesterday caught me under the rain every time I would go out of the office, and I already had a sore throat the day before, and then the oh-so-annoying colds. This morning I woke up with a relentless cough and wheezing lungs. Hello, asthma. We meet again.

So I spent the entire day lying down, eating my sick-day soup (macaroni, squash, tofu, oregano, cabbage), watching TV and reading books. Oh, and sleeping too. It’s been an uneventful day, and I’m still coughing like there’s no tomorrow. This reminds me of how I was back in elementary, when I would get sick every now and then — if not fever, asthma, if not asthma, fever. Sometimes a bit more serious, but I always pull through.

It’s kind of hard commuting when you’re sick though. This just means I should go driving.

Er, anyway. It’s 9:30 and I should get to bed. After this CSI Miami episode. I have a lot of work to do tomorrow that I’ve got no time to think of auto parts franchises, so I better rest now. :)

Take care guys, don’t get too sick like me. :P

Month's End

This time last year, I was busy with work and was trying to cope with my being on night shift. This time last year too, I was struggling to reach 50k for NaNoWriMo. This year, I’m on day shift, trying to cope with all the deliverables at work, and mellowing down from NaNoWriMo after reaching the finish line seven days early.

Right now I’m trying to think of the things to do in the last month of 2008 other than go Christmas shopping. Like:

  • Finish all due rakets (two!)
  • Upgrade my WordPress and create a new layout (musn’t forget this!)
  • Go to the dentist (I’m overdue)
  • Go shopping (I’m in need of clothes, seriously)
  • Clean my room (long overdue too)
  • Meet up with friends I haven’t seen for a long time

I know there’s more, but I just can’t think of them yet. I have a lot of things to do at work too, and December’s a short month (we’ll be off by the 24th, and will be back by January 2), so everything must be finished early. So. Many. Things.

Ah yes I’m stressing myself out again.

I was about to post something about NaNo’s end, but I’ll reserve that on the 30th. Now I’ll go back to my reading — nothing like good and comfortable home lighting to be in the mood for reading. :)

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving!

All Out, Burn Out

You know how some people have annoying and extreme mood swings? You know, happy one time, sad the next? Not quite manic-depressive, but you know, just extreme mood swings?

I think I have something like it. Only in things I do, not work.

See, some time ago, I was all out in all the things I do — be it work, extra-curriculars or even non-work. I believe that I should throw myself fully in everything I committed myself to. If I said yes, I must follow my word and see it all through. 100% commitment, as I say. Plus there’s me not complaining if things get difficult. Heck, I said yes, who gave me the right to complain?

I think one of the things that I really suck at though, is saying no. I mean, I can say no to some things, but you know how some people always has to offer help, even if their plates are so full? I’m that kind of person. I feel like I should always help someone, even in the smallest way possible, as long as I try to.

And…I know it’s not bad. And I’m not saying this to say that I’m a good person, but it’s just something I feel like I should do.

Lately though, I just feel tired of everything. Like I want to take a break. It’s like I’ve gone all out on other things for the past few months, and now I felt…burned out. No more energy, no more fuel.

Which is annoying, really, especially seeing that there’s so many things I need to do for the next few weeks or so.

Only, I don’t feel like doing it. It’s like…I want a break. It’s like I wish I didn’t take so many responsibilities before that people expect me to continue stepping up, even if I don’t feel like it. It’s like I’m resisting. You know when you’ve been stressed so much over something, that when you finally get to rest from them, you don’t want to go back to them ever again? It’s that feeling.

Is this burn out? Bah. I don’t believe in burn out.

Or maybe I’m just stressed.

Ack.

Anyway. This too shall pass. I just need to take it easy, really. Or at least, do some major de-stressing. :P I can’t wait for November — time to lose myself in the novels for NaNoWriMo. That shouldn’t be stressful. I hope. ^^;

I have an annoying stomach ache from skipping lunch then eating a big dinner. I brought lunch from home today so I didn’t eat it…I want to at least eat it since I don’t want it to go to waste…but I can’t eat anything anymore, even if it’s French toast casserole (whatever that is). I think I’ll just read The Thirteenth Tale and go to bed in a while.

September So Far

I did say wake me up when September ends at the start of the month, right?

Well, ironically, who’s not getting so much sleep? :P

It’s been 15 days since September and I:

  • …am still very busy. :(
  • …realized how much I love being a geek outside of work.
  • …started fiddling with stuff that I used to really do a lot, which is connected to the previous bullet.
  • …became a part of a group that is planning a major conference, but I missed the first meeting
  • …had to be around at work because our boss is in town.
  • …played bowling, and our team is on the semis (not necessarily because I’m on the team. Heh).
  • …took a vacation in the middle of the busy month and I do not regret going there AT ALL :) I miss Cebu! Proper blog entry to follow. :D
  • …went to the Manila International Book Fair to get my book fix but left early because of work.
  • …am getting very paranoid of my expenses, and to think we just got paid last Saturday! Bills, bills, bills! :(
  • …still have a lot of work to wade through, and because I’m still hungover from my vacation, I can’t think straight.

Bah. What a month, and it’s not yet over. I have so many things to finish, and so many things that are due at the same time, it’s crazy! Focus, focus, focus, Tina. You can do this! You will survive this!

I guess this is one of the times when I have to remember (yet again) that I can’t do everything, and I can’t be with everyone as much as I want to. And that I really, really have to prioritize, put first things first. I can do this. I can finish September with flying colors. I know I can, by God’s grace I can.

I think I need to stop thinking of this month as a curse and a month full of stress, just like how some people looking for jobs in Atlanta at this month might feel right now. This is grace month, and I can do all things Him.

If you can spare a prayer for me, please do. And if you need a prayer for something, let me know too, so I can pray for you as well. :) If you’re going through a difficult month, well, hang on, we’ll get through this. :)

Quality Time (and Splurging)

Today was sort of an extremes day. I was extremely stressed at work (well, okay, not that stressed, but stress levels were high), and what was really annoying was I was stressed at the end of the day, the worst time to be stressed ever. Bah. I’d rather not elaborate on that, but I swear, I am looking forward to my leave on September, and I will not let anyone stop me (hello, flight’s booked and will be paid tomorrow, plus we found an awesome place to stay among all the hotel deals). De-stress! I need it!

On the upside, I had dinner with my family tonight (by family, it now includes my soon to be sister-in-law. Which reminds me, I haven’t blogged about my brother’s engagement heh), and because I was the one who asked for the dinner, I paid for it. After picking up Ashley (more to her in another post!), I treated my family to Pasto and we ate and talked (about ghosts, of all things!), then went to Dairy Queen to eat dessert and finally home. It’s my dad’s last week for his leave and he will be back to Saipan soon, so there’s some kind of separation anxiety going on (at least for me, and probably my mom).

Even if I splurged today (and believe me, I really splurged), and I’m still somehow stunned with all my expenses today (and in the coming weeks),  I’m actually happy. :D Maybe it’s retail therapy talking and I’ll regret it soon, but I realized, after missing Sydney and all the other stress I’ve had for the past weeks, I deserve this. And because my Sydney trip was postponed, I also believe I deserve my upcoming trip, yes?

Please just help me not to lose focus on the other important things I need to focus on, not just my personal life. I must strike a balance.

Whew.

Tomorrow’s a looong day at work so I better call it a night (and did you notice how many parenthetical comments I have in this post? Major writing no-no, I know). Good night!