Thursday, October 30, 2003
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I found the threading goddess in Makati today! I got my brows done and I didn't cry at all (I always cry during threading sessions--my threshold of pain is very low). She was that good. I almost cried of happiness though because she cleaned up my brows with minimal pain and just the way I like it done. Goody. I'm very frustrated with my brows and I'm glad I found her!
I was all dressed up today--long sleeved blouse, slacks and my hair pulled back. My dad described me as looking very "corporate and haughty" and that I should look that way everyday. Oh my. I have a bad feeling I may look like a disaster everyday at work. Is commuting an excuse? I don't think so. :(
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Sunday, October 26, 2003
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Book Since my friend has been asking me about interesting books to read, I was telling her of the book I just finished a few weeks ago and am completely nuts over.  "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, mainly because of the old theories that Dan Brown raised through popular fiction about the Church, its history and the divinity of Christ. He presented Da Vinci's work as the main source of the ideas, but he also pointed out the Disney movies as part of those who understand the Holy Grail story and try to bring it to the modern times. The book is full of explanations through the dialogue--perfect for those who don't know about the Holy Grail story or certain symbolisms and roots of particular aspects of religion (people like me). My dad didn't like it, though, maybe because it was too talk-y and found the Holy Grail concept incredible. I thought the Holy Grail story was intriguing because I never heard of it before and it seemed possible, although I sort of thought of some flaws din with it (I have to credit studying in a convent school and then later on in a conservative university for that). Still, it gave me another perspective on religion and faith. The story also made me search for Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" online and in art books just to see what the characters were actually talking about. It made me think and also search online about the Priory of Sion and all that. Wala lang, I enjoyed reading about "the sacred feminine." Interesting how history turns out, how symbols and ancient beliefs are still lived to this day without our knowing, understanding or appreciating it. Funny--I came across the protagonist's website. I already read Robert Langdon's first adventure ("Angels and Demons"). Fun and fast read, but I liked "The Da Vinci Code" more.
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Friday, October 24, 2003
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My one year of servitude (I picked up that phrase from "The Devil Wears Prada") is over and all I can think of is... Can I move on now?
The year flew by and the main thought that has been looming over my head is what my next step should be. I think I need a freaking career change. I cannot imagine moving on in a banking/financial institution. I never thought that I would even last the year. By my fifth month, at the near end of my project hire contract, I was wondering what would happen next--and now, the end of my first year and all I can think of is, bahala na. Well, that's a part of me. The other part wants to move on, but I don't know where to go. It scares me where to go next because I could be giving up a lot of other things. I'm scared to take other risks because I'm afraid of making the same mistakes I did before before yet (take note, still can hardly get over. I'm that weird). Sometimes I think I want to stay. Everything is great so far--okay, so maybe I get so traumatized because of the sudden changes, but that's part of life at work. I try to imagine, what if I become a super (hee, that's a long shot and three to four years yet--provided I have a good record, eek. It's not easy!) and it looks interesting. Or maybe I move on to a department more my liking (business development? Marketing?). But I really don't know if I have the will to stay. Days like today (my anniversary indeed!) remind me that this job is awfully difficult and sometimes, feeling ko talaga it's not worth it. *sigh* I'm so confused right now. I'm taking it a day a time, but it's still overwhelming trying to take big and baby steps to make my future what I want it to be. On the teeny bopper side of me today, I was so embarrassed because it was only me and Crushable in the pantry today. Oh dear. Wala, I just shoved my half-eaten Capuccino Cake (my treat for a happy anniv) into the fridge and left. The cake to be eaten later on instead. Am so pathetic. I don't think I could stand snacking with Crushable. I don't think I would've eaten a thing anyway. Ugh, I really should stop mooning over him. Background noise: News about the aspiring presidentiables. Ugh. I hate listening/watching the news or reading the papers--useless politicking gives me a headache. I don't see the point of these politicians. What makes people think an actor is fit to run a country? By the characters he plays? Uh-huh.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2003
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Ugh, I think I may have just admitted to Liz the very real possibility of old maiden-hood, singleton-dom and all the like. We were talking about that today and we both sealed this with a high five ("Yeah, old maid tayo!"). Goodness. Not that I'm super paranoid about that--I still think I'm really young pa talaga to terribly worry about that--it's just that I never really discussed it with anyone seriously and openly that idea.
It didn't help also that I realized tonight I am so used to being a third wheel (not third party, although...) with couples. It's almost second nature: I know when to look away and not butt in. Phooey. So as I was telling Ais today, if singleton-dom will really happen to me, then I will just spoil myself to death, travel the world and have the occasional affair with F4 Ken or Vic (only because he looks like my crush in their shampoo ad). "Okay ba yun?" I asked Ais. "Okay na yun," she replied. Hehe.
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Monday, October 20, 2003
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I think we're having a Halloween party this weekend at Bliz's place. I'm not really sure if I'm going (ha, was I ever sure?), but it sounds fun, especially since it's a costume party! Ais has this great idea of getting these glittery things that can be designed on the skin. I saw that in a magazine ages ago and I loved it! I didn't know it was available here until I saw Ais sporting a glittery temporary tattoo on her wrist today. Will be looking for that this Thursday!
Oh my gosh, I almost forgot... Tee, Marl, Empy and I are supposed to have an anniv thingy (dinner, most probably) on Friday. Wonder if that will push through? Shucks, I miss them. I missed the pc, promise! But I doubt I would've used it last week anyway--I was just in bed, sniffling and sneezing my days away. I still have traces of colds and cough, but my body is anitbiotic-fueled already so I hope by this week, no more colds. Goodness. Although I do like the effect of the colds on my voice--hoarse, a bit nasal. I just met Kuya's girlfriend today. He (jokingly) told her not to strangle me because she knew anyway about us being friends way, way before. He's the one who tells me about before, so why should girlfriend get mad? And she knows din pala about his past and all the other "ghosts" of before that I may have brought in. Anyway, she's terribly nice. Hmm, when I was finally able to check my e-mail, I found a whole bunch of invites to join Friendster. Everyone is saying it's very addicting--from my kabarkadas to my officemates to the people beside me in the FX. Goodness. I'm not awfully interested in Friendster yet because of a bad first impression earlier this year (not to me, though, through this online journal of a girl who stopped blogging because of that... I didn't get the reason why so much, but I got super paranoid about it). It seems interesting, but I'm not sure if I'm, uh, ready (is that the correct word? I don't think it's the right word, but I can't think of any right now) to join. Will see.
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Tuesday, October 14, 2003
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I'm a registered Philippine voter! Finally!
You would've thought that since the registration for new voters has been going on for a long time already, that by the end of October, there would not be so many people registering. I was wrong. The Registration place was jam-packed and if not for luck, I don't think I would have gotten registered painlessly. Ideally, registering should be an easy process, but with all sorts of people trying to register at the same time--all with different concerns (ie, transferring districts, incomplete docs, disabled and illiterate, people who simply can't understand, etc), it's not as quick as it should be. Goodness. My original plan was to go at 8a to get a priority number to get in (I already had my application filled up) and... wait. Or whatever. But Manang was going to town anyway so she said she would get me a number then I would just go later. Which was a brilliant idea because the number she was able to get for me at 8a was 479 (there are people who actually line up at dawn) and they were just registering the 100s. She said that I would have to go at 11a, by then, it would probably be my turn already. That really turned out to be a good move because when I got there at 11a, the reg people were servicing already the early 500s. So I was able to sail in. Step 1: Once I stepped in, I honestly didn't know what to do. It was a mess of people crowded at the counter, to my left were people sitting down (for what?). Finally, a policeman by the door asked if I was a new voter and he got my forms. His job is to mark my forms as "N" (new?), look over my form if I failed to answer anything (I missed two) and staple my docs together. He was amused that I brought four sets of ID (birth certificate, NBI clearance, passport and driver's license) stating my birthday (well-prepared!) when they only needed two copies of those docs. Then he directed me to... Step 2: Precinct numbering. This is unorganized as can be. No line, so you have to find a way to the front. I think I was lined up for this line to be attended to by a harrassed-looking, cranky woman who was telling off the woman at the head of the line (she didn't have the docs, etc). The woman at the counter would check your docs, encircle your date of birth and then list down your precinct number based on where you live. When it was my turn (after much shoving), she just looked over my docs, encircled my dob and looked for my barangay. On the table, there are old 3x5 index cards with different barangays/areas stapled together and they have to identify which area is which. These index cards are shared by the three officers giving the precinct number. She couldn't find my barangay in the mess of index cards--so I sorted through the pile and handed it to her. She listed my precinct and commented, "Buti pa 'to, kumpleto at maayos." Anything to make life easier. Goodness, at least she didn't interrogate me or maybe I looked credible enough as a first time voter. Others were asked if it was their first time, why did they bring such docs, etc. Step 3: Application Numbering. This is a looong line with only two people manning it. You just have to hand over your docs to the person manning it, they will write your name on yellow pad and then put an application number. In my case, the guy sort of complained my first name was rather long. I shrugged and he sent me off to Computer 11. Step 4: Computer 11 is one of the terminals where someone will input all your details into the PC, you have to get your fingerprints in and have your picture taken. Eek. Anyway, once here this is the last step so I was pretty relaxed already. The guy inputting my details again was complaining my name was rather long and asked if we could just put the initials, but I insisted on my full name lest I have a hard time looking for my name come the Election Day. Then he asked me to put my right/left thumb and forefinger to the machine for fingerprinting. He also asked me to sign on the signature pad--here, I actually asked to have it done again because my signature looked awful (same way I did in LTO before). My signature refused to come out well, so the guy just told me to make bawi in the picture--not even. Ugh. I didn't ask to have a retake. The guy was, I think, amused with me because he asked me, "Are you some kind of a balikbayan?" Uhhh, no. After that, it's over! I'm registered already! They said they would send my ID over. Wonder when? But at least I'm already registered. I sure believe my vote is worth it. On a side note, I'm not in a happy mood. I'm sick! Argh! Although okay na rin I don't have to take a sick leave to rest. Still, this is a bummer.
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Monday, October 13, 2003
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Yesterday was Tet's son's baptism. His name is Von Marco (nice name, Marco). Marco is about two weeks old and is so teeny and fragile and helpless looking, you just want to keep him away from the big, bad world out there. Promise. I didn't want to hold him because he is so delicate and looked so content in his mother's arms and I'm afraid I might do something wrong. I'm so happy for Tetty. Whenever I would see her just staring at Marco while carrying him, I can imagine Tet's just so amazed that she gave life to this little baby who will soon become someone with hers and Edwin's characteristics. I think it's hard to comprehend what exactly a mother thinks of when she is gazing at her child, but it's definitely a sense of wonderment, hope and love.
I'm pretty happy to see the girls again (my first time to ride with Anne and see her after our "true test of friendship")! It's not very often we see each other, especially during the last years in college and after that, but when we do see each other, it's like nothing changed. Well, just a little more catching up and a different perspective already, but it's all the same. Even with Tet married, it's just like before. And I feel good about that. It's like going home, back to people who know and understand me well.
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Wednesday, October 08, 2003
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Why why why is it when I am at my absolute worst, in dire need of maintenance, most hag-ish, super harrassed and irate and all that, I get an up close and personal encounter with someone?
I'm so frustrated. And why is it when I am feeling cute and bright and sunny (complete with dangly earrings), the people I am trying to charm don't even acknowledge my existence? The irony. :(
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Monday, October 06, 2003
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Eek. Effect of the change of schedule: I am starving right now! I just had dinner an hour ago when I got home, now I'm hungry again... goodness. But I'm so sleepy already. Will probably go to bed already, I am scheduled to be super early tomorrow. :(
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It feels so weird to be home at this hour! My teammates and I were teasing each other about how early we would be going home today.
Now that our schedule is in a semi-regular time, my body clock is taking its time adjusting. Especially since last night, I was at work until 12 midnight then I had to come in early today (it seems that everyone on my team was late today). Anyway, I'm really, really tired right now. I'm not used with the regular hours that we are starting to keep--I definitely got exhausted today. I think I have to put back a sense of "normalcy" to my life again (no more dinners at 1a or eating only two and half times a day). I'm going to miss the late schedule. I know I've griped about being the late team and I always want to be early, but I've learned to appreciate the long late nights, the added pay, the excuses to get out of a complicated problem and the relaxed feeling of that time of the night. Not to mention the bonding of the remaining people there, the kakulitan, etc of the people there. No more pre-log pigouts or after log gimmicks til the morning. Now it's all going to be dinner already or last full show. How we adjust. :) Ooh, I received an e-mail that we have a get together thing in my former college about career opportunities. I'm considering going because it sounds interesting and I hope to see my former batchmates... it's been a year already since I was out of there. Out of curiosity lang din for what else is out there? I'd like to explore din kase other options for a graduate from the program that I got into (I'd also like to re-appreciate taking the five-year program).
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Saturday, October 04, 2003
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The anti-social me gave in and went to the despedida-turned-celebration last night that ended in the wee hours of the morning. It was just supposed to be a team dinner that ended up almost like an anti-burnout party with a lot of people from work coming by.
Me being there was a surprise for most people, but as Liz was saying, I was just living the lessons I learned from the magazine we were reading before that one should attend all parties invited to, etc. (something like that--it was an article about getting out of the box). Fun siya, although, promise it was tiring. Just so glad Papa Bo is back. In parties, I am definitely not the hostess with the mostest. First off, I wasn't aware that it was going to be a DIY party. I thought it might be a potluck with Diane volunteering to bring pasta and then we buy the barbecue or something. It turns out Lizzie and Puals would be the one cooking the pasta at the house. Ehe. Rather than smoking and hanging out with the boys, I decided to putter around the kitchen. It felt awkward just being there while they were busy so I volunteered my services. So while Liz and Puals cooked and made the salad, the Home Ec reject (that would be me), did random stuff like wash the dishes, grate cheese, taste the timpla of the sauce and the fruit salad, put toothpicks on the hotdogs, pushing the cake on the plate, serving the pasta, etc. See, cookers like them need someone like me to help them out. :) I'm becoming a fan of house music! And the "team song" (theme song) was played over and over again. "Dove" is the official dance song, "Kailangan Kita" the official senti song. And the boys were quizzing me on the mag that was lying around (FHM, if you must know) and which I was flipping through, much to their amusement. I am the, uh, "innocent" one on the team and they were asking me what I learned from it. Haha. Syempre, because it's the Fab Team, it's an oversharing thing, nothing is kept from each other. Goodness. I feel guilty lang I wasn't able to stay and help clean up, but by three a.m., there seemed to be no sign of the party breaking up. :( My last Saturday as closing and I'm not there. Oh well. I wanted to celebrate a Saturday off by going to the mall but not possible because I slept the whole day. Obviously am not used to nights like the one before... pero honestly, how do my teammates handle not sleeping?
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Wednesday, October 01, 2003
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I was listening to Mai Mai lecture another teammate about his issues with Bo and team play. And being the only other person there, I felt the lecture was also sort of directed to me (literally and figuratively).
You see, I am the anti-social one. I am well-known for that: I don't go with them during the after log inuman or anti burnout parties or even the joint birthday bash of most of my teammates (a miscalculated miss). It's not that I don't want to--there are times that going home for me would be a problem. No one goes home to the east side and it's sometimes really embarrassing to ask my parents to fetch me in the wee hours of the morning, especially as they have to be up and about early. Aside from that, drinking is not really my thing. They know I don't really drink and I feel that I would be so OP there. So I make it painless by avoiding the whole thing. My absence from various bonding sessions has been noticed, but it's not that I avoid being part of the Fab Team. I think they are a great bunch of people. I was apprehensive at first to be part of the team because the only person I knew from before was Lizzie and the others (especially the seniors), I only knew from one buddy up during my training days. But now, sobrang enjoy and I am glad to be part of that. I think they do understand naman my position and they don't really force me into anything I wouldn't want to get into... wala lang, I'm not avoiding them or anything and I try naman to be part of the team, as much as I can, when I can. I mean, the only way to survive in our work is to have a good team to depend on. Like what Mai Mai was pointing out, it's not just the team in terms of statistics or leads, but team in helping each other out at work, being one big barkada as well. So there, the gist of her lecture and my learnings. I wasn't really prepared to assess myself and team play today, but it did help make me think that maybe I shouldn't be so detached from them (but I'm not naman, I guess. Sometimes, I just feel like I'm on the fringes of the team... oh well) and once in a while, live it up with them. Well, we'll see on Friday. :) I was unintentionally in blue today... oh dear. Should've worn red or yellow (dragons?).
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