a tribute to the past

"Give the past its due credit, but not more than what it deserves."

Just a little something that i told my bitter bestfriend today. It gave me a haunting thought as well. am i still living in the past? i hope not.

For u my friends, learn well.

"wag na… baka ipagkalat mo lang"

somebody told me those words just now, and i just have to react really. i maybe petty, but there's one thing i pride myself in - my ability to keep be a confidante. so i'm really pissed off when those words were told to me. for someone who have the decency to told me to keep his secret, because nobody else knew it yet, and guess what? i heard it even before he shared that secret from a lot of people already. really now. ala lang. this is just me shoving it off to u.

sabi nia, he didn't visit my site, but he had the idea of what's here. i dunno really. but i just wanted to rant out what i felt earlier - not on a personal level, but more of to really assess myself if i really am inclined to this kind of attitude. basta ganun na lang. it wasn't serious daw, but i felt it was that's why i was offended. i dun't think i need to apologize for taking it as i see it, but hell, can i blame me?

ok. over with this & done with it. time to move on.

.end. realizations. start.

i have another work-related rant (as infracted calls it) to post.. including some other realizations at work.

*~*~*

that april 17 issue needs closure: yesterday was the day i needed to decide. frankly, my decision last friday hasn't changed. i decided to stay. regardless of the who i talked to, or what others may say. i decided to stay last friday, and despite another up in the salary package, i decided to stay put for a while and hold the reins. therefore, i'm closing the question i opened on the earlier post. my feet will step on Singaporean Land on april 17th (hmm unless that trip backfires too, then i guess id be back at my desk having another usual Monday mourning)

*~*~*

looking into the problems from the top-view: i don't claim to be a managerial type of person. i do have my tatay as an "idol" in this field, not because he's my dad - but the fact that i heard from people who doesn't know i'm family, how good he is. and looking back at my Sociology 101 days, there were some perspective that were taught how to look at it from the top-view. i guess, coming from a school where many rich people study (that doesn't include me), it's bound to happen. but working, as i am below, i'm not seein it from that point of view. being a subversive (i'm likin the word really.. ), i'm bound to see it from where i'm stuck at. i dun't think my tatay can blame me. but he keeps me at level - giving his point of view from where he stands.

what's the real deal here? yesterday, it just occured to me (once more, for the NTH time) (#1) how the top-view is very different if u're below. i mean, how else can u see the dirt if u keep on flying above and not smelling the S#!(#$#. so how can u relate to what we're feeling all the way down here?

(#2)if u're lookin from the top view, there is, a big, big, BIG cause of looking just what u want to see. really. somebody wants out. what reason? i remember an all too-familiar line of "better pay, better benefits, better opportunities". seriously speaking, these reasons are good. i respect that person who's honest enough to tell the truth of his or her issues. contrary to some people who have the same thoughts, but because of the desire not to burn bridges, came out with the next plausible excuse. if bridges are burnt for some reason or another, there are other ways of crossing the alli-swamp river. if i need to go that way again. i dun't really believe in burning bridges. i'm just not the type to get mad and bury it deep. heck, i have far too mcuh weight to carry around, why need more bad memories? okay, back to that somebody who wants out. for whatever reason, from the fellow person works with this person, we understand this person's crucifixes - giving him reason to leave. it's funny how a top-view changes that reasoning. suddenly, those reason of better things outside became unreasonable, most especially if top gives u a cup of coffee (starbucks pls?) or tea. get what i mean? i didn't imagine that kind of reason would just be so twisted enuf. oh… colleague says it wasn't a twist. a twist is putting a bit of story here and removing there. the difference is, the story isn't change partly. it's the exact opposite of the story. he's leaving because he needs to go to Switzerland (oops not this guy)… she left because she didn't get what she wanted. that's one story. or, he left, these statements "after all that i've done…" (this reminds me of a scene in Ever After when the wicked stepmother haha) comes in. (#3) Guilt is the best defense??. is it really that hard to look from that side of story and try to understand what those below seeks.

(#4) man don't live by bread alone. just as simply as man don't work for money alone. there is much more than man seeks, and man (most of them) can live with these things. some of these are: dignity, self respect, self-worth. if any of these is tarnished, a person walking out isn't surprising.

again, what i put here are simply realizations. as they come in. i meant no offense. (really.)

*~*~*

Another Call: i'm increasing another counter, company 9 who just called in earlier today. i hope this is it. nothing's final, nothing's sure. it just started. so, u'll know when i know.

Defining Subversion, Superior-Employee Talks & Bitter Herbs

Papa Bear says, my blog is subversive.  So I tried to find out if it's true. 

From Answers.Com., I found these definitions.

sub·ver·sion (səb-vûr'zhən, -shən)
n.   

1. 1. The act or an instance of subverting.
   2. The condition of being subverted.
2. Obsolete. A cause of overthrow or ruin.

[Middle English subversioun, from Old French subversion, from Late Latin subversiō, subversiōn-, from Latin subversus, past participle of subvertere, to subvert]

Hmm.. not clear enough. So i checked what Subvert means:

sub·vert (səb-vûrt')
tr.v., -vert·ed, -vert·ing, -verts.

1. To destroy completely; ruin: “schemes to subvert the liberties of a great community” (Alexander Hamilton).
2. To undermine the character, morals, or allegiance of; corrupt.
3. To overthrow completely: “Economic assistance … must subvert the existing … feudal or tribal order” (Henry A. Kissinger). See Overthrow..

[Middle English subverten, from Old French subvertir, from Latin subvertere : sub-, sub- + vertere, to turn.]

sub·vert'er n. 

Hmm.. Okay. That's better. If my blog is promotes subversion, then I must be subversive as well, as my writings?

sub·ver·sive (səb-vûr'sĭv, -zĭv)
adj.
Intended or serving to subvert, especially intended to overthrow or undermine an established government: “Sex and creativity are often seen by dictators as subversive activities” (Erica Jong).

n.
One who advocates or is regarded as advocating subversion.

sub·ver'sive·ly adv.
sub·ver'sive·ness n.

Okay. am I really to dignify what I write down here to such a statement? Heck, i dun't have anything to retaliate about actually. Anyone can call me anything they want. Do u think I'll get fired for writing these down?

I have no due cause to "ruin" the company, or the work. I love my work. I see nothing subversive in my writing what my views are from my stand. As I've noted, Caveat Lector. Anything inside this domain is my own rant.  (hmm.. why do i keep saying rant?). I dun't see any reason, why this is subversive. Really..

Do u?

Or maybe I should stop writing about what I see, what I hear.

*~*~*

Do u think an employee should be honest enough to his/her superiors and inform superior of his/her plans of looking for better opportunities, better pay work?

I'm just thinking out of the box. As i've always been thinking and doing this out of the box thing.Would it benefit me if i told my manager that I'm looking for employment else where? I asked this question to my manager then. Coz at that time, i got a call from Dream company. So I asked him if it's wrong to tell him as a manager what i was going thru.

I can't really remember the whole conversation as it was kinda long ago.  But he told me that it isn't normally done. Considering the fact that the superior has the hold on the person's career work at work, then if I get the job, lucky me. If i don't, they would not have me considered in the other projects as well since they believe, i'm not interested to work here. Hmm. Sounds logical, and acceptable. Except for one thing.

I've always believed in open communication, truth and honesty.  My very life is a perfect example of how much truth I've pour out and up to what extent I was prepared to accept for the consequences of truth. In this case, telling my superior my life plans is actually for me, a positive point as that I have that much confident with to my superior for his advise, his guidance. Hell, why would an employee seek out greener pastures if the field he/she's currently on isn't worth living on? Back on what Mr. G2 said on an earlier post,

"it's just a fact of life… good people leave and companies have to deal with it..im either more cynical or more realistic than when i first started working, but companies dont show loyalty to you, so why show loyalty to a company?"

he's really wise. I'm gonna call him gandalf from now on. Gandalf the Wise.

*~*~*

Life is pretty much what we make it. It's funny how bitter herbs can make people better, whereas bitter people make life worse.

Mondays @ work — let’s get F.I.T.

i need to write it down sometime or the other.. and what other day is best that when the day it actually happened? a Monday.

It is a department custom(?) that we have a weekly report to show last week's status, and what we plan to accomplish this week. Basically, it's a status meeting. Where in the world are u? Did anything horrific happened last week, something special to happen this week - that kind of stuff.

tagay ni abet

RULE:

List seven songs you're into right now. No matter what the genre is, whether (or not) they have words, or even if they're any good, they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs, then tag seven other people to see what they're listening to…

1. WHEN I MET YOU - (same as mushy…) u know what? this is hubby's song for me…
2. SA KANYA - ultimate… song… senti mode…
3. MY HUMPS - have u ever watched My Humps in YouTube.Com? Not the BEP version.. There's one there that has two girls doing their own version of it… Hubbby says, pde pa pala ako magganun.. Hahaha..
4. BECAUSE I GOT HIGH - bwahahahaha… wala lang..
5. ALAPAAP - new version.. pretty nice… makes me think bout HS days..
6. FOR ALL OF MY LIFE – senti mode again…
7. I LOVE YOU GOODBYE — ouch…

Ipapasa ang TAGay kina:

1. jen (Thank god i found you, especially for you, i love you good bye, stick with you, karma, because of you (kelly clarkson), I know…)
2. tutskie (dancing in the moonlight, change the wolrd, don't throw it all away, good intentions, u get wat u give, hopeless, mouth
3. renan (Narda, Pare ko, No Sense of Reason, My Humps (great minds think alike), Eternal Flame, For all of my life, Para sa Masa…)
4. abby
5. angeldust
6. kat (unbelievable,high,bad day,goodbye's not forever,invincible,everything you do..narda)
7. chelle
   

**got this from mushy

April 17

Okay, i am not on a different calendar or timezone. I am on a confused stage. I guess i haven't written much about my work. And now, once again, I need to make a decision.

Background: I've been working since 9.11.2001. Yep, its the Ground Zero day. That time that news flew in, I remember my first reaction. "E di walang pasok sa manila? Kasi traffic sa Buendia? [So, no classess in manila, ccoz there would be major traffic in Buendia area?]" stupid me. I thought when the news said that there was a bombing on World trade Center, i thot it was our WTC in Buendia. And i was like, what the heck is the whole world so concerned with our WTC. So somebody corrected the facts. Hehe.

Anyway, I started as cadet analyst (pronouced as Keydet haha), as a fresh graduate. That time, September, I haven't march yet. The rites were done October, so I had to take a leave for the Baccaleurate mass and the rites itself. I wasn't able to retrieve the money for the toga rental, because I'd be late for work in the afternoon (Hey Dunkin Xis, where's my 500 + interest? hehehe). I worked in a Mfg company in the heart of Laguna. It was the first job application and job offer I ever had. I got into SAP. from then on, I worked there from 8-5 Mon-Sat on the 1st 2 weeks, and Mon-Fri last two weeks of the month. Recently, we shifted to a compressed workweek mode 9-6 Mon-Friday. But i still get to work on Sats OT pay) and lots of holidays because of work demand. I remember spending my Holy Thursday and friday here, my halloween, Rizal Day, laguna Day, and my birthdays at work. I like working, i love working, of course - i get paid. It's not much compare to other offers I had, and with that offers I mean real offers. In the past 4 yrs I've been working here, I've had more than dozen offers (now that i read thru, i need to change that.. almost a dozen offers. More than a dozen would be the applications and calls).

• Company 1: An Insurance company in Alabang. Pay is not that big difference with mine but I'd be doing Business Process analysis work - totally off from SAP work related. I declined. it would have been a good company for a family person - considering the benefits. But I didn't want to leave the track I've been sweating for the past years for something with nor much monetary effect. Yeah, i looked like money.
• Company 2: A multinational Electronics company with brances in laguna and Manila. Both branch gave me offers. Of course, the Manila branch gave a higher offer. Both position is SAP FICO which is my line of work, and I was really considering the job. A colleague at work used to work there and said he learned lots from that company. Why I didn't take the job? i had a contract that i need to pay off - worth 30k - for a stupid java training I was not able to use. The company couldnt pay it.
• Company 3: A multinational food company, with a good post opening. The post is for a BA post, supervisory role, for the rollout of SAP. I would get to work with their IT Team in China (travel!) and roll out and support here. It was good plan. The pay is good. of course no OT pay, since I am supervisory post. Mind you, the Worldwide IT Director interviewed me at the Shang, and immediately told me I have a good background for the post. The benefits are amazing (for someone like me), 25th month guaranteed, etc. I didn't take the job - coz I thot i was pregnant that time. I wasn't pregnant really -the diagnosis was initally positive for pregnancy, but an H-mole. The H-mole was discovered 3 mos later. A BA is already in placed. They tried to give me work as contractual to help out the BA in place. But I couldnt's accept a contractual work, considering relocation, and all expenses.  (i think this is company 2?.. i dun't know anymore.. hehhe)
• Company 4: A multinational distribution firm in laguna as well. I could probably sell out whitening soaps if they give out stocks for Christmas. The pay and benefits is totally good. 53% increase. It's near our place still (a drive away). The post - initally was okay. But then they knew I can support multi-functional, they changed the post to a Helpdesk. It seems good, but I don't like to do Helpesk. no offense to those caring persons, but I am not much of a patient person.
• Company 5: Oh, there was one… this was i think should 1.5. Gave me a package for a small basic, with 3 yrs bond, but with training. I would have taken it, if i wasn't married. Would require relocation to Quezon City. But again, if i were single, i would have taken that plunge.
• Company 6: My dream company. Finally. When i graduated, there are only 2 companies in mind. My dad's company, and this dream company. Since my dad is in the company, I don't want to go there. I know he wouldn't make a favor for me to come in, but I also didn't want to be there on the same bldg with him. not that i dunt love him (i'm a daddy's girl!) - i don't like politics. So this dream company, i passed initial HR interview (one unforgettable question: "Why should we hire you?". For someone without much technical background, i told him: "I am the person with the right skills and the right attitude. if my skills aren't good enuf for u, i have the determination and openness to learn more." Applause.. I couldn't believe i said those words. But got passed thru that. Then came a panel the week after (with 3 guys and a girl). It wasn't a techie questioning, its more of leadership stuff i think. I made them laugh. "Tell me something about the work you do." My answer started out as "Before when were under the Japanese, (because really, our corporate then was japan)… and then when the Americans came (the integration).." It was like Philippine history! I passed. Then they called me to start the offer, they had to talk to my boss. Oh-oh… I don't believe in politicking. My boss sent mail that out of "ethics" do not entertain applicants from our company because they're our partner. I was broken. Really.
• Company 7: First consulting company I applied and gave an offer. I had a functional phone interview, then straight up manager. When i told them my asking XX,XXX, manager said: okay. the ff day, i got the offer. I asked s bit question, then I had to decided. I talked to my manager here, and since 2 people from my group are leaving, and there is a possibility of going global in my current work. So I did not accept the job, with more than 200% increase in salary, consulting opportunities, training, etc. Yeah, I stayed and asked for the project i wanted - and it was given to me. i was given an it incentive which is a plus. Now i'm doing two projects for world wide implementation (which i think is kewl), and i have a good manager for it.

What's with the date?

Now, back to present time: I didn't stop applying from time to time where my schedule permits. Why? Because in applying, i was able to survey myself against the market demands for my skills. I learn that I need lots of these stuff to learn, etc. This is now my first attempt to survey jobs beyond the local shore. yeah, I'm talking about work outside the Philippines, and here comes ….

• Company 8 : Don't ask me how, but i really have no idea how I passed the functional technical exam over the phone with the Indian consultant. The company is an Indian company, with a regional office in KL. (so that's where i'm bound to go). They have a project with a Bristish firm with sites located in africa. The post is permanent, for a Consultant role, based in Kl. family can go, they're included in the benefits. and of course, salary wise, its more than 400%, and i get per diem for travel allowance. Actually, hubby wants to go to, but my plan is to get him there after around 6 mos. Coz the 6 mos is travel to Africa every 3-4 wks, then stay in KL for 1 wk only. That rate, I could earn my year's salary here in two months time, and be able to save a lot (pay the huge debt we have). If things won't work well, just save up the money then move back here.

Okay, that's Company 8. I am in a dilemma. Company 0 (my current company) has given me the oppportunity to work for the GLobal team, and I am handling two of the projects i really wanted. Well, one is what I really wanted. It involves startup work - so just fit for me to learn the very basic of things. Plus, I get to travel to SGP this April 17 for the workshop.

And Company 8 wants me on board by April 17 to start the roll out of the project.

That's why this entry is called April 17.

Actually, I declined Company 8 already. After thinking it over lots of times (believe me), talking it out with friends and family (who said the same thing, and knowing me, they said they'd support me no matter what - i think they knew i wouldn't get it), I sent a mail to the recruitment person that I may not be able to join. Because - I have an ongoing project with the Global team, that has just started, that I want, and that I have this "utang na loob" (i dunt know the english) to my manager who gave me this project. I know my mind tells me to go. What the hell do I owe this company (that's it… owe!)? I paid in labor and sweat and blood for my work.

People who leave our team here: they either tell a lie for the reason of leaving and leave well, or they tell the truth and get bitter words. In 2003, the highest rate of IT turnover 13 for the year was achieved. Last year, I think we're just on the 11th number or 12th? This year, as of March 24, 2006, I know 7 letters has been handed in - 3 already gone. Reasons for leaving? I don't want to go into that detail. For me, all I can say is, it's not all money. Money doesn't make people happy, or at least, that much happy - to survive living.

As I have declined the work already, I thot I can now settle in peace. Let things slide in for a while, and think on the work I have now. But they called me again last night, asking if its the package is the problem, they can raise it up (double wow!). They want me asap.

I talked to a friend, a colleague in the other site. I am quite open to them. There's one thing that I like working here, in the global team, I meet lots of people who are open minded, and more rational. I asked his advise, his course of action should he be on my shoes…

"i think the offer sounds good… the pay increase is a definite plus… i think it will be a good opportunity. i'd probably go with the new job. 1yr work there = many yrs work in ur current post… true, the work here is good, but the pay stinks. to me, that's too big an imbalance especially since new job would be much much more, not just 20% more, but a lot lot more.. so i guess i'm not exactly in ur shoes, and probably other things u have to consider that i haven't thought of, but i think i would take the new job. good opportunity plus the big increase in pay. after all, we're all trying to earn a living…probably there will be just as good and nice people at new job too. i'm sure our company's not the only place with good people. … well, this is just me, buf if i got a job offer that i liked, and current company won't or not willing to do anything to keep me here, i would leave.. it's about being treatd right. if they're not treating me right, i would think about leaving,and probably would.  it is tough leaving and going to a new place..essentially, starting over, but if you've done all you could and still not satisfied with the current situation.. then i would leave…hmm, if u decided to leave, i know our manager and director would understand and won't be bitter or anything.. they're not bitter at Guy1, they won't be bitter at me… it's just a fact of life… good people leave and companies have to deal with it..im either more cynical or more realistic than when i first started working, but companies dont show loyalty to you, so why show loyalty to a company? my thinking is not as harsh as that sounds, but you get the idea.. based on what you told me, i would take the offer..i wont be bitter at you for leaving me good luck with your decision "

oh, and he told me that there isn't going to be any word out of his mouth. but i can't help but post it and maybe, i may wake up from the dream. but i have to keep his name G2. Coz there's already Guy1 there, then he can be Guy2. sweet guys.

So here I am, sidetracking while waiting for the lunchbreak to finish, thinking whether I would pass the aged "loveletter" I did years ago. April 17 … my feet is definite to touch a foreign land - but whether it would be Singapore or Malaysia, only time would know.

*~*~*

Post Scriptum…. "i havent really worked with her, but during the project, i know that there was some frustration from some of the folks here with working with her..". Same sentiments, from most people I know. Another reason maybe why i really need to reconsider.

C&R: Tamang Panahon

AnG PaGmaMahaL duMadaTinG sa TaManG oRas At TamaNg paGkaKataOn.. MinsaN SiniSiSi Pa NatiN anG saRili NaTin KuNg BaKiT NgaYon Mo LaNg NaLamaNg MahaL Mo CiA..

KunG aLam Mo LaNg…

NgaYon Mo LanG Yon NaLaMan Kasi EtO YunG TiNataWag Na "TAMANG PANAHOn"..

SoMe ThiNk Of LoVe As a PasT TimE.. FLinG At TrIp LaNg.. YunG MaHaL Nia NgayOn.. BuKaS HiNdi Na… BoYfriEnd Nia NgaYon PerO TaNggaP Nia Na IsaNg aRaw TaTawaGin Nia din Yung "EX"..

MataGal Nga.. inaAboT pa Ng taOn pErO ILaNg taoN?? 1? 2? 3? TaPos PaG nagKakaSawaAn Na NagAAyaWaN Na At May iBa NamaN Na NagTataGaL LanG ng TaoN daHiL naNGhihiNayaNg sa PinagsamaHan…

BaTa Pa MasYado ang ganoNg magmahaL…

MaY iBa NaMaN Na MasYadOng SeryoSo At SenSiTiBo Pag DatIng Sa baGay Na yAn.. YuNg TipO Ng TaoNg haNdaNg iRisK AnG laHat.. MagBigay.. MagParaYa.. PaRa LaNg DoN sa TaoNg maHaL NiA..  MerOn PaNg Iba DiaN Na PiniPigiLaN YunG naRaRaMdaMaN Nia KasI HigH ScHoOL PaLaNg O Di Kaya TeEnAgER PaLaNg, GuSto Nia KasIng MaGiNg siLa NuNg taOng Yon Sa paNahoNg seryosoHan Na.. YunG SiGuraDo Na Cia Na YuNg TaoNg YoN Nga Ang GuSto NianG makaSaMa PaNghaBanG BuhaY.. KumBaga "TAMANG PANAHON"…

ThErE's This QuOTaTioN SaYinG:

"i don't care how many lips u've kissed… i don't care how many women u've embraced.. i don't care how many ladies heard u say u love dem.. ol i care is d future.. not to be u'rre FIRST but to be u're LAST.."

MaSaRap MagmaHaL nG TaOng MahAL ka Din.. YunG feELiNg Nio SouLmaTe kayo..

KAYA KUNG PARA SA YO TALAGA SIYA.. ILANG TAON MAN DI MAGKITA.. ILANG TAO MAN ANG MAHALIN NIYA… GAANO MAN SIYA KALAYO o MARAMI PANG HADLANG… MAGKIKITA PA RIN KAYO KUNG TALAGANG PARA KAYO SA ISA'T ISA…

pAg-iBiG???…..

HinDi HinhaNap Yan.. Kusa yAnG duMaRaTinG sa "TAMANG PANAHON".

C&R: Freedom to Move On

Good Charlotte Guy sent this again.. Hmm… Something fishy's goin to happen…

"For long decades, we were shackled by a system under which no worker could quit work of his own accord… it was an insane piece of daring to protest in the place where you lived or worked."

- Alexander Solzhenistyn, The Gulag Archipelago

There is nothing to feat but fear itself

"But I can't leave this job" you say! Perhaps this job is not as bad as your last and you're afraid that your next move could end up taking you backwards? Or perhaps you fear that your next step will be onto a career escalator that will whish you upwards faster than you can cope?

"Free mean are the oppresed who go on trying."  This observation has been already codified in the United Nations Declarations of Human Rights.  It states that "every individual and organ of society" should strive to promote the basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitiled, regardless of who they are of where they found themselves.

By exercising your right to quit your jjob and biting the hand that holds your lead, you will leave behind whatever holds you back and crushes your spirit, action that will make the world a better, more liberated place. In stark contrast, deciding to do nothing, to stay put or give in your anxiety about moving on an dyou become just another means for despair and stagnation to gain a firmer foothold on society and the world at large.

Quitting your job is an exercise in freedom

Quitting is the purest expression of personal freedom at work and one of the few means of protesting against poor conditions or stupid management.  Big business has longs for flexible employment markets that are compatible with the economic liberalization and frictionless flow of capital that exists between companies and nations.  Organizations that are free to hire and fire employees at will have an advantage over their more cautious competitors: they can shed personnel to boost profits in hard times and limit the cost and rights of employees when the order book is full once more.  This dual strategy of fragmenting, disarming and then shrinking the workforce at wil;l have flourished wherever workers have become disunitied and unable to organize themselves effectively.

Of course, it was never meant to turn out like this.  One conception of the flexible workforce relied on well-trained employees who were able to adapt to changing commercial conditions and technology throughout their working lives.  In fact, this may be the case for portfolio people with qualifications and connection who are able to spread themselves thinly across a number of projects.  Unfortunately, for the rest of us, flexibility means that employers prefer to dip into the labor pool when they know workers can be laid off or given unfavorable terms and longer hours.  The training that any meaningful career relies upon is dispensed with as un unprofitable luxury - several studies have argued that a "flexible labor market" and the "learning society" our politicians insist is the way forward are mutually exclusive.

Employees need to think about adopting a similarly ruthless approach when dealing with their employers.  Corporations currently benefit from many of the legal rights that people enjoy, but as an individual, YOU are what matters in the sort of society most people would prefer to live and work in.  If you think you are a valuable employee but are being treated on a par with stationary or office furniture, it's time to go somewhere better. Your present employer will surely reap what they sow eventually, why stick around?

Winners Quit

You certainly would not be reading this article if you were entirely happy with your present circumstances.  No, you'd probably rather be somewhere else right now, doing something more interesting, surrounded by people you like and respect.  Well, what are you waiting for? Are you pushing that pen or is it pulling you into the grave? After all, winners do quit.  Succesful, contented people do not waste their time doing things they don't like or leave them hopeless.  Continued exposure to a bad job and nasty boss can ravage the mind and body with stress related ailments and so it's absolutely imperative that you get out under your own power before you die with your tie on.

A human being at rest generates a kilowatt of heat.  There is no internationally recognized unit of human potential, talent, or imagination, but the chances are that your employer is not paying what they owe you.  Convince yourself of your worth and charge accordingly.  Even if you have a rotten personality and looks that would cheer two tied sacks of shit, for the sake of millions of years of painstaking evolution, make the best of yourself.  Is your current job setting you up for a bright future in fertile, sunlit uplands or is it a rocky slope down to the shadowy gully of career extinction?

Re-posting @ I.ph

I think I finally completed re-posting my old posts from my old blog to here. Hmm.. did i leave anything behind? I dun't think so… U can check them out. I love two articles really. And as i've noted C&R = Credited and Remarked, they aren't mine really. Some notes are mine, most are from other stuff.

Mission Impossible: Day 1&2

Day 1: I cheated. Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Day 2: i think im about to fall… Cheated with candy, and carbs. uuugghh… Need to go home and lock myself in a room.

Moving On: Good Charlotte

 Song forwarded by a colleague @ work.. Hmm.. I wonder why…

When I think about my life
I wonder if I will survive
To live to see 25 or will I just fall?
Like all my friends, they just keep dying.
People round me, always crying.
In this place that I like to call my home.

Some friends become enemies some friends become your family
Make the best with what you're givin
This ain't dying! this is living!

Movie Mush

A typical sappy hour to compile schmaltz and slush. Damn… Its's time for some mush from the screens.

…

I know it's a cornball thing, but love is passion, obsession, someone you can't live without. If you don't start with that, what are you going to end up with? I say fall head over heels. Find someone you love like crazy and who'll love you the same way back. And how do you find him? Forget your head and listen to your heart… Run the risk, if you get hurt, you'll come back. Because the truth is, there is no sense living your life without this. To make the journey and not fall deeply in love well, you haven't lived a life at all. You have to try. Because if you haven't tried, you haven't lived… Stay open. Who knows? Lightning could strike. - William Parrish, Meet Joe Black

…

True love cannot be found where it does not truly exist, nor can it be hidden where it truly does. - Max Abbitt, Kissing a Fool

…

There is fate, but it only takes you so far, because once you're there it's up to you to make it happen. - Can't Hardly Wait

…

What good would wings be if you couldn't feel the wind on ur face? - Susan, City of Angels

…

Some things are true whether you believe in them or not. - Seth, City of Angels

…

I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand than eternity without it. One. - Seth, City of Angels

…

That thing, that moment, when you kiss someone and everything around becomes hazy and the only thing in focus is you and this person and you realize that that person is the only person that you're supposed to kiss for the rest of your life, and for one moment you get this amazing gift and you want to laugh and you want to cry because you feel so lucky that you found it and so scared that it will go away all at the same time. - Josie Geller, Never Been Kissed

…

Me? I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, I'm scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you. - Baby, Dirty Dancing

…

Samantha: I have to ask you a question.  It's a good one so think about it. If two people love each other, but they just can't seem to get it together, when do you get to that point of enough is enough?

Jerry: Never. - The Mexican

…

I am here to love you, to hold you in my arms, to protect you.  I am here to learn from you and to receive your love in return.  I am here because there is no other place to be. - Garret's letter to Catherine,  Message in a Bottle

…

Anything other than mad, passionate love is just a waste of time.  There are too many mediocre things in this world to deal with, love shouldn't have to be one of them. - Frankie, Dream for an Insomniac

…

The only sin would be to deny what your heart truly feels. - Alejandro to Elena, The Mask of Zorro

…

Destiny is something we invented because we can't stand the fact that everything that happens is accidental. - Annie Reed, Sleepless in Seattle

…

I don't doubt myself because of you.  I feel like the best version of myself when I'm with you, and that makes me doubt everything else. - Fr. Brian Kilkenney Finn, Keeping the Faith

…

Love - for the Fool & the Wise

Love is the wisdom of the fool, and the folly of the wise.- Samuel Johnson

Mission Impossible: The Decision

apart from my normal new year's resolution, i am starting this mission impossible. normally, losing weight is a new year's resolution - and believe me i know what im talking about when it comes to weight loss. for years, i've endured words such as blimp, pig, stuff like that. and after 2 yrs of low cal diet, i drop to my almost ideal weight — that was in 2001.

now, 2006, im back on that phase again - the blimp phase i call it. i'm halting the troops, and i need to start on a diet - which i always start and always end when there's an excuse.

i'm putting it on my blog to make it official. starting today, mischarmed is on diet (and hopefully, i'll stick to this). The diet plan says, if i stick to it, i could lose a good 10lbs in 10 days (which one goes first? the pounds or me? hahaha)

let's see shall we?

fairness is subjective

the title is actually a statement that was told to our department earlier this year. it was a defense statement to possible comments, reactions from the recent skills review, to which the higher the skills ranking, the higher the incentive to be given. everyone was vying of course for the highest rank - like it's realistic for someone who worked here in PH without training.

okay, im not kidding. but i tell u - it doesn't matter MUCH to me. of course it would be good if i get a high rating, coz that means higher incentive. but at the end of the day, i hear this line - fairness is subjective - and its truth rang true.

why am i telling this? its not an outburst - but its my own way of viewing where i am in this situation.

the process of selection starts with the form to which all my skill sets are entered.then, a screening process by the jurors - top management in the department, then the actual release/notification of the skill set. i got a XX. okay, i won't tell it here in case any of my colleague read this blog. my pt. 1, some people do not really fill up the form, yet they have this YY rating. my pt. 2, some people do not really read the form i entered. my pt. 3, can anyone not coming from Skills background really rate my skills set level?

that happened months ago, and quite frankly, im over and done with it. but here comes april. in less than 2 wks time, the appraisal ranking would be annouced and be officialized.

the process: forms, review by mgt, force ranking. okay, i understand the budget constraints, et -al, that at the end, there would be only one (yep, like the Highlander series, u know?Duncan Mcloud? or something like that.. or maybe jet Lee or Li? im not really keen on those stuff, sorry).. Point is, would there really be an apple-apple comparison? Can i really be compared against someone below my rank? Would the comparison be fair?

the statement is the answer. the statement is the truth. Fairness is subjective. 

No matter where i look at it, it is not an apple-to-apple comparison for me. As story-told (kasi story telling daw hahaha) to me, it's like putting a rooster (i don't want to use a cock haha) against a duck in a cockpit. Guess who wins?

I am not bitter (yet? hahaha). Not really. It doesn't make my day if I get promoted, nor does it make my day to see others fall, or ruin my day if others whom i see lower than me gets promoted. I don't see that as something that makes me ME. fact is, i may care (of course, the higher promotion, the more money there is.. and money is a necessity folks!) for some percentage. i won't lie on that. but take me on a tequila session, and baby, i'm gonna bet it won't matter anymore!!!! (just kidding! hehehe).

Maybe i really am seeing it the way i wanted to see it - unfair because i didn't get the winning cup. Maybe, the managers really see it as unfair to face off the ducky against the chicky (okay, rooster!)… At the end of the day, even with the measly pay, I get to sleep with a good pillow, a satisfied sigh, and a calm soul - that i have good friends, i work with colleagues who respect me as i respect them, and (as much as i know of…) doesn't talk behind my back (much! hahaha). that i could sleep knowing that - is good enough life for me.

C&R: A Letter to the One God Has Prepared For Me

I know this article. I sent this out during my 1st valentines here at work to colleagues at work, and to hubby. He printed out this article and saved it. (aawww sweet). Anyway, somebody sent it again.. Time to reminisce..

 I am wondering at this very minute if you are thinking of me, if you like me, you are wondering what is taking us so long to find each other.

Many times I thought I finally found you only to be disillusioned by the fact that my wait has not yet ended. I get up each morning hoping, dreaming, longing to meet you. I am thinking of how we will meet, would it be as romantic as the ones I have seen in movies? Or is it possible that I have known you all my life but we have yet to realize that we are meant for each other? Oh how I wish you were here right now because you are the only one who has the answers to all my questions.

Sometimes I ask myself if I have ever really known "love". I do not have the answer to that question either but I believe that, more often than not, we will never really know what love is until we find that right person….

You just don't know how often I dream of finally knowing what it feels like to be in your arms. Even at this very moment I am imagining how you will simply sweep me off my feet! Perhaps I would be drawn to you by your smile, or your eyes, or maybe even how you manage to make me laugh by your silly little ways! I don't really know for sure but I am praying that God will help me recognize you when the right time comes.

I think of all the pain that I have gone through in the past and of how much I have cried since the day I began my search. I just wanted you to know that I find my strength in clinging onto my vision of the beautiful life ahead of me — the life I shall spend with you. In my mind and in my heart I know that you are worth all that pain and sacrifice. After all, the tears have become a part of my life and I believe that they are slowly washing away my flaws so that I would become perfect, not perfect in its truest sense, but perfect — for YOU! I wonder if you've gone through so much pain as well. I wonder if you've been hurt so many times along the journey. But my dearest one, please don't ever give up because I am right here… patiently waiting for you! I assure you that when we finally find each other I would slowly heal those wounds by my love.

At night, I would look out my window and stare at the beautiful sky, hoping that somehow you are also looking up and wondering about me. I utter a silent prayer and send all my cries to the heavens above thinking that in time they would reach you. And when I feel impatient, I just close my eyes and believe that you are on your way and that you are longing to see me as well. It is funny but when I finally fall asleep, it is still you that I think of, for you are always in my dreams. It seems that, for now, that is the only place where I can hold on to you, long enough to tell you how much I love you. In my dreams you would kiss away my fears and wrap me with your arms of love.

And this, all the more, makes me want to wake up and face the new day ahead with the hope that soon enough, you will no longer be a dream but a reality and once again I am assured that you are worth the wait. And when that time comes, everything will fall into its place, just as I had imagined, just as I had thought and dreamed, just as I had believed it would be! By then,I would simply look back and smile at all that I have gone through, inspite of the pain and amidst the simple joys of life — and I would be very thankful because they all led me to you!

In the meantime, take care of yourself for me. Hold on to our dream and don't even think of letting go. Believe in your heart that we will find each other no matter what happens. God has planned the course and it is up to us to follow the directions. Don't worry, don't be afraid about getting lost, God saw to it that all the roads, no matter which one you choose to follow…lead to me.

As we grow old, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Making Love out of Nothing at All - Air Supply

I know just how to whisper
And I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
And I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it
And I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the truth
And then I know just when to dream

(more…)