Happy New Year!

Tweet Whoa, it's the last day of the year again.. Time moves so fast. Indeed. I just finished doing the pasta, and I have my mom to take care of lunch and dinner. I've been cooking and preparing for three days, to avoid the rush. Imagine how tiring it is to prepare everything today. Not that we are expecting visitors or relatives. We normally welcome the year in the simple way, by praying together. And I remember each year, we are more worried about fires and accidents. Living in a place like Manila, with loud neighbors around you, we can't help but worry about those things.

It's just a simple new year celebration for us every year. I wish we have my two sisters with us and their families to welcome the year, but it's always a sad thought to know there would be four of us here tonight. I just hope then next year, we would still be together, the four of us (or maybe there would be an addition to the family?) and other siblings with us through prayers.

I feel guilty about this holiday season, because practically I ditched my exercise routine and indulge in the many calories and cholesterol this season is offering me. But anyway, I was hoping that okra and oatmeal will help me with my dilema soon after the holiday ends.

My mom decided not to buy fruits this time (we practically buy fruits on a regular basis anyway, and always find them rotten in the veggies and fruits compartment of the fridge.. so why buy and add the collection?). We're sort of fighting the Fung Shui beliefs and traditions. Hehe Although I positioned the bowl of garlic we have in our dining table. It makes a good centerpiece and I heard from TV that this would attract new opportunities for the coming year. People say that we can try rolling garlic from the main door to the kitchen, and placing 8 cloves of garlic in the main living room for good luck. Hmmm.. what is this about garlic? Maybe because there's an abundant supply in the market today, and its price is real low, that these Luck Experts decided to make a business out of it by promoting garlic and good luck?

One thing is for sure though, garlic is good for your health! Happy New Year!

Pictures and Avatars

Tweet I was just building my network on multiply for my online shop.. checking out my contact's contacts, and I notice alot of members using their pictures as avatar for their site. Some are even posting maybe their best pictures capturing their best angle.. Some are even wearing the most revealing clothes I've ever imagined. Don't get mad at me.. I just noticed. I am entitled in my own opinion, besides this is my blog! ;) I am not comfortable posting my pictures online.. be it my studio pics, recent gigs with friends, my best pictures or even baby pics. I actually took out all my pictures from Friendster, and just left the ones with comments. It doesn't mean I dont value the friendship anymore or the memories. I just don't feel comfortable at all. We know how net trippers use other people's pictures for their little crimes, and celebrities are always the number one victims. And maybe I am not popular, but I just dont want to be one of them; and yes, I dont want other people feasting on my body, because there's only one person I have in mind I would want to give that privilege. I dont have anything against those people who post their pictures and use them as avatars (maybe that's their sole purpose so friends can easily recognize them right?). But even as for taking pictures for the items I sell, I even have this trip of editing and adding text about my ownership on that particular picture. I do maintain an online album, where I keep all the pictures and memories, and only share it with my friends and loved ones, and not for public viewing.

Am I so selfish?! Nope.. I just don't want to make myself too available online. Yes, you have see me, and love me. :)

Silent Christmas

Tweet Christmas is really for kids. It was a nice sight to see the kids and the people in full bloom, while enjoying a Chinese Ham sandwich with my mom and dad at our roof top this afternoon..

Happy Holidays!

Bad, Bad Service!!!

Tweet For the past 5 days I am fuming mad because of the issue of customer service. I don't know if it's just me.. or the service is really that bad.. or simply because I just expect alot since I worked in a customer-oriented environment before.

Last night, we went to KFC to take out some items for dinner. Besides we realized it's more fun to eat food at home compared to the messy dining area of the store. So as usual, my mom presented her Senior Citizen ID to avail of the discount. The cashier asked the manager for the password, but came back and said the discount can't be granted. I asked why, and the manager, (who I think is on her day off and just went to the store to do the reports because she's not wearing the usual KFC uniform) rushed to the cashier's rescue and said that discounts are not given for take out transactions. I asked when was this implemented? She said just this year. Are you kidding me? We usually order from KFC, dine in or take out's we get discounts (only deliveries are not allowed) all through out this year. I never insisted nor complained just for the consideration of the people behind us on line. Besides, I guess there's no point on arguing with the manager. She obviously is misinformed and incompetent as she can't answer simply queries about their services.

When I get home I texted my concerns with the customer care number I got from the receipt. But texting the number got me confused just the same! The response was that the implementation of granting Senior Citizen discounts for dine in's only took effect first quarter of this year. This is to ensure that it is SC who will consume the discounted meal. Okay, we understand. I don't have issues on that now. But all throught out the year we get discounts for both dine in and take out transactions.. Does it mean there's an inconsistency in implementing new policies for stores? Besides, in that particular store we get discounts, and only this time it was denied. I just asked for the Operations Manager instead, because obviously the responses are pissing me big time; and it's costing me one peso each message and I'm not getting satisfied with the replies. However instead of giving me the number, Customer Care asked for the names and branches of other KFC stores which are giving discounts for take out transactions so they could verify and investigate. Geez, I replied saying I don't have any issues with other stores. Besides I guess that's their job to find out if all their stores comply with new policies. What's so funny is I never received a reply after that.

So much for Customer Care..

And now, it's the fifth day that our DSL is down. I soo hate PLDT service! Each time I followed up, their agents just get the info for verification and just repeat the info they get from their database.. "So ma'am, based on our records, nagreport nga po kayo na wala pong ilaw yung DSL modem, gagawan ko na lang po ng report para maforward sa technical.." And I was like, that was the same line the agent I talked to yesterday said to me.. I am following up the status.. What about the line connection? Is the problem because of PLDT server? Is it because of my line? Is it because of my modem? When can I expect someone to come over and check the lines? Those are the questions I need answers to. Im sorry for those people who are working for PLDT, and for those who know someone who work for this company. But PLDT's agents are so incompetent and unprofessional. I encountered one who even muted his speaker and I know for a fact that he's cursing me. I hope he realizes that the reason why he's in the company now, and that he's being paid is because of me, and because of the many customers of this company.

For the whole month of November and December the PLDT DSL service is like a roller coaster, sometimes it's up, but most of the time, down! So every time I reported to 171, and just get pissed off with the agents. I was informed that I can ask for a rebate, just call the Billing Department. However just when I talked to someone from Billing Department, I was informed that I need to call every time the DSL service is repaired so the rebate would take effect. Now, I was misinformed. I even thought of cancelling the DSL subscription, but I need to pay for thrice the amount of my monthly fee for the termination fee because there's a lock in period of one year. How ridiculous! The contract doesnt include about DSL down service for a couple of days!

I hate to think that PLDT cut the DSL service especially this holiday season so people would opt to use PLDT overseas services (which costs higher) when connecting to their relatives abroad.


I hope they would improve their service soon, and train their agents and instill passion in customer service. Don't just train them by saying sorry because their insincerity doesnt appease me at all.

Paying Bills with GCASH

Tweet Remember when we were younger, utility bills were paid by paying cash to bills collectors? The only time you will go to the office is when you have disconnection notice from the utility provider.

That was ages ago, right now we pay our bills tru Bayad Centers. However for this month, I tried paying tru GCASH.

Here's the FORMAT: BILLPAY INSTITUTION CODE and send to 2882. For the list of INSTITUTION CODES, Text BLIST to 2882. MERALCO is for Meralco. MWSI for Maynilad Water System.

And I would like to think it worked. Hehe. I received a confirmation text stating I transferred fund to Maynilad Water, with reference number, complete with date and time and amount paid.

Im loving GCASH, and Im loving technology. I only use GCASH to pay for my online purchases and accept payments for online transactions as well; and yes reloading (with 10% rebate of the amount loaded in your mobile phone). Im opening myself now to using GCASH in paying bills. Saves us time, and P10 (which the Bayad Center charges for paying bills). Transaction only costs P1. However my mom is a little hesitant about the whole thing. Being a paranoid that she is, she's afraid that payments may not be reflected and utility service may be cut by next month..

Some tips though:

1. For MERALCO payments, please use the Service ID Number of the receipt for the Account Number space when texting bill payments.

2. Be extra careful when texting your account details and numbers. We dont want to pay someone else's bills by mistake!

3. Keep the confirmation texts in your inbox for the whole month, until the new statement arrives. For extra measure, I wrote down the reference number, and details in our billing statement for reference incase of disputes.

So there. No more reasons for delayed payments.. unless you dont have funds. ;)

Unite for Kindness

Tweet Was it just me? or is it because of the Holiday season.. People are actually becoming nicer each day.. which is a good thing.. and i hope will continue even after December, and the end of the year.

Talking about act of kindness.. I want to take part on blogcatalog's drive in inspiring people on doing random acts of kindness, and the best way to start I guess is with my family. Yes, I actually helped my bro list this item he wants to sell online. Maybe readers might think that it's such a petty easy task, and I agree. But this is something I am proud of because my bro and I were not that close anyway. We seldom talk, and we never bonded. I remember we used to fight and hit each other when we were younger. Hehe.

And more than doing something nice, it's more fulfilling for parents to see their kids getting along well.. right? This, for the love of family.

Thanksgiving

Tweet It's our Thanksgiving today, and unlike the Thanksgiving on the previous years, this one is extra special, it marks the offering of our newly renovated place of worship (almost done, except for the landscaping) as well. I just can't explain the feeling of being free and blessed. The atmosphere is solemn and spiritual. It's is true that words are not enough to express how grateful and thankful I am for all the blessings I received through these years, and some are not even the ones I've asked.

I remember when I was younger that we use to hold our Thanksgiving on the last day of the year. But for the past years, we opted to hold it before the Holiday season, and Christmas vacation. And yes, we always have our family picture taken each year! Pictures that are evidence of our "evolution"! Haha. It's sad that now, there's only four of us here to share the frame and flash.

Oh, actually, we don't have a traditional family picture this year! I brought my camera, and had no one to take our picture! Which reminds me I have to buy a camera tripod! (and another camera case, because we left the thing on our seat out of our excitement to take pictures!)

Most of the girls are wearing the same cut of dress, and print, and material - baby dress, geometric design and light satin like cloth. Good for me, I've never experienced sharing the same outfit with another lady wherever I go. I decided to wear a black tube dress, with shantung obi belt, and red shoes. Old stuff. Just mix and match. Well, I'm not a kid anymore, to ask for new stuff for this occassion. What I ask is for more guidance and blesssings from Him next year and the years to come..

Shuttle Stuck in a Wrong Space

Tweet Space Shuttle in Enchanted Kingdom got stuck up in the middle of a supposedly fun ride this afternoon! I heard that some HS students got stuck up upside down. Pain in the neck!

The whole incident reminds me of that movie.. I forgot the title, but it was a sequel.. about the roller coaster accident and premonition.

The last time we went to Enchanted Kingdom was two years ago. I never rode Space Shuttle then, because.. well, I got pretty scared after we rode Joker (which I think is the deadliest ride I've ever experience! and the ride is no joke!) in that theme park in The Fort, and we just had dinner then when we got to the area. So I and my friend realized that's not good for digestion. hehe

But honestly Space Shuttle is a fun ride. I got to experience riding the front seat and back seat of the whole train, although at the back of my mind I was so freaking afraid about loose screws (especially of that bar securing your body).. machine malfunctions.. and short circuits. I remember keeping my eyes closed the whole ride, until my friend told me I should keep my eyes open while the whole thing goes so I can make the most out of the experience.

And he has a point. It was fun to see how the train you were riding crawls in the railings, while the people you were with let go of desperate screams and curses, feeling your fingers digging in the cushion bar securing your body, and tasting the whole experience. But what's more fun is stepping out of the train and sharing the experience, and probably lining up for the next round of ride..

Hmm.. I wish the people who got stuck there this afernoon were all safe now. Thank God for all the blessings.

Picture Not-So-Perfect

Tweet I made a list of my to-do things before the year ends, and number one on my list is to organize pictures. Im working on uploading all my pictures (soft copies) on an online photo album now. Tommorrow, or maybe within the week, I'll work on scanning the rest of the pictures that we have here. Mostly baby pictures, family pictures and Thanksgiving pictures (which show the evolution of ourselves).

Im acting now in preparation of system crashes. I've learned my lesson last year. I wanted to organize my pictures and do my scrapbook then. I remember how I cut out nice pictures, prepared labels and stuff for my project; and then 3 days later, our house burnt down, and all my pictures - ashes. So sad. So tragic. Yes, I know, I don't have much pictures left to show my grandchildren.. how I reigned in my own ramp!

Anyway, so I decided to use Flickr and uploaded pictures from my first job. I like Flickr because it has privacy option, batch uploading (which only takes seconds), and the layout is simple yet classy. But, after uploading 200 pictures, I was informed there's a limit for free account, and i may opt to upgrade to a pro account. What a bummer! The ones I've uploaded are not even 1/8 of my pictures!

I tried Shutterfly - which says it's voted the best photo album online, free, and unlimited storage. But the loading process turns me off.

Hmm.. I am thinking of storing my pictures on my Yahoo briefcase instead.. This is for back up anyway, not for sharing.. *click*

Im Glad Im a Woman

Tweet I just have to share this.. I love this piece! (I have another version of this, but I lost it in the old pc) and Im so glad Im a woman.. But during the time of the month, I wish I were a man..

I'm Glad I'm A Woman


I'm glad I'm a woman, yes I am, yes I am
I don't live off of Budweiser, beer nuts and Spam

I don't brag to my buddies about my erections
I won't drive to Hell before I ask for directions

I don't get wasted at parties and act like a clown
and I know how to put the damned toilet seat down!

I won't grab your hooters, I won't pinch your butt
my belt buckle's not hidden beneath my beer gut

and I don't go around "readjusting" my crotch
or yell like Tarzan when my head-board gets a notch

I don't belch in public, I don't scratch my behind
I'm a woman you see - I'm just not that kind!

I'm glad I'm a woman, I'm so glad I could sing
I don't have body hair like shag carpeting

It doesn't grow from my ears or cover my back
When I lean over you can't see 3 inches of crack

And what's on my head doesn't leave with my comb
I'll never buy a toupee to cover my dome

Or have a few hairs pulled from over the side
I'm a woman, you know - I've got far too much pride!

And I honestly think its a privilege for me
to have these two boobs and squat when I pee

I don't live to play golf and shoot basketball
I don't swagger and spit like a Neanderthal

I won't tell you my wife just does not understand
stick my hand in my pocket to hide that gold band

or tell you a story to make you sigh and weep
then screw you, roll over and fall sound asleep!

Yes, I'm glad I'm a woman, a woman you see
you can forget all about that old penis envy

I don't long for male bonding, I don't cruise for chicks
join the Hair Club For Men, or think with my dick

I'm a woman by chance and I'm thankful it's true
I'm so glad I'm a woman and not a man like you!

Technology is Killing Me!!!

Tweet Okay.. I have to switch to the desktop computer to complete the transcription I am working on, since the MS Office Applications on the laptop were erased after I reformatted few months back.

And the new MS WORD 2007 is making me sick!!! The new format confuses me all the more with its new features..

Took me half an hour to figure out where is the FILE > PROPERTIES tab of the document.

To locate it, click the OFFICE BUTTON (at the top left most part of the window), then PREPARE > PROPERTIES.

Goodluck, and own your document!

Lavander Girl's Bond Girl Head Band

Tweet

Ever wonder what kind of head band Vanessa Hudges, Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba are wearing .. ?! They are the Bond Girl Headband's of Lavander Girls collection. Im not quite sure if the thing is named after the James Bond movie and his ladies, but one thing is for sure they are selling at $36!

I was able to get some from the local market, and Im loving 'em. Elastic, and tight enough to hold your hair in place, yet so chic and stylish. There's mettalic colors in black, silver, bronze and gold. I got multiple strands too on same colors! Can probably wear them on Sunday masses with those flirty dresses.. or wear to glam up a plain white-tee and jeans ensemble.. and yes, wear them to free your face when doing physical work.

It so much reminds me of the beaded headband I bought from my friend's friend inspired by Evita Peroni collection. But the one I got is adjustable, yet at some point the adjustable strand gets loose and you have to re-do your hair every so often.

If you want to know where to get these double-strand head band. Ask me.

Holly Golly.. Empty Kettle.. Where's the Corn?!

Tweet I feel like Im pregnant.. (not that I did something nasty and naughty last month)!

Im craving for Holly Kettle Corn!! I hate staying at home.. and I got nothing new to do (surfing the net, watching tv, and reading books are just so normal to me now..) and when I got nothing to do.. Food occupies my mind! And I so want to eat Holly Kettle Corn popcorn! I want the nice perfect blend of sweet caramel-flavored popcorn, with hint of salt in my mouth.. (do I sound like a commercial?!). Forgive me. Im craving..

The bad news is Holly Kettle Corn's kiosk in the nearest mall where we live is gone! Yes, few weeks back when we went there, what we saw is just a vacant space! And I really think we are the only market they got in this area. Whatasurpise! I remember their kiosk in Greenhills getting long queu's everyday..

I hope next time they would do deliveries though..

10 Ways to Love People

Tweet I got this message tru text from a good friend Dess. Worth sharing this Sunday afternoon..

1. Listen without interrupting (Prov18)

2. Speak without accusing (James1:19)

3. Give without sparing (Prov21:26)

4. Pray without ceasing (Colossians1:9)

5. Answer without arguing (Prov17:1)

6. Share without pretending (Ephesians 4:15)

7. Enjoy without complaint (Philippians 2:14)

8. Trust without warning (Corinthians13:7)

9. Forgive without punishing (Colossians3:13)

10. Promise without forgeting (Prov13:12)

Have a blessed Sunday!

Planning for Planner

Tweet First day of the month.. I can actually feel the cool weather, and there's no storm to blame for the low temperature. I only have few pages left on my planner (aside from my blog, i keep a planner! like a pro huh?!) I need to secure a new one. With only 4 stamps I got for the Starbucks planner, Im not actually on the run.. I go to Starbucks to enjoy coffee and chat with my friends, and getting stickers is just a plus. Besides I only order one drink in Starbucks - Coffee Jelly Frappuccino; and or course, for the real coffee fix, I head to Coffee Bean. Have I mention Coffee Bean has a sticker-promo this holiday too? Yes, order 9 variety drinks and get a free notebook. Not the usual planner with months, days, and dates printed on it, but a plain just a plain spiral notebook like you see in the local office store. The treat is you can choose from three design covers. I guess they are promoting recycling and nature-conservation on this promo as evident on the notebook's material.

For my planner, Im eyeing the Belle De Jour planner.. I looove the illustrations! So chic and sassy! Plus, it comes with discount coupons for local establishments! Yeah, I love notebook planners! I prefer them over palm organizers. Ive actually bought a palm organizer, but resell it after testing.. Hehe. Not that I dont want to embrace technology. Besides I love the feel of drawing and doodling on my planner.. probably adding flowers and hearts when feeling inloved, drawing sad faces when Im feeling blue.. and overusing exlamation points when frustrated. I remember I use to buy planners from Tickles in Greenhills (hmm.. is the Tickles still alive?).. and just filling the pages with love quotes! Haha.

For those who want to have personalized planners with their pictures on cover, please order from this group of Atenean's. Im actually planning to get one as a gift for my bro-in-law coming next year.

New year.. new planner.. isn't it nice to always have something new in your life?