Vitamin F February 14, 2009
Posted by jennipot in Life.add a comment
I have to say that this week is one of the worst weeks I have had for a while. The stress was unbelievable, but then it always gets worse before it gets better, and I learned that from my own experiences. I know I am good at problem solving, and I know I will feel soooo happy once the problem has been solved, but before that happens, I have to wade through a lot of crap, and challenges. I thrive on challenge and pressure (I sometimes wonder if I’m a masochist because I get bored when I don’t have a problem to solve) Yesterday was one of those days when I just want to give up. My chest was tight most of the day, and I can hardly hear my mom when she talked to me, because my mind was so focused on the task at hand.
A few weeks ago I invited my Novare friends to come on Feb 13 for dinner and karaoke, at 7pm. By 6:45pm I wasn’t done yet with work and I was wondering if I’d be good company when I just want to drop off and forget about the problems for a while. I finished a few minutes past 7pm, and luckily my guests haven’t arrived yet. I took a shower and got dressed in time to wait for the first guests to arrive.
Watching my office friends (they’re my team mates when I was in Novare) pile into my small apartment, I felt content and happy. I didn’t talk that much, mostly I just soaked in their presence. Dinner was good and then we sang til midnight. I sang my favorite, “I Will Survive” hehehe As they left, the thought that crossed my mind was that I missed this, being around these people. I had my Vitamin F, and most of the frustrations melted away for a while.
Guys and gals, thanks so much for coming. I hope you don’t wait too long before we get together again. Thank you for giving me a good dose of Vitamin F… for Friendship. 
Tomorrow’s going to bring more challenges for me, but for tonight, I will enjoy the feeling. Happy Valentines to all!
Watching the News… February 9, 2009
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Ever since I worked from home, I have had more chances of watching the news. In fact, it has become a habit for me to watch the evening news (TV Patrol) and whenever I could, Bandila. I sometimes switch to GMA7 when the one for ABS-CBN is done.
I’ve always avoided watching the news because mostly they’re bad news. But lately, it’s really depressing. Not a day passes without mention of the economic crisis. People losing jobs, price of commodities going up, companies going down, the list goes on and on.
Sometimes I wish the media would tone down a bit. Listening to this topic day in and day out, makes me feel hopeless for the future. I wonder if others feel the same way. Or maybe some people might even use the crisis as an excuse for their shortcomings and failures, or use it as a reason not to try harder.
Someone told me late last year, that the Philippines is already in crisis for years so this one we will just weather and survive, because we always have. I really hope this is true. Just when income is going down, the prices of commodities are also going up. I am watching now and the price of rice has gone up as well. Did anyone watch the news about LPG being sold for P80/kg?? I was disgusted when I saw that. How can some people take advantage like that? It’s ok to make a profit, that’s what business is all about, but almost double? And it was appalling that people still buy, because they have no choice.
Just heard now from the news that gasoline prices are going to increase at midnight… so far, fish, pork and poultry prices are stable. Hope they stay that way.
I gotta admit I am affected by all these bad news. I’ve also seen so many trying to find jobs, while some who are blessed to have jobs, doing their best to get fired by being complacent, selfish and violate company policies, thinking that they will always get away with it. Then when they are called to task, they start begging their employer to give them another chance and not to terminate them because they need their job. If such is the case, in the first place don’t do anything to jeopardize your job for God’s sake!
I’m ranting. I’m mad and frustrated when some people don’t look beyond their noses. They have tunnel vision and do not consider consequences when doing things. I’m angry because some people do not give their best when it is to their advantage if they help their company thrive. I am saddened that some people only think of themselves and not think of the common good, and do not know the meaning of paying it forward. I am dismayed to see how few people have honor and integrity in this world.
I just hope things will get better for everyone. I hope that those who have jobs will give their best to the companies hiring them. I hope those who lost their jobs will not lose hope and keep looking, in the meantime being resourceful and find small ways to earn income to tide them over. I hope this crisis will pass and find all of us stronger and better.
Ok, that’s it for now. I’m stepping down from my soapbox and getting some rest. Tomorrow is another day, and tomorrow brings new hope.
Bad week over February 1, 2009
Posted by jennipot in Gadgets and toys, Health, Life.add a comment
I’m glad the week’s over. The past week was filled with frustrations. And, I’m not sure why but I kept flaring up. My patience was short too. Hormones? Old age? hehehe
It was a scary Friday. Early morning I slipped in the bathroom. I’ve been so careful these past years for fear of breaking a bone, and thank goodness I didn’t break anything when I fell. The floor tile was and still is super slippery, the landlady used the same tiles as the ones used on the wall, those shiny ones. When we moved in I wondered about that, but decided to just be careful when I go in. After 3 years, it happened. I landed on my butt (thankfully) but while flailing for balance I hit my left elbow, left hip and head on the wall. While on the floor I didn’t immediately move, took stock and checked if anything is broken. I got terrified when I realized I was spitting blood. For those close to me you know I’m a baby when it comes to blood, needles and knives. So I started crying. After a few seconds I realized it was irrational, the blood was because I bit my tongue. I slowly got up, and it took me a few minutes to stop shaking. What scared me was the thought that it could have been worse, and then I started counting blessings. For a second there I thought I was going to be caught dead in the bathroom! I don’t want to go that way! No gym for now, my body is sore especially my hip… hopefully I can go back this week.
Aside from that, my tooth jacket kept falling off. It’s been 6 times. First 3 times with my old jacket, it started happening after my prophylaxis. See? I’m being good now. After the 3rd time my dentist suggested I replace the jacket, so I spent P13K for a new one. This one felt better but after 3 weeks it fell off again, and again, and again. The last one was the day after it was reinstalled. I was there again at the dentist yesterday and it was frustrating having to go back all the time. Mind you, I WAS a good girl and followed instructions! Soft diet within 24 hours! And just to be sure, after installation last night at 6pm, til now 8:30am I haven’t eaten or drank anything. I think THAT’s enough time for the cement to settle? I regret not taking better care of my teeth. And I vow not to have another tooth problem!
Lately I’ve also been depressed at times. It’s nice being able to work at home, but when I feel like going out I couldn’t. I know I’m the one limiting myself, but with all the things I see in the news, I’d rather not go out if I can’t use our van. I’m also too big to ride in the public vehicles. I had too many experiences where I was mocked at, and it’s difficult to get on and off especially when drivers are in a hurry. As for cabs, it’s easy to go to my destination, but it’s hard to get one on my way home. So I decide to call it off and just stay home. Besides, I need to save money for a new laptop and going out entails more spending. Aha! Which brings me to another frustration.
This tablet has been with me for only 8 months but it’s been sent to service twice, and about to be sent again tomorrow. First, less than 2 months of use and the pain on the keyboard has chipped off. Then, last November it started blacking out. Hibernate and Sleep don’t work. I had this serviced just this January. But 2 days after it’s been returned it blacked out again. I haven’t given up hope on the hardware, I think it’s Windows Vista. This morning the sun was shining and the light fell on the screen, I saw that it wasn’t a total blackout. I can still see the screen but it’s super super dark! I have no idea why this is happening and I just wish this can be resolved ASAP! I do love the size and weight of this unit, as well as the normal sized keyboard. Now if only it will start behaving then I’d be happy. Unfortunately, buying a tablet was a bad decision. I thought that it would help a lot when I do my rounds in the stores, but the writing tool isn’t as efficient as I expected. I end up using the keyboard anyway.
One good thing happening was my photography class. It was a basic course but I am so happy I got to know my camera better. There were times when I wondered why my shots are so grainy, now I know One of these days I’ll take off just to do some photos. Now if I can find the time… so far it’s my dogs that are my favorite subjects, just because they’re always here in my room. When I want to take a break from work, I whip out my cam and take pics of them. As for tinkering with the settings, I guess practice makes perfect. I’m resisting the urge to buy a DSLR. There just isn’t enough free time for me to pursue this hobby. I know the unit is cheap now but the accessories aren’t. And knowing myself, I’ll bust my wallet buying those goodies so it’s discipline time for now. One more consideration is my size. In order to take good photos you gotta be able to bend this way and that, and I’m not that flexible. Another reason to keep going to my gym sessions 
I’ve also decided to take a vacation in May. Already making arrangements. Will ask my bro to go with me. Something to look forward to. I also took my uncle, mom and bro to Red Crab yesterday, and this was my 3rd time to feast on crab. I’m a happy puppy, then took them to watch Underworld: Rise of the Lycans. I like the movie, although I think Viktor is a bit OA na sa pagsalita hehehehe I hope I find a chance to watch Inkheart. Or should I read the book first? hmmm
Getting ready for my last day of Photography Class now. Hope I can budget to take the Advanced as well, but perhaps after a month or two so I can practice a little more. The other question is, if I only have my Canon G9 with me, is it worth it to take an Advanced Class?
