WOOHOO!!!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Anti-Stress
How do you fight stress you are almost about to explode because of it? As the Kit-Kat Chocolate Waffer commercial goes...
HAVE A BREAK... HAVE A ONE WEEK VACATION!
WOOHOO!!!
WOOHOO!!!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
When it rains... IT POURS...
Have you ever felt like you are about to explode and you would want to just scream or hit something because of so much stress? I think I'm almost there.
Haven't really been myself lately. Been trying to relieve some of the stress by joking around with my other officemates trying to laugh things off but its not enough. Still under pressure to finish my team's PA and quite frankly, it starting to get to me. Since Monday evening I have been quite and just looking at my monitor trying to finish my tasks but last night was quite different. Probably thanks to the additional stress outside the office, which I got before going to work, I was feeling dizzy with my nape feeling a bit numb. I was having so much trouble concentrating on what I was doing and was starting to get very irritable. My apologies to Nicx because he was the one who got a sample of my irritableness when he asked me about something. Sorry about that Nicx.
Maybe it would help me cope with it if I understood what stress was and here's what I found. These are excerpts from the article I found in TeensHealth.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.
What Causes Stress Overload?
Although just enough stress can be a good thing, stress overload is a different story - too much stress isn't good for anyone.
Pressures that are too intense or last too long, or troubles that are shouldered alone, can cause people to feel stress overload. Here are some of the things that can overwhelm the body's ability to cope if they continue for a long time:
being bullied or exposed to violence or injury
relationship stress, family conflicts, or the heavy emotions that can accompany a broken heart or the death of a loved one
ongoing problems with schoolwork related to a learning disability or other problems, such as ADHD (usually once the problem is recognized and the person is given the right learning support the stress disappears)
crammed schedules, not having enough time to rest and relax, and always being on the go
Signs of Stress Overload
People who are experiencing stress overload may notice some of the following signs:
anxiety or panic attacks
a feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled, and hurried
irritability and moodiness
physical symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain
allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
problems sleeping
drinking too much, smoking, overeating, or doing drugs
sadness or depression
Everyone experiences stress a little differently. Some people become angry and act out their stress or take it out on others. Some people internalize it and develop eating disorders or substance abuse problems. And some people who have a chronic illness may find that the symptoms of their illness flare up under an overload of stress.
Keep Stress Under Control
The most helpful method of dealing with stress is learning how to manage the stress that comes along with any new challenge, good or bad. Stress-management skills work best when they're used regularly, not just when the pressure's on. Knowing how to "de-stress" and doing it when things are relatively calm can help you get through challenging circumstances that may arise. Here are some things that can help keep stress under control.
Build Your Resilience
Ever notice that certain people seem to adapt quickly to stressful circumstances and take things in stride? They're cool under pressure and able to handle problems as they come up. Researchers have identified the qualities that make some people seem naturally resilient even when faced with high levels of stress. If you want to build your resilience, work on developing these attitudes and behaviors:
Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life.
See setbacks and problems as temporary and solvable.
Believe that you will succeed if you keep working toward your goals.
Take action to solve problems that crop up.
Build strong relationships and keep commitments to family and friends.
Have a support system and ask for help.
Participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun.
I guess having problems outside the office does not really help but its not an excuse to take it out on other (innocent) people. Thanks to this, I might learn how to manage stress and be resilient soon.
Haven't really been myself lately. Been trying to relieve some of the stress by joking around with my other officemates trying to laugh things off but its not enough. Still under pressure to finish my team's PA and quite frankly, it starting to get to me. Since Monday evening I have been quite and just looking at my monitor trying to finish my tasks but last night was quite different. Probably thanks to the additional stress outside the office, which I got before going to work, I was feeling dizzy with my nape feeling a bit numb. I was having so much trouble concentrating on what I was doing and was starting to get very irritable. My apologies to Nicx because he was the one who got a sample of my irritableness when he asked me about something. Sorry about that Nicx.
Maybe it would help me cope with it if I understood what stress was and here's what I found. These are excerpts from the article I found in TeensHealth.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.
What Causes Stress Overload?
Although just enough stress can be a good thing, stress overload is a different story - too much stress isn't good for anyone.
Pressures that are too intense or last too long, or troubles that are shouldered alone, can cause people to feel stress overload. Here are some of the things that can overwhelm the body's ability to cope if they continue for a long time:
being bullied or exposed to violence or injury
relationship stress, family conflicts, or the heavy emotions that can accompany a broken heart or the death of a loved one
ongoing problems with schoolwork related to a learning disability or other problems, such as ADHD (usually once the problem is recognized and the person is given the right learning support the stress disappears)
crammed schedules, not having enough time to rest and relax, and always being on the go
Signs of Stress Overload
People who are experiencing stress overload may notice some of the following signs:
anxiety or panic attacks
a feeling of being constantly pressured, hassled, and hurried
irritability and moodiness
physical symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches, or even chest pain
allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma
problems sleeping
drinking too much, smoking, overeating, or doing drugs
sadness or depression
Everyone experiences stress a little differently. Some people become angry and act out their stress or take it out on others. Some people internalize it and develop eating disorders or substance abuse problems. And some people who have a chronic illness may find that the symptoms of their illness flare up under an overload of stress.
Keep Stress Under Control
The most helpful method of dealing with stress is learning how to manage the stress that comes along with any new challenge, good or bad. Stress-management skills work best when they're used regularly, not just when the pressure's on. Knowing how to "de-stress" and doing it when things are relatively calm can help you get through challenging circumstances that may arise. Here are some things that can help keep stress under control.
Build Your Resilience
Ever notice that certain people seem to adapt quickly to stressful circumstances and take things in stride? They're cool under pressure and able to handle problems as they come up. Researchers have identified the qualities that make some people seem naturally resilient even when faced with high levels of stress. If you want to build your resilience, work on developing these attitudes and behaviors:
Think of change as a challenging and normal part of life.
See setbacks and problems as temporary and solvable.
Believe that you will succeed if you keep working toward your goals.
Take action to solve problems that crop up.
Build strong relationships and keep commitments to family and friends.
Have a support system and ask for help.
Participate regularly in activities for relaxation and fun.
I guess having problems outside the office does not really help but its not an excuse to take it out on other (innocent) people. Thanks to this, I might learn how to manage stress and be resilient soon.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
BANG - BANG, KLANG - KLANG
Been in so much stress lately in the office that I don't even have the time to take my lunch! :( Besides the regular dose of stress from doing my daily tasks, I am being pressured by my OM to finish the PAs (performance appraisals) of my team. Not that I'm complaining, its not that easy to make PAs for several agents especially if some of them have more than a couple of BSCs (Balanced Score Cards) for just one quarter! Do not get me wrong but making PAs is something I like. I love making formulas to make it as automated as possible. I know that this is something important for my team. Heck, its important for me, too! I won't get my bonus unless they do!
I just wish that they would understand that unlike the inbound teams who's PAs are made by the corporate scorecard team, my team's PAs are made by me alone. Data collection and template generation are all mine. I would naturally need more time to finish compared to the inbound teams who just need to plug in their employee numbers and voila, instant PA!
There's also the pressure of making a communication packet presentation to our client manager and the data we need is still not ready. Hopefully, I can finish them all tonight (and pray to God I do!). So I can at least have the rest of the week to have a little more breathing room.
Wish I had their free time as well... :)
I just wish that they would understand that unlike the inbound teams who's PAs are made by the corporate scorecard team, my team's PAs are made by me alone. Data collection and template generation are all mine. I would naturally need more time to finish compared to the inbound teams who just need to plug in their employee numbers and voila, instant PA!
There's also the pressure of making a communication packet presentation to our client manager and the data we need is still not ready. Hopefully, I can finish them all tonight (and pray to God I do!). So I can at least have the rest of the week to have a little more breathing room.
Wish I had their free time as well... :)
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mother's Day Prayer
by Gaynell Bordes Cronin
I love you, Mom. I love your aliveness,
your joy in living, your understanding,
your giving.
And what I love best of all
is that you love me.
God of all Mothers,
thank you for my mom!
—From the book Friend Jesus: Prayers for Children
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! Especially, to my Mom! I LOVE YOU!Ü
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tagged by Mich
Got tagged by Mich.
Instruction: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!
Here we go!
* I am actually a shy person but people normally construe this as being a snob.Ü
* I am an only child. I was supposed to have a big brother but he died while he was still a baby. :(
* I am an anime addict. Although, I mostly collect old ones like Dragon Ball, DBZ, Yu Yu Hakusho, etc.
* I dream of being a computer programmer. I still do! Just could find the time to study the different programming languages.
* I am also a certified video games addict. I once played Diablo II (LOD) for more than 9 hours straight!
* I am a thrifty person. (A more positive way of saying "makunat!"Ü) I was even called by my parents as "silid-doño" when I was a kid because I almost always put the allowance they give me inside a small attache case for saving!Ü
* I am a God fearing man.
Now I'm tagging Allan, Cat, CJ, Lars, Peachy, Randy, and Selle.
Instruction: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!
Here we go!
* I am actually a shy person but people normally construe this as being a snob.Ü
* I am an only child. I was supposed to have a big brother but he died while he was still a baby. :(
* I am an anime addict. Although, I mostly collect old ones like Dragon Ball, DBZ, Yu Yu Hakusho, etc.
* I dream of being a computer programmer. I still do! Just could find the time to study the different programming languages.
* I am also a certified video games addict. I once played Diablo II (LOD) for more than 9 hours straight!
* I am a thrifty person. (A more positive way of saying "makunat!"Ü) I was even called by my parents as "silid-doño" when I was a kid because I almost always put the allowance they give me inside a small attache case for saving!Ü
* I am a God fearing man.
Now I'm tagging Allan, Cat, CJ, Lars, Peachy, Randy, and Selle.
The Prodigal Daughter
Yesterday, was another special day for Karen and I. We received a card from the post office stating that we have a package waiting to be picked up at the Parañaque Post Office. We had to postpone picking up the package because I was already preparing to go to work that time and the card said that pick up is only during Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday was definitely too far away so I asked my Dad to accompany us in going to the post office. I was not sure where it was exactly. I only knew that the Parañaque Post Office was somewhere in Sucat. Karen and I were both so excited that we got there 15 minutes early and the claiming window was still closed. We had to wait for them to open at 8AM. When they opened we were already anxious to see the package. I think we were all expecting to get a box instead of a normal envelope like package. My Dad even commented, "Yan na ba yon? Bakit ang liit?" I honestly could not wait any longer so I told Karen to open it to "check" if what we got was correct. hehe I was so happy to see Karen smile upon seeing the content of the package. I think if she could, she would have shouted... "F-I-L-L-Y!!!"Yes, we were lucky enough to have purchased another Filly Beanie Baby on eBay. Thanks to eBay Member, 21adams! It was very refreshing to see Karen smile and be happy whenever she sees a horse.
Meet the Family!
Happy Mommy!Ü
Filly's apartment for more than 10 days
TY Beanie Baby, Filly
Welcome back my daughter!Ü
Exquisite Dining at Mann Hann with Spidey
Last Sunday, Karen and I went to Mall of Asia to watch the much awaited Spider-Man 3. I was planning on seeing it on IMax hoping that it was 3D. It was also our first time to watch at IMax so we were really excited. Before that, Karen and I were looking for a place to have dinner. We were first thinking of pizza and pasta at Sbarro but we decided to try something new, not to mention the line at Sbarro was terrible and the seats were also full. We decided to try eating at Mann Hann. Actually, it was Karen's idea to eat there. Don't know what got into her but I no longer questioned her decision eventhough I knew she was not fond of eating Chinese food.Ü We were quite hungry that time so we ordered these
Steamed Fish Fillet (Php185)
Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php170)
Prawn Tempura (Php190)
Beef Brocolli Flower (Php195)
All of them were very delicious. Even Karen said that they tasted really good and it was one of those rare occasions that she was able to eat well in a Chinese restaurant.
After dinner and a couple of minutes of talking and letting the food settle inside our happy tummies, we then walked towards IMax. While we were walking towards IMax, we noticed a long line for the "regular" cinemas in MOA. I already knew that it was a line for the movie, Spider-Man 3. I was already praying that the line in IMax was not as bad. When we got there, there was a very short line. I already had a smile on my face but once I saw the screen showing how many seats were still left for the 7:30PM screening, I suddenly felt a little despair. Only 7 seats left?!? So that was why there were a lot of people outside... They were just waiting to be seated. We were lucky enough to have gotten seats in the middle, J24 and J25 to be exact. The others opted for the 10:30PM screening and I think there were also cancellations because the movie was only going to be shown on 2D. I actually did not mind paying Php700 for the tickets (Php350 each) by just recalling the line on the normal cinemas. I was also quite surprised because I would normally have problems bringing in my camera inside the movie house because most of the guards cannot distinguish the difference between a digicam and a DSLR, but I had no such hassle of leaving my camera with the guards because people were allowed to take pictures inside! At first I thought that the people inside were only kidding when one said out loud, "Kuhanan nyo ko ng picture! Manonood ako ng movie sa IMax!" When I saw others taking shots of their friends, what the heck! I'll also take a picture of Karen! hehe
I was really impressed with the movie. Special effects were great! The characters were well played by the actors. Kirsten Dunst (played MJ Watson) was H-O-T! Bryce Dallas Howard (played Gwen Stacy) was also H-O-T! The story was incredible. Although, I was not able to follow the comic book but I think Stan Lee wouldn't really allow the filmmakers to stray away from the comic book story that much, right? One thing I didn't like about the movie was there was no hint of it having another sequel. Sorry to spoil it for those who have not seen the movie yet. Anyway, I do hope they continue with the series even with different actors. I mean, it would be whole of a lot better if Toby and Kirsten are in the movie. Its just that, Spidey is such a good comic book that it might be a shame if it would end there. Well, I might be wrong on this one because they might find it hard to top off the previous ones. Hey, Superman and Batman were able to make a comeback, right? I mean, people will always have kids inside them so comic book movies will always flourish.
Can't wait for the next Marvel comic book movie, Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer. Check out the site here.
Steamed Fish Fillet (Php185)
Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php170)
Prawn Tempura (Php190)
Beef Brocolli Flower (Php195)
All of them were very delicious. Even Karen said that they tasted really good and it was one of those rare occasions that she was able to eat well in a Chinese restaurant.
After dinner and a couple of minutes of talking and letting the food settle inside our happy tummies, we then walked towards IMax. While we were walking towards IMax, we noticed a long line for the "regular" cinemas in MOA. I already knew that it was a line for the movie, Spider-Man 3. I was already praying that the line in IMax was not as bad. When we got there, there was a very short line. I already had a smile on my face but once I saw the screen showing how many seats were still left for the 7:30PM screening, I suddenly felt a little despair. Only 7 seats left?!? So that was why there were a lot of people outside... They were just waiting to be seated. We were lucky enough to have gotten seats in the middle, J24 and J25 to be exact. The others opted for the 10:30PM screening and I think there were also cancellations because the movie was only going to be shown on 2D. I actually did not mind paying Php700 for the tickets (Php350 each) by just recalling the line on the normal cinemas. I was also quite surprised because I would normally have problems bringing in my camera inside the movie house because most of the guards cannot distinguish the difference between a digicam and a DSLR, but I had no such hassle of leaving my camera with the guards because people were allowed to take pictures inside! At first I thought that the people inside were only kidding when one said out loud, "Kuhanan nyo ko ng picture! Manonood ako ng movie sa IMax!" When I saw others taking shots of their friends, what the heck! I'll also take a picture of Karen! hehe
I was really impressed with the movie. Special effects were great! The characters were well played by the actors. Kirsten Dunst (played MJ Watson) was H-O-T! Bryce Dallas Howard (played Gwen Stacy) was also H-O-T! The story was incredible. Although, I was not able to follow the comic book but I think Stan Lee wouldn't really allow the filmmakers to stray away from the comic book story that much, right? One thing I didn't like about the movie was there was no hint of it having another sequel. Sorry to spoil it for those who have not seen the movie yet. Anyway, I do hope they continue with the series even with different actors. I mean, it would be whole of a lot better if Toby and Kirsten are in the movie. Its just that, Spidey is such a good comic book that it might be a shame if it would end there. Well, I might be wrong on this one because they might find it hard to top off the previous ones. Hey, Superman and Batman were able to make a comeback, right? I mean, people will always have kids inside them so comic book movies will always flourish.
Can't wait for the next Marvel comic book movie, Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer. Check out the site here.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Crumpler!
Now that I've cooled down, just wanted to share what I got when my family and I, together with Karen went to Greenhills last Sunday. While my parents were busy checking out the goods, Karen and I went to Digital Walker where I saw a nice black Crumpler camera bag. Since it was almost pay day plus I still had some extra cash, I thought of buying the darn thing cause my old Sumdex camera bag is now too small to carry all of my accessories. I felt sorry for it and for myself cause I had to remove a couple of things first before I can get my camera out. I was hoping for the blag one to still be there but unfortunately, it was already out of stock! The only available Crumpler bag is the blue one and I mean ONLY! No new stocks and the one on display was their last! I was having second thoughts of buying the camera bag then but I really needed a bigger bag because I did not also want to strain the Sumdex and later on damage it. Its still useful for those pack-light travels!Ü
Comparing the two camera bags
See how roomy it is!Ü
Sorry Randy for buying a big similar to yours. I was also thinking of buying the Tamrac Pro bag which was cheaper but it was too big and was too obvious to be a camera bag. Baka pigilan din ako ng mga tao kapag namamasyal para lang magpapicture for Php50 each! hehe
Stupidity is spelled as P-N-C-C
I just got home from work and I am in a foul mood because of the traffic, or should I say HORRIBLE traffic because of the amazing intelligence and planning (with GREAT sarcasm!) of the people who manage the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Philippine National Construction Corporation. Why say such a statement about them? Picture this scenario, PNCC is in the process of fixing the connecting ramps for the Skyway near Magallanes and of course they are going to affect both lanes since the ramp from the Villamor Airbase is going to cross the SLEX so they have to build a column in between. It is very much understandable to motorists using SLEX that the area would be a traffic bottleneck because they are going to use a lane or to for their construction materials. What's so stupid about that you say? Someone VERY SMART from the PNCC decided to close all the lanes going south! Meaning, people going to Bicutan would have to detour and pass through the service road. I would also like to add that going through the service road is like going through a dirt road because of the infinite number of pot holes and uneven asphalt! The dirt road going to the beaches in Laiya, Batangas feels smoother compared to the service road in SLEX! I left the office at 5:15AM and I got home at around 6:30AM. A normal 20-minute trip turned into a 1-hour and 15-minute trip! &$*(#&q)*($&#)(*&$)(*@&)(*#$)(*#^$*&#@)(&*)@&$)(#@)*(^)#@^!!!!!!!!! ARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
Do not get me wrong, I am not against road construction and improvements because this is an important component for growth. I also would not have minded closing all of the lanes going south if it were done during the wee hours of the morning plus some early warning devices or if they distributed flyers or even post simple notices on their toll plazas to inform motorists ahead of time, then this would have been easily avoided. But then again, thanks to the BRILLIANT minds of the people in PNCC, people had to go through the traffic jam they created. True, sacrifices are to be made in order to improve but this is one sacrifice that SLEX motorists could have dodged if people only flexed a little more muscle. Hopefully, this incident could be avoided moving forward.
Do not get me wrong, I am not against road construction and improvements because this is an important component for growth. I also would not have minded closing all of the lanes going south if it were done during the wee hours of the morning plus some early warning devices or if they distributed flyers or even post simple notices on their toll plazas to inform motorists ahead of time, then this would have been easily avoided. But then again, thanks to the BRILLIANT minds of the people in PNCC, people had to go through the traffic jam they created. True, sacrifices are to be made in order to improve but this is one sacrifice that SLEX motorists could have dodged if people only flexed a little more muscle. Hopefully, this incident could be avoided moving forward.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
