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September 06 Sick meI really abhor, not just hate, being sick. Even as a child, I do not like being sick. Who does, anyway? Last week, I felt that my nose was itching and seemed that there was something blocking in my throat. Also, friends have begun noticing a throaty and harsh voice coming out from me.
And if it just my luck, what do you know?!?! I now have a full-fledged running nose/cold. September 05 In a few days..After four years of being a Technical Support Engineer, working for a top American software company with Sykes, I made up my mind that I want to be a Junior Software Developer. Three weeks ago I finally made my biggest decision. I signed a job offer with another company Accenture.
I kept it hidden from my parents, colleagues and friends for almost a week. I have gone to work with a heavy heart. But I could not conceal the fact that I will be moving out soon. Two weeks ago, almost teary-eyed, I presented my resignation to our account manager. Even if it was just on paper, it was not an easy task. It made me ask myself, for the last time, if this is I really want to be my path. Nevertheless, it has now sealed my fate.
With more than two weeks prior to my resignation, I reminisce the good and bad moments of the account, our triumphs and failures, and the simplicity and complexity of being a technical support agent. I am about to leave Sykes, the family I had. April 08 Close FightFor the first time, I applied for a higher position ('L2' or Senior Technical Engineer) due to my Team Manager and Quality Coordinator's insistence. Not really wanting the position (I could not envision myself as one), I did not review when it was rest days came. Everything I know is stocked knowledge from the day-to-day support that I do.
Realizing that I do not want to shame myself by getting the lowest score (if I flunk), on the day of the exam, I browsed through our CQT and the technical updates (sent via email). I must say, the exam was quite challenging. Some questions were really difficult and I expected that I would not pass. I came home with a heavy heart since I will not get enough sleep because of the exam I took earlier.
To my surprise, I did pass the exam as our Account Manager sent an email that I will be interviewed the following day. I could not hide my apprehension. Through out the night, I asked some of my colleagues about it. They advised that I should let myself be interviewed.
I felt that I was on a hot seat. I appeared unsure about my answers. Anyway, I tried my best. I realized that my answered was not for the issue resolution but of the processes and the quality.
Now that got me thinking. This post is really not for me. And I conditioned myself not to expect that much. Again, I could not see myself and do not want to be an L2.
Our Account Manager gave me a heartening feedback and said that that is was indeed a very close fight. To my luck, I did not get the position. Yipee!! March 11 Mon's/Mami's Bdays..Due to an unexpected dinner/get-together with my SBC Pakers Family, I went home Sunday afternoon. Nezza sent an instant message Satuday noon. She asked if I was coming for the dinner. I told her that I would try (but at the back of my mind, I may not). I reasoned that my shift would end by 2pm and I had nobody to be with, killing the time, until then. But due to her persistence, she made me come. I told Mon (another Family member) that I would be coming and asked him what will I do until then. He told me to call Joi (his wife and an original Paker) and tell her to come to Makati. I immediately texted Joi (another Family member) if she could come to Makati by 2:30pm.
Since she had to wait for her in-laws, we met at 3:30 pm. We had a hefty serving of burgers at the Chef d'Angelo but we ended up not eating it all up. After that, we went window-shopping, and tried some shoes, sandals, pants and earrings. It just took us an hour and a half, and we still had a lot of time (that was still between 6 and 6:30 pm) to kill. Since I was itching to have my nails done (it had been almost 2 weeks) and have my hair cut (since last year), we went Going Straight. Finally, with a shoulder-length hair and polished nails, we went out from Going Straight with smiles on our faces (it was till 8:30pm). We decided to burn the time in Starbucks, as Joi had been craving for coffee. She got a Frapp but I opted for a hot cappuccino.
At 10:30pm, we headed for Giligan's to have dinner with the Family. We were met Mon, Mike and Wanye. The place was almost full so we were seated on the non-smoking area. At the height of telling stories, while still waiting for the others to come, to our shock, the lights went off. Waiters clamored for their emergency lights and candles were lit. It seems that they do not have a generator so candles were lit. Well, it wasn't a romantic at all. Actually, we had two purpose of having that dinner.
Initially, it was just to hangout but due to unexpected situations, Mon got promoted as team manager. Also, days before, Mami (Kristin) also had her birthday. So, instead of going Dutch, Mon and Mami paid the bill. (Smile) We went to Pier 1 for heavy drinking and had margarita. We were served 5 considerable amounts and stayed until 6am. We only got the hint that they were only waiting for us to go when they turned the seats up the table. Mon, Joi and I were overjoyed since Chos had his car and dropped us by our houses.
Due to this unexpected dinner/get-together (Or was I the only one not expecting it?) with my SBC Family, I went home Sunday afternoon. January 18 Ugghh, colleagues!!I have discussed this matter once with my team manager. I was fine after he explained it to me. But then again, this eyebrow-raising incident happened once more. Those of you who are in the call center business, or on the email line of support, you will understand what I am talking about. With the support I do, our team has a main text where we base the resolutions of our customers' issues.However, each of us creates our own version of the canned text for customization and for customers to fully comprehend what we are talking about. Until recently, it seems that some of my colleagues have been copying my canned texts recently, word per word. I do not want to be greedy but I feel like I was used. I, myself, have copied sentence or two before, but not a complete and lengthy canned message. I have created those messages with utmost care. Some took 30 minutes to make. They were corrected, at my expense, since my team manager and quality coordinators already graded those. So the canned text that they have been copying has been refined and corrected, even before they ever thought of copying them. I do not know if I will be flattered or honored with what they are doing. But all I can say is I am pissed off with them. That's downright plagiarism. November 22 It was my birthday..Weeks before, I had filed my vacation leave for Nov. 18 and 19.
This could be the best and happiest birthday I had ever been.
Nov. 18 (My Birthday)
I woke up at around 9am. Feeling refreshed and energized, I got out of my bed in a good mood. I can say that the morning went as ordinary as usual. I fixed my bed, changed my clothes, had breakfast by myself, ate a burger bun and drank some coffee to jump-start my day.
Then, I saw my Mom appeared on the door and said 'Happy Birthday'. In our family, we do not usually greet birthdays directly. We always say that you have gotten older or nothing has changed much after a year has passed. It was our Mom who usually greets us.
During lunch, my Mom talked me about the food that we will serve on dinner. Knowing that it would suffice, we decided to have spaghetti, chicken and cake.
Because of the very short time we have, we hurried in cooking everything. I was quite exhausted since I was the one who does the washing. But it was all worth it. My family, along with my relatives, feasted on the simple but satisfying spaghetti and chicken. Of course, no one could resist the mousse cake I bought.
The night ended with washing and scrubbing of the tables to clean them once more. I fingers turned to, as what Neri told us, prunes. They were dry and rough.
However, I went to bed with a smile. I have never thought that my small birthday party would be as gratifying and grueling at the same time.
Nov. 19 (Harry Potter Day)
It was very weird. I woke up past 8am. Am I this excited or, again, just fully rested like the day before. Anyway, I went ahead with my morning routine. Then, friends began to send SMS messages and confirm the place where we will all meet. When I was about to take a bath an hour later, Analyn texted me and asked if I was still at home. Suspicious that she did not go to the office as she told me days ago, I answered back that I was indeed still at home. After a few seconds, my aunt called me and said that Anai was on the phone. We just talked for almost an hour about the latest HP movie, how cute Stan is and Robert (on the movie, not on photo shoots). We finally decided to put the phone down so we can take a bath, get dresses and meet at 2pm in Glorietta.
When it was 1pm, I asked her if she was on her way. To my surprise, she hasn't taken her bath yet. A few minutes after, Abie texted me that she was in Glorietta already. I kept asking Anai where she was until it was 2:30pm. Knowing the Abie's already warming her butt off in Seattle's Best, I decided I should go without Anai.
It took me an hour just to get to Makati and a few walks to get to Seattle's Best in Greenbelt 3. Later, I joined Abie and Tin, waiting for everybody. Minutes later, my college friends, or whom I call 'Parokya ni Eva' collectively, arrived one by one. I kept on texting and calling everyone. I could not calm myself, not unless I see all of us complete and ready to go up the elevator to the movie house. I want everyone to be comfortable on their seats once the movie has begun.
At 4:45pm, only 10 minutes before the movie, I saw Jen running from Starbuck's To Seattle's Best. You just can't imagine the relief I felt when I saw her. Then, we went up to the third level and entered the cinema.
The movie was a feast for the eyes. The special effects were brilliant and superb. Though the movie was quite effective in interlacing some of the happenings, the movie was away far-off from the original. Some individuals and events were deleted. This saddened me so.
But as far as a effects on the movie, I give it 3 1/2 stars.
After the movie, we went to 'Heaven N Eggs' to have dinner. To my surprise, the bag Anai was carrying was a gift, and it was wonderful one: a Monopoly Deluxe Edition. I was so excited that my friends could not understand what I was saying. I was speaking so fast and shrilling, I had to repeat what I have said almost four times for them to understand it. I had a mushroom omelet. It was yummy and I was really full. Then, a long-lost friend, named Conrad, dropped by, from work. The talking continued, updating one another on what was happening on our lives, until it was past 10pm.
It was getting late. Before we part, we decided that we will have a gift-giving. Each took a small piece of paper from my cell phone's bag.
I got a taxi, with Shyne, Uly and Jenny. Since it was my idea of getting a taxi, I dropped them off to one another's houses before the taxi headed for mine.
Once I got home, I immediately tore the Monopoly's gift wrapper and plastic. I surveyed the new pegs, houses, hotels, paper money and the folded board. I was really touched with the gift. As Shyne said, I was always the pampered one, when it comes to gifts. A smile creeped on my face.
I changed my clothes and went to bed. I was still very excited that I could not get to sleep. I just thanked God that He gave me friends and family, though they do not tell me, I know deep in my heart, through their actions, they care and love me.
I would never forget this birthday, my 24th birthday. November 16 Finally!!!The moment I opened my eyes, I know this will be a magnificent day. (Last night, I stared at the almost-full moon as if I was in a trance. It was a start. It really was.) By the way, tonight is a full moon. How I love full moons. I thought this day (or should I say, last night) would never come. As I mentioned on my previous entries, I have been having not enough sleep lately. Actually, that was for more than two weeks. I should be shameful for telling that I get some about 7-9 hours or nighttime sleep for my B shift, but it wasn't enough. Last night, though I had only 5 hours of sleep, it was the best. Best means it was a 5-hour dreamless sleep. I have never been fully rested. I felt fully energized to go to work. (Plastic?!?! Hehe) By the way, here in the Philippines, it's the opening day for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (HP/GoF). (Just right on time to celebrate my getting a year older.) Everyone's excited here in the office. Almost all of those who're going to watch it will be seeing it today, after work or they are on leave. (Talk about being too excited.) Who can blame them? The moment I got my hands on that book and then knew that the books were to be filmed, I always wanted to see this fourth installment on big screen. (Well, that was almost 4 years ago.) Too bad, I'm not seeing it today. On the lighter side, on Saturday, I will be seeing it with my college friends. All 12 of us will see it, my treat.
Ever since I was a kid, I never believed in horoscopes. However, since summer, I have this tugging feeling that they were in tuned to what's happening to me. Weird or simply a coincidence?
November 13 Wake me up when November endsI'm getting so excited and fretful at the same time. In less than a week, GoF (HP and the Goblet of Fire) will be shown on our cinemas. Around the world, HP fans, like me, are all in a frenzy just to see this. Almost every HP fan I know from the office will be seeing the movie this Wednesday. I had to admit. I'm a bit jealous of them. But what the heck?!?! I'm going to see it anyway, but on a later date though. Two days afterwards, I will be turning 24. (Boy, am I getting old!) I don't think I have wasted another doing nothing. Well, I have just bought a ref and TV for my family (mind you, both are charged on my credit card). Aside from that, this year was test. Thank God, I still have my sanity intact. The day after my birthday, (A week I am going out with my college friends, who are also big HP fans, to see the movie. The tabs are mine (Again, for the third time). Wow, I'm out of words to describe how I feel. Have I told you that I am so excited and fretful at the same time? Note: Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum) is so hot and cute. (Can't wait to see him on GoF) I don't care if someone says otherwise. As a friend has quoted 'Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder'. November 09 What a night!Last night, I woke up with a start. Thinking that I it was time to get up, I tried opening my eyes. Since my room has very small holes at the top, next to the ceiling, I was quite puzzled that the kitchen and dining rooms' lights were still on. Then, I heard my Dad grumbling something. I think he was lecturing my brother about something.
Since it was still dark, judging by the dim lights coming through my windows, I tried to shut my eyes tight, so I can get back to sleep.
I twisted and turned on my bed. I tried to hug my pillows, leaned on my side, sprawled my arms and legs. Nothing seemed to have worked. I decided to check what time was it. To my utter dismay, I found that it was just 4:18 am. Guessing by the time I woke up and turned my cell phone on to check the time, a good 30 minutes has past. AND I STILL CAN'T GET MYSLEF TO SLEEP.
A few minutes later, I think my eyes finally dropped. The next thing I knew, my cell phone's clock was alarming. I said to myself, 'Wow, what a night! A real bummer'.
Until now, I keep on thinking, 'What the hell is happening to me!?!?'
On the day I started my afternoon shift, which I rather call 'B shit', I have been having dreams. All sorts of dreams. Some are quite weird, hair-raising and downright strange.
The last I had this kind of bout was when my friend, since I was 12, had her 18th birthday celebration.
I don't know if this was in any way related but let me give it a try.
The week before I was on B shift, a friend said that HP4 reservations were on. The day after she told me that, I sent a text message to all my college friends, asking if they are free on Nov. 19. Of course, since this is HP month, they know that I know that I will be treating them for the movie. Yes, it's my treat. It was always been me. (I was unable to treat them on HP3 - but that was okay. I would have wasted my money on such a flimsy copy of the book.)
Me? Buying HP ticket for my college pals? Why? Of course, it's for my birthday. Yes, November's my month. And to top it all, HP movies are usually showed on my birthday (Nov. 18). Sometimes, that does not happen. The films now were usually released a day or two before my BID DAY. But what the heck! Almost all cinemas would have released the movie on Nov. 18.
Hehe. HP movies will always be a cool present for me.
And again, since the first movie same out, I am spending my HP day and birthday with friends.
 November 08 What a day?!?!A very lonely and tiring afternoon has just begun. My other colleague, who was supposed to be with me on B shift today, has gone on a sick leave, leaving me to answer all chat sessions and as many emails as I can. Oh bummer, what a day this will be! And I am definitely not looking forward to it. As of 3:44pm, Nov. 8, I already had 5 chat sessions. I yet to finish one message since I chat sessions keep on coming. Thank God May, who rendered OT, arrived at around 4pm. THANK GOD!!! October 31 B shift againAnother boring and tiring two weeks have begun. Once more, I was on the dreaded B shift. Adding to my misery, I was the only agent on my shift on Monday. How dreadful can that be? Not being able to contain my angst, I sent an email to our Ops Desk. And guess what? She just told me that it was about the WFM-thing. Damn her and the WFM!! They don't have any inkling as to how they can correctly forecast the chat and email volume queues. Our sub-account has been on its one-year operations now. Still, we have the least number of agents present during weekends, where the bulk of the queue comes in. And you call that forecasting..
Whatever!!!!
If this trash continues, maybe I should start considering my pal's suggestion - start applying for another account or company and ship out. October 21 Blog..blog..and more blogWow, it's been like decades the last time I have put an entry on this blog. I was a bit busy lately. Issues here and there have been buggin' me recently.
Hope I could update and put any happenings here. August 30 Ano to?This morning, I saw a slightly darkened mark on my right hand. I don't know if it was a bruise. I don't remember having bumped into something yesterday or before I went to work. It even doesn't hurt. I am deeply bothered by it. What is the world is this?! My hands are killing me
From today on, I have vowed that I shall not crack my knuckles. Otherwise, I will have to put P200 everytime onto my savings account. July 26 Done with HP6After the long and grueling 2 years of waiting for this book, I have finally finished it for just 3 days. I was dismayed at the end, as if there is no hope left for Harry. All I can say is 'Good luck to you, Harry'. Wish you all the best'.
Though I smiled for 3-5 instances when the storyline was about Hermione and Ron, and Ginny and Harry. Nevertheless, I was left confused disappointed. July 03 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceThis is it! In less than 2 weeks, I will get my hands on my brand new copy of J. K. Rowling's latest addition to her best selling series, Harry Potter. I have spent the last 2 years thinking what will have happened to Harry, Ron and Hermione. I diverted my attention to finishing my cross-stitching, reading other books and watching tons of movies. I even read fanfics. Now that the day is near, I just can't hide my excitement. I even decided to be on C shift (though it was my least favorite schedule) just to make sure that I will get a copy by 7am on July 16. Too tired to get upFor the last 3 days, my friend and I stayed over another friend's pad. All we did was to shop and talk after work hours. Then, I went back home just yesterday. I have not realized that I was physically exhausted until I curled up on my bed. I arrived at 5 pm, turned on the TV, changed clothes and, without unpacking my things, I leaned my back on my pillows. Surprised that is was 6pm and had taken a nap, I changed my TV's channel. If my mom has not waken me up at 8pm to ask if I will eat dinner, I will not know that I have slept while watching TV.
Abie-Arnie NuptialUpon my arrival at the office yesterday morning, I opened my email messages. Guess what I have found? I received an email from a college seatmate and friend that she's gonna be married on Jan. 25, 2006. As far as I know, this is their anniversary date too. I became very excited after reading this email. This definitely brightened my day's seemingly gloomy start. After more than a decade of being together, they have decided to tie the knot. It is very comforting to know that the one you love first will be the one you will love last. At least, this still happens nowadays. Isn't that sweet? June 29 Monster-in-lawThinking that this is another chick flick, I have not planned seeing this movie the moment I saw the trailer because of Jennifer. Friends had been persuading me since the Moday morning to watch it. They kept on telling me that the movie was funny. After a lot of convincing, I decided to give the movie a shot. The movie was indeed funny regardless of the actors. The lines were so hilarious. Then, I found myself laughing my hearts out. It was one of those few movies that really amused me. I would have regretted should I have not seen the movie. You should see it too. It could ease your stressful day. June 24 EnglandMy music preference has changed a bit for the past few days. I know I love pop, rock and alternative. However, I do not want to hear any them. I do appreciate Celtic music; it reminds me of England. Why? Beats me. I have never been there ever though I longed to visit when time comes (that is, if I get rich enough to afford it). Goodbye, Rock. Hello, Celtic. |
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