Get Paid to Blog

Having been homebased for more than two weeks now gave me the advantage of time to explore the possibilities of a more versatile online existence, to catch up with the Internet's varied uses or functions.

To be specific, I've heard about people being paid for posting on their personal web space about different products and services, pretty much like what I did before, only in different forms of media. Having said that, I'm not surprised that blog advertising has become a trend, as the Internet has become such a powerful tool or medium to make companies and their products and services become known the world over fast.

For someone like me who occasionally writes for money (and most of the time, for passion's sake), nothing can be more exciting than getting paid while blogging... seriously. Have you had moments in your blogger's life that you are at a loss for the right words to channel your thoughts on personal issues? Then take an emotional break and make way for some money-making deals: advertise on blogs and get paid.

Although there are many other sites with services that connects advertisers with bloggers, I have seen that smorty is different such that signing up and getting your blog approved is a lot easier and faster. And then once you're in, you are up to more opportunities than others have.

Get paid for blogging now.

bLah at 1 am

What am I doing? I’m supposed to be asleep now as I’m physically tired. I am just resisting the urge to jump into the bed, I guess – hmm, don’t know – maybe since there are a lot of things in my mind right now.

Dili ko pakatulgon.

So what I did was nagtagbaw ug videoke through KaraFun and KaraokeKanta softwares installed in the PC, while Karl is at his laptop also consumed by his passion for work (right now, he’s into web development). Hayyy, geeks and me.

Gotta go kay si Raj gidaman.

Dignified Indemnified

I don't wanna see your face

I don't wanna hear your name
I don't wanna thing
Just stay away baby
Don't wanna know if you're alright
Or what you're doin' with your life
Don't wanna hear you say you'll just stay in touch baby
I'll get by just fine
And if you're goin' then darlin'
Goodbye, goodbye

KNOCK IT OFF!!!

Joke lang. A friend knew beforehand that I’d have more time to blog now that I’ve chosen the bum-bee-bee-bum career path. The best part of this, actually, is not having to wake up at 6 am. Lumba pa mi ug pangatulog ana tulo. Now, tell me, should I get off lest I get used to this?

But anyway, I’m not totally bumming around –– just enjoying a much-needed break. And only God knows how I can’t stand the thought of my five-month-old baby’s yaya giving him a bath that’s why I do it myself. Don’t get me wrong; I’m so thankful of the nannies ‘cause they’ve been wonderful partners in taking care of my baby. They, too, have loved our cutie and I can see it. But only a mother of such assumed dedication could understand me.

Moving on, it’s only this time when I resigned from work that I haven’t worried that much on where I’m going. Maybe it’s just about time. I have been planning this all along, just didn’t know when to make the MOVE. And I thank KARL for the hardworking and understanding husband that he is (read: allowing me to sometimes while away my time at the doctor’s clinic and paying my credit card dues, hehe).

Again, don’t get me wrong; I’m not big on them. And it's not as if I'm in for a total makeover. I’m just thankful that some of my friends kind of influenced me to get into a little of this. After all, it doesn’t hurt one to try to pamper herself a little more; a guy friend has always accused me of denying myself that.

Blog and Get Paid

If you have been using the internet for quite sometime now, reading blogs (and posting new entries) is probably in your itinerary every once in a while when you enter into the virtual realm of the world wide web. For many people like me, blogging means updating friends or the target readers on the events (or nonevents) of our lives.

But people blog for any reason –– it’s more than just an online diary. If you have been following the news, you should have known that the use of blogs has become increasingly mainstream and the extent of their influence, far-reaching.

The term blog (short for weblog) coined by Peter Merholz, has become such a phenomenon. Blog softwares and blog hosting services such as Blogger continues to gain strength and increases its number of bloggers to more than 100 million to date.

Realizing the potential of blogs as a medium for disseminating key information, Bloggerwave.com has opened an avenue for companies to advertise their products and services by commissioning bloggers to write about them in their personal blogs. At the rate that people are relying on the internet for information, this will effectively create buzz about the company’s products and services. At the same time, bloggers are provided with income-earning opportunities to create a whole new meaningful online existence/presence for them.

With bloggerwave, you don’t limit your blogging experience to personal matters; you expand your horizons. So come on, people, ride with the wave. Sign up at Bloggerwave.com and make money for posting in your personal blogs.

How’s that for a gift for the Holidays and a startup for the coming year?

The Day He Said Goodbye

One time, Karl went home to his parents and to this day, I don’t know the reason why. Sometimes he has this habit of answering you with, “Wala lang” probably in his attempt at keeping some things to himself. And sometimes I choose not to go beyond the line. I don’t know, I have this feeling that he might have had enough of me that he wants space, if only for a while. And it even comes to my “luoran” point that I could say the infamous words, “Hell, yeah! I am not your partner; I am just your wife.” Pathetic as it may seem.

But, honestly, when I first heard of his plan, angry silence wasn’t the right description of how I felt. I felt betrayed. Thoughts raged in my head like, does he want to relieve himself from fatherly duties for a while? Does he feel he has had too much of a load playing dual roles when he’s awake for work late at night? You know, sometimes, when I’m really tired, I need to recharge… even for just a few hours.

And yeah, who’s complaining now? And to mention one of the least, did he have to contend the pains over being unable to breastfeed because I am away tugging with my PC? But being me, sometimes silence is my best cover lest I say things that should have been better left unsaid.

But still I cried when it was time for him to go. We’ve been almost inseparable since we got married (and even before that). Mingaw kaau oi.

Still this experience smacks reality in the face.

I was actually glad he was gone for a while! The evenings just weren't the same. I was happy to have the bed to me and my baby (Raj used to sleep in our midst). It was comfortable to surf the internet and check my e-mails alone, no pressure of company to limit my usage of the PC. Raj was hassle-free, too, perhaps sensing my comfy high. Now, I do appreciate some time apart. Although between us, I am least likely to be discharged of my motherly duties. But then again, I can’t probably live a night without my baby at an arms length or two.

I got this beautiful statement from a website:

“Part of me is happy that I get to breath for a day and know that I am breathing for me. That the steps I take are leading me to where I want to go. And, as much as I love you all, I need a day to escape life. Our life.”

Hurrah to 2007, Hail 2008!

Some things worthy of revelry:

1. Overcoming the anxieties of pregnancy.
2. Conquering the throes of childbirth.
3. Baby's Baptism.
   
4. Celebrating a milestone birthday.
5. Hanging in, regardless.
6. Great family.
7. Good friends.
8. Good health.
9. Good move! (We’ll see.)

On the other hand, here are some feats to achieve:

1. Being a good wife and becoming better still.
2. Raising a smart and confident kid.
3. Learning to love unconditionally.
4. Learning to forgive my worst enemy.
5. Welcoming new people into my life.
6. Finding work I love.
7. Finding a great place to live.
8. To stay optimistic, no matter what.
9. Staying focused.
10. Time management.
11. Earning more than I ever dreamed.
12. To think better, feel better, and look better.
13. To think best, feel best, and look best.
14. To be less self-serving.

A Love Story

I got this idea from here and so here goes our story. Hmmm…

Where and when you met

Actually, we met a few years ago (in college). I don’t remember the exact date, but I was two years his senior in the computer science bachelor’s degree of UP Cebu College. I don’t remember talking to him in school; I just knew who he was and where he’s from.

Where and when you met again 1

It was sometime in 2004, I bumped into him near UP after we had lunch with my officemates then. He encouraged me to apply at NCR. It was just a meeting of no significance between us.

Where and when you met again 2

I came to Cebu on November, 2005 to join this contest portion in the now-defunct comedy TV show on GMA 7. I asked Donnalyn if I could stay at her place for two days and I didn’t know they were housemates then.

Where and when you met again 3

I was applying for programming jobs and was staying at a boarding house in the UP Cebu neighborhood in February 2006, and that’s when we saw each other again. He asked for my number and I obliged – in my mind it was for friendly reasons (clueless as ever). Call it whatever you like but he told me later he hoped to run into me that day.

I’m not sure which meeting came first, but we also bumped into each other at NCR when I applied for software developer position but ended up being offered with another position.

Up to this point, I thought of him more as a younger brother.

Where and when you first kissed

Hmmm… our first hug was more romantic than the kiss. We were at the rooftop of their previous apartment and we were waiting for some stars to shower atop us. But came past midnight and still no sign of meteor rain. Hmmm…

But neither of us wanted to call it a night although it was getting a little cold.

THEN… without warning, CAME the ‘tickling’ sensation. It was like something stroked my hand so lightly enough to cause some stir from within. (Kanang manlimbawot imu balahibo pero dli horror) Or basin hangin lang to (haha!). I told him about it and he was quick to whisper, "Basin ako to". Hoowaah!

Gikilig jud ko ato nga gikigwa. As if by magic, I hugged him tight. Kanang feeling that you both flew into a rage and finally were able to express how you really felt for each other. Sapagkat kami ay tao lamang...

I don’t remember how long we stayed that way.

So much for waiting for the flower to come into its own full blossom (kana ba untang sama sa pagbukad sa bulak sa sayung kabuntagon). Oh yeah!

MABUHAY ang kilig moments!!!

For All the Women Who Have Loved

I just want to make a stand. It appears that I have followed the story between these three celebrities in the Philippines where a baby is closely involved. Maybe I feel strongly for this because –– yup, you guessed it right –– I am a mother, too. And I, too, will do anything to keep my family from falling apart. I may have a personality that contradicts what I usually allow to be seen with.

For those who haven’t been mothers, you have no idea what we had to go through and what we’re going through. That it’s inevitable that we sometimes turn into our inner monster. You have no idea what we are capable of. I have seen this same trait from my mother and, thanks to her, we have remained a family to this day, getting closer and enjoying each other’s company a little more for what little time we now have to get all together.

Sometimes guys can be less assertive (and how I hate it!) and that’s when women should toughen themselves up a bit. I am not the type of woman or person who can be lured with material things; I’m way better than that. My life doesn’t revolve around beauty products, shopping, travels, gadgets –– vanity in itself. I may not know my absolute worth but I know I am made of stuff beyond the superficial.

That’s why I appreciate efforts to be together (read: quality time) and no-matter-how-little efforts to make one feel that he/she is important. Some people may have this difficulty deciding who and what's more important in their lives. Sometimes they tend to forget that it’s family who’ll be there for them the most and they should not take them for granted. Would you appreciate a guy who wouldn’t stand up for you? Yeah, forgive me for saying this, but I’m enduring this. And I’m not loving it.

That’s why I am so buying Carlene Aguilar’s side of the story. She’s a lot braver and more admirable than what she has been given credit for and knowing what she’s fighting for is even the least of the reasons for it.

To be Tagged is a Choice

7 Facts about me:

1. Proud mother!! (Aws, dli jud lalim manganak-- so gotta take pride!)
2. I have a few close friends and though I am easy to get along with, I am a very private person.
3. I initially throw tantrums when I’m tired and I still have to wake up for my baby (hehe).
4. I still have a problem managing my time.
5. I am a homebody.
6. I am a jealous type (I discovered this by chance).
7. Sometimes I don’t say what I really mean, if only to give peace a chance.

My Lifes’ ABCD

A– Age: 27
B– Band Listening to Right Now: All work, no play daw o! At home, Karl always plays Jack Johnson these days, while mine are songs for babies (Beatles for Babies, Elvis for Babies among them)
C– Career: Make it careers. Wife, mother-blogger (hehe), pro-grammar, programmer.
D– Drink or Smoke: Neither. But no closing statement on drinking.
E– Easiest Friends to Talk To: My sister (I’ve never been as close to anyone), Raj (hehe), Karl (depende sa mood, hehe), my officemates (kuwela man gud na sila), college friends, Guile (my corny writer-musician friend.. check out Hastang), blogger mates, Lotlot (though we’re continents apart), some chatmates (I feel close to them even if we haven’t really been together for quite a while or haven’t shared experiences much).
F– Wala lagi??
G– Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: bears
H– Have a Boyfriend: If a boyfriend is a subset of husband, then I do have a boyfriend.
I– In love: Like crazy!
J– Junk Food You Like: Nothing in particular.
K– Kids: Aziraj “Raj/Azzir” Kent Suma-Realiza
L– Longest Ride Ever: On the way home (maximum of 15 hours).
M– ???
N– Names For Your Future Kids: Won’t think of it now; my first baby’s name just came to be as it’s meant to be.
O– One Wish You Have Now: To increase my worth and to prove I’m worthy.
P– Phobias: horror films are no-no’s when I’m alone; people who have lost control over their minds (you know what I mean), losing the ones I love, traps, heights, some insects, snakes… losing my mind.
Q– Favorite Quote: Hmmm… Quote and quote.
R– Reasons to Smile: I have a baby… need I say more? =]
S– Sleeping Time: Should have been as early as I can to catch up on sleep but…
T– Time You Woke up: 6 am.
U– Unknown Fact About You: Make it facts. I am my father's daughter (I can throw a fit like you have no idea). I am funny.
V– Vegetable You Hate: I’m a vegetarian.
W– Worst Habit: Tardiness.
X– X-rays You’ve Had: Chest.
Y– Yummy Foods: Wow, food! Enough said.
Z– Zodiac Sign: LEO

I'm Moving!

At last, I have mustered the courage to hand in my resignation letter and thus, have put an end to this tragidramedy (ok, I just made that up) of indecisiveness. I now have two weeks to complete the tasks that needed finishing touches before I finally wrap up my stay in the company.

Although I must admit I had a great time with the people I have worked with for nearly two years, I have my own issues and the least I can do is wish for the best for those I’ll leave behind. But I have given them a piece of my mind, my heart and soul. I started in the company as my sole self and have changed since then –– have gotten married and then had a baby (or the other way around).

I know I have this tendency to forget this rule (and probably where I came from): Accept what cannot be changed, have the courage to change what can be changed but have the wisdom to know the difference.

But dili nako sila matiis. I just cannot shut myself out from the problems around me just because I am safe and secure. That’s why before I’ll bid a final farewell, I told the management on what I think the problems are with the company. Of course, we all hope for the better, if not for the best.

It’s just that, I believe in them –– but that’s just not enough. A part of me says I should just let things and them be but there’s just a thin line between things that can be and cannot be changed. And you just have to have faith –– in PEOPLE. A line from a movie Armageddon comes to mind and it says, “We’re all gonna die, right? We might as well die saving the world.”

Albeit this doesn’t even weigh up to that (saving the world, that is), but what the heck? We all have our own contributions, no matter how small. It doesn’t have to be towards “save the cheerleader, save the world” level. Now, I’m not talking about the hit American TV series Heroes here. Although I still have to catch an episode later. ;]

Seriously, though, this is a big decision for me and though I must admit I’ve taken time pondering on this, it’s only recently (just the past weekend) that the thought finally sank in. I am resigning… where am I going? You know, for once, I should stop pretending like this is the most natural thing in the world to do.

But as luck would have it (no, seriously, it’s too early to talk about luck right now), I have been given an offer to work at home and that means having more time for my baby. Ok, I have decided to take yet another crack at this something that I know to this day I'm still struggling on: programming/software development.

Hmm… you know what? Despite everything, things are as lovely as they already are. (Although at the back of my mind I want to go to Japan and experience the wonders of the place, as my dear friend Idel has been writing so interestingly about.)

Ideru, paanhaa nya ko ha. Really, I'm excited!!

Career Interest Report

Syve, your top career is

Fine Arts

Based on your responses to our Career Interest Inventory, we have an understanding of what types of career areas are right for you and why.

Professions in the fine arts typically involve evoking some kind of emotional response. Whether someone is into music, drama, or painting, they typically possess an heightened appreciation for experiencing the world on a sensory level. People in the fine arts usually enjoy looking at the world from a unique perspective and ultimately they want to share that vision with others. To many people, artists are our cultural ambassadors. That is, people involved in the fine arts are often creating solely for the purpose of connecting with other human beings in an individual way. Unfortunately, most people mistakenly assume that being involved in the fine arts equates to becoming a starving artist but this isn't always the case. Additionally, many people who have a deep admiration for the fine arts but do not define themselves as artists do in fact belong to the artistic community. For example, a lighting director is not a stage actor, but he/she gets to contribute an artistic vision. Part of the challenge to succeeding in the fine arts is to expand your definition of "artist."

A job is not just a job. It serves other needs that are important not to ignore. Don't forget to consider different aspects of your personality when thinking about your specific job interests. Below we've given you some ideas to keep in mind. Following this, the jobs that we've listed for you were personally picked for you with these needs in mind.

Although everyone would enjoy having some money, you want more than that. Whether you actually live in a lap of luxury isn't the point either. Rather, your desire to have certain comforts in life partly relates to your job interests. In addition to making money, jobs carry other benefits too. For example, you may not make as much money being an artist, but it carries a certain amount of prestige compared to other higher paying jobs. You want to have a job associated with having favorable qualities so that you make a good impression with others. A bit of recognition does not hurt either in your book. It's far better to work hard and receive some accolades then it is to work just as hard and not have others admire you for it. Given that this is the case, think about aiming for jobs that are seen as admirable by society at large. In your area, think about jobs that connote high creativity, nobility, or intelligence. Being around people is one of the perks of the job. You are social by nature and while some people see socializing as a waste of time, working with others increases your enthusiasm for what you do. The thought of sitting in front of your computer all day without interacting with people would be joyless to you. Maybe it's that you like bouncing ideas off of other people or you just like taking breaks with people. Whatever the case, make sure you look for jobs that allow you to work with others in some way. It would not only make you happy but also productive.

Reprinted from here.

“Tripping” Down Provincial Lane

Raj and I went home (to Dipolog and Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte) to visit his grandparents on both sides. The trip should have lasted for 3 days but some inconveniences presented themselves and we ended up staying there for 5 days. And since we didn’t have much of a choice (Cebu Pacific doesn’t have a direct flight to Dapitan), we took the trip the traditional way –– by ship.

And to say the least, it’s one of the most inconvenient travels I’ve had on the way back. I love going to places but I’m not so fond of “tripping” (while taking the trip, that is) due to motion sickness. Plus, having a baby on travel (four months at that) is more hassle than pleasure. Haha! Of course, as a mother, I’m not supposed to say that. To tame that statement, anyway, I’ll just say it doesn’t delight one to see her son being inconvenienced when she herself is having the queasy feeling inside.

I was texting Karl all the time of our plight but he is just not one to drop everything to rescue you. Paet. Dili sya kalupad or kalangoy just to be where we are. Besides, I insisted on going home on such a short notice after a nagging request from my side of the family.

But on the other hand, here are some good reasons why you should visit your kid’s lolos and lolas as often as you can:

1. Grannies know better than mother’s best.
2. Seeing the smiles on their (grannies’) faces is priceless. They’re more excited to see their apo than parents are.
3. Nothing can be cuter than lolo-apo or lola-apo tandem.

4. Parents, especially first time ones, commit the mistake of handling the baby in an awkward manner.
5. Isn’t it an established fact that grannies spoil apos more than parents do of their kids?
6. Your kid will love the fresh air back at grandparents’ hometown.
7. They (the whole family) just looove your baby! And it’s nourishment to both parents and baby’s souls.
8. An arrival of apo in the family tends to elicit fuller and more meaningful relationships between parents and grandparents.
9. You can take a night or nights off without worrying whether the baby is in good hands.
10. They’re family, and that makes it the most natural thing to do.

Azir (that's what he's called by my side of the family) and his Tita... pure delight!

Sisters.. missing you always!

Where i am is where i wanna be

I am so bursting with so many ideas and sometimes I just ditch them without getting them to come to fruition, with nary a single step ahead after a modest effort. And when boredom pays me a visit (like it regularly does) later, I find myself recovering saved files and reviving the will to continue where I left off. This is turning to be a vicious cycle.

Because I’ve got all the reasons why you and I should love life – and it’s all meant for good lovin’ and sharin’. This is all about the good things in you. The good things that gets you in control.

What makes your day today good/great? What good/great thing(s) have you done this day? For the last couple of months? For the year whose end is about to draw near?

For the first two questions, I asked some friends and here are their answers:

I got a job offer… and my program worked! –– smooth escape

My day is very great today because I have just realized my value as a friend and colleague here in the office. My officemates demonstrated today their support to me. They have given me a very memorable surprise baby shower. –– sha

(1) that i have a job that pays me and looking forward to the end of the day when I will meet up with good friends... (2) smiled... dropped a good word for a friend... encouraged somebody. ­–– fritzie

The only good and great thing is that I have survived another day in a controlled and manipulated society. –– bolas (I swear this person always makes me laugh.)

I completed a level 4 sudoku puzzle. –– guile

Spending my day with nice people. –– martha

you've known me naman, everyday is a great day for me (happy go lucky). well for one thing I’ve learned a new thing or two, no matter how small. I am working and the best of all is I’ve lived my day the way I wanted it. –– jovir

For the first question, everytime my husband goes home in the morning (he’s in night shift) then my baby boy wakes up because he hears his father's voice. For the second, a simple smile that I can share to everyone… –– bench

so far focus ko sa work karon kai naa mi deadline.. i feel great kai grabe kadako sa trabaho ang gihatag sa akoa.. diba moingon man dayon ta nga sus kapoia ani ako team leader oi.. ako man pirmi hasolon.. pero sayop diay na nga attitude.. dako ang gihatag nga work sa imoha kai salig siya nimo... and so far mao na ako nakita sa ako team leader karon sa akoa.. and i feel great nga naay nisalig sa akong skills... –– forrest gump

Haha. Fridays are always great. This day passed quickly but it was a long day still. I accomplished lots of things at work. Later I'm going out with my friends for a coffee date and videoke. =) –– brewed

discovering i have a good talent in writing poem makes my day great; i've written a good poem for today. ahahahahahahaha! bastos man ng balak oi. –– iescarro

Got this from somewhere I cannot remember… De-stressing tips

* Allow yourself some private time each day, even a minimum of a half hour.

Hmm… if possible, I want to get rid of the computer in our room.

* Pray and meditate.

I always do pray… but not meditate.

* Take a long walk. Exercise that relaxes and gives new perspectives

I only take a walk at the mall when I badly need some shopping (grocery shopping included). Otherwise, I go home straight from office.

* Buy a bouquet of flowers for yourself. Or pick one from your garden.

I bought a single rose for myself on Valentine’s day.

* Turn off the phone, and allow your answering machine to pick up your calls. This is a mindsaver.

Hmmm… no answering machine.

* Snuggle up with a good book.

I’ve stopped reading books lately, just articles… mostly online.

* Put on your favorite music. You can even turn it up loud, and dance; if you have toddlers they love this, too.

Aw, I love music. I always sing – that’s one way of putting my little one to sleep.

* Call a friend, and settle in with a hot cup of tea, give yourself time to enjoy the conversation.

Yep, one friend doesn’t approve of my not going out and not rewarding myself from time to time. I’ve always been a homebody, it’s one way of carrying on the old traditions. Neither do I like too much attention nor spending so much by frequent night-outs or dine-outs.

* Run the hot water, pour in bath salts, and luxuriate in your tub for a long, fragrant soak at the end of the day.

Hmmm… no bath tub.

* Indulge in getting (or giving) a massage.

I’m used to getting the traditional massage.

* Fix a little favorite comfort food.

Yep.

* Recall favorite memories, and allow yourself to recreate that feeling with loved ones, or a special moment in your life.

I don’t get to meditate a lot. Maybe I lost ‘it’ somewhere, sometime in the past.

* Write. In your journal, or a love letter to anyone you love, or a poem to express yourself

I used to write a diary on paper. (I think I still have the old ones back at my parents’ home.) I used to write poems, anything else. But I still pitch in my ideas whenever I’m having ‘it’.

* Treat yourself to a trip to the salon, a manicure and a pedicure, a shampoo and styling, nothing too different, maybe, but just for the fun.

Yeah, I do that whenever I feel I have to but nothing fancy. I’m not the kind who invests so much on my looks.

* . Rent a great video. Or better yet, go to the library, and borrow it with some good books

The last vcd I rented was Pretty Woman. Of course, I’ve seen that before. It’s one of those movies that I can watch over and over again.

* New Books! There are times only a Borders or Barnes and Noble store will do! Spend the afternoon, on your own or with a friend.

No more books for the moment. I think I need a new pair of glasses; it’s been a year that I haven’t worn one.

* Start a Blessings journal, and take time for God.

I always take time for God. Nothing has changed and nothing ever will.

* Go outside: to the beach, hike in the park, walk in the neighborhood. Bask in the sunshine, examine the trees and the flowers, make up pictures in the clouds, delight in the day.

I will. Promise.

By the way, here are some photos on the christening of Raj on October 14, 2007 …

More pics here.

Somebody shut off the alarm!

*When Mommy is not happy, no one is happy.
When Mama is not happy, the happiness of the other members in the household is not full.

My husband doesn’t subject himself to changes in mood. He has this grin plastered all over his face that I sometimes find annoying.

* A person who is aroused has no conscience.
What good is a human if he/she cannot control such urges?

* You can’t plant a tree in the morning and expect it to bear fruit the next day.
Yep, yep, I completely agree. That’s why I’m struggling to bear down on my head too much info and tasks for having been handed down the responsibility of debugging an entire application.

And yep, I’m pressed for time. But, relax, Syve! You’ll get used to this; you’ll see how this will benefit you in the long run.

* Leave a tender moment alone.
No, I’m not having a tender moment. I’m furious right now. Furious that I’ve thrown myself into disarray over numerous moments of hesitation.

* To be good at something, you must be willing to be bad at it.
Yup, I’ll be seeing me when I get there.

* Sometimes it is better to be sorry than safe.
I never regretted having a baby ‘cause we got married after we learned about my condition. (We’ve wanted that all along.)

* Wanna feel abundance with just 10 dollars? Give it away!
We’re not talking dollars here, but, yeah, I do that whenever I’m truly moved.

Reference: More Practical Wisdom (article by Jim Paredes)

Random Question One

I have this idea of getting people’s insights or answers about a random question. For now, I have my friends and husband as the initial respondents. Hopefully, there would be more as I try to be bolder in asking questions such as this to strangers a la reporter.

----*----

Question: Why do you have to leave? (First of n Parts)

I have to leave because I want to make a new beginning. –– sha, technical writer

Because staying won't do you any good anymore. –– Guile, indie musician

Better opportunities for growth... I felt I have given my contribution and it's time to move on. –– fritzie, full-time fashionista

Coz i need to move on... –– GiN, HR - Employee Engagement Assistant, Accenture

I left because I'm off to something not here. –– iescarro

"I have to leave in order to survive." –– senshi

Direct to the point... money... dako sweldo diri (japan) –– ForrestGump

Because I’m no longer happy. –– smooth escape

Kay sick. Sayang ang sick leave dili ma convert. –– anonymous

Mu-leave ko kay feeling nako wa nako gi-value... so balhin nalang ko kung asa ko i-value. –– martha

I have to leave because I'm not happy anymore and I don't find it healthy for me. I don't want to work with you anymore and I feel that I should be doing other things than this. It's time to think of myself this time, my dreams, my future. –– brewed

Leave for me is a time where I can relax and spend time with my family. –– Reginald

First and foremost, it’s the pursuit of happiness. And to heed the call for adventure and growth. –– anonymous

(job) = greener pasture; (place) = unsafe; (relationship) = doesn't work out; (game) = tired/sleepy -- Mark

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So there! I could have waited for more answers from other friends but I was so eager to publish this post. To those who replied, thank you for your time. More to come of this sort.

Want to reply to this question? Please email me at syvesuma@gmail.com so I could publish your answers next time. Thank you.

Have I gone what???

Part 1

I don’t remember how it started.

It got worse when he didn’t insist to take me back to the hospital room. Just as I would not stress my need for company, so neither would I care about how important it is for him to leave.

So I took the elevator by myself and stepped out hoping for things to get better, as they always did. I just guessed it would take time for me to stabilize. And I was trying to convince myself that maybe it was good riddance for the moment.

Until I was growing aware of someone’s “stare”. Scary, was the first thing that came to my mind. I looked back and was surprised to see that it was that person from the psychiatric ward. Er, what was he doing here trailing me? That gave me the creeps, as I took hurried steps.

No, my mind was not playing a trick on me. I swear I know where he came from ‘cause I’ve been in the room once –– no, not as a patient in the same category. But still I couldn’t bring myself to believe that it could get worse.

So much for positive thoughts.

Because I moved further and found myself in a company of a whole bunch of familiar faces –– all from the same ward. Huwaahhh!!! Have I gone MAD??? Have I become one of them without me realizing what happened?

Dazed, I screamed in terror.

Part 2

A woman came up and assured me that I was just in the wrong floor of the hospital building. Later, I recognized her from the room next door.

She was kind enough to take me to where I should be –– for women who had babies. I came around glad to see my parents, who were waiting for my return all along.

Now… what was that???

I woke up with that exact question in mind.

New Look!

Hey! Check this out.

Thank you to my sponsors: Bourjois for my eyeshadow, marcara, lip gloss and blush on; to Orange Blossom for my headwear; Blue Nile for my necklace; Nordstrom for my earrings. Haha!! Lastly, thank you to MakeoverSolutions.com for whipping up a new look for me.

Wow, there's nothing like a virtual makeover.

My Market Research

I am currently expanding my interest in business (particularly low-capital ventures). The following are some of the business insights I got from my online research.

There has been a significant growth for non-grocery retailers in the country, particularly health and beauty retailers and clothing and footwear retailers. This can be accounted to the increasing consumer sophistication (the growing number of urban middle class), and the growing number of shopping malls.

However, cheaper products from China, Korea and Hong Kong among others prove to be major competitors of the local brands. Not to mention the ever-popular Ukay-ukay.

“With most Filipinos still belonging to lower- to middle-income groups, their low disposable income renders them to still focus their spending on daily necessary items, classified under grocery products. Nevertheless, the rise of non-grocery retailers continued in 2005, although still not strongly enough to unseat the dominance of grocery retailers.” (Source here).

Fast food still leads in consumer foodservice. Of course, Jollibee Foods Corp. immediately comes to mind. We can also notice the growing number of cafés/bars. Still the continued development of shopping malls contributes to the growth of these establishments.

The large population, which is concentrated in the urban areas (specifically Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro) and the intense economic activity provide franchising opportunities in both food and non-food sectors.

Meanwhile, the Internet has provided numerous business opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the Philippines. As of 2004, Internet users in the country reached 7,820,000, according to Computer Industry Almanac. The wide range of businesses and entrepreneurs are able to generate new revenues and build customer networks through online services.

The telecommunications industry proves to be a very promising sector, particularly the cellular mobile telecom services (CMTS). This is again owing to the country’s rapidly expanding middle class. According to an online source, in 2004, the total number of CMTS subscribers reached 34% or over 30.2 million.

On the agriculture sector, where the Philippine economy is largely based, the stable food crops are rice, corn, and kamote (sweet potatoes). Other key crops include coconuts, fruits and vegetables, sugar, tobacco, and abaca.

(Reposted from my Friendster blog)

Three Tres Test 2 (others repeated)

three careers you're considering/you've considered:
1. photographer
2. interior/landscape designer
3. bum :P

three celeb crushes:
1. kristen kreuk (hmm… if I’m going to have a baby girl... :P)
2. hugh grant (more of the sense of hugh-mor)
3. jennifer aniston, rhian ramos, keira knightly (fab figures and beautiful faces)
three plus: I love luke mably in the movie the prince & me 1 (don’t know in other movies)

three of your favorite musical artists:
1. the beatles (most people tell me they’re great but I grew up not knowing them as a band)
2. mariah carey
3. I am so into music, so can’t have just a few favorites.

three of your favorite songs:
1. even the type changes to agree with my prevailing psychological state
2. anything for my baby’s listening pleasure
3. I am so into music, so can’t have just a few favorites.

three places you want to go on vacation:
1. japan
2. overnight at a beautiful beach anywhere in the Philippines
3. hmmm…

the perfect weekend getaway:

1. overnight at the beach

2. enjoying massages at the spa

3. a trip to beautiful places I’ve never been to

a lot more!!!