What Made My Day

This could have been an ordinary day.

For breakfast, hotdog and rice.

For lunch, lechon kawali and rice.

Took a nap.

Did some work - mostly rework on my report template.

Checked my inbox.

Went to FB...then voila! I saw lovely pictures of lovely butterflies and flowers! And that made my day.

Here are some of them:

Such beautiful pictures! Thanks, Jobert!

Fried Chicken and Spaghetti

For lunch, we had good old Max's fried chicken. Hmm, yummy! We also ate spaghetti with rice. It's funny how us Filipinos eat pasta with rice. Double carbs ha ha.

Oh no, client says my report template is too long. I have to put together several charts into one slide. I have yet to figure out how to do that. I welcome the challenge though.

Here's a beautiful quote:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain."

And here's a picture that would go with it.

Trouble with My Computer

My computer is my life...well, almost.

But even after my technician came over and "fixed" things, the same message appeared. "We encountered a problem and have to close. Sorry for the inconvenience." I thought he already killed the virus but apparently it has affected the system. Oh Lord, please don't let anything serious happen to my computer. I hope my technician-friend will be able to do something about the problem. I am waiting for him to come back today.

So, today, instead of working on my report template, I had a choice of watching a DVD, watching/listening to YouTube or writing. I opted for the third one. I continued writing my book entitled, "What I Think Heaven Is Like" or something to that effect. Ha ha. I had fun writing the first few chapters. I have already written the introduction and the first chapter. So I worked on chapters 2, 3 and 4. I am aiming for 10 chapters all in all for a nice round number.

You might wonder, who would want to read a book with a title like that? Why not? Don't you find it intriguing? It might be presumptuous of me to think of heaven when people might ask, how sure are you of getting there in the first place? Well, I am confident of God's love for me. That is what I am sure of. So, for my part, I am trying my best to be as good as I can be in order to deserve heaven. I am saved by the love of God. And that love makes me love God back and love others, too.

Another picture for you guys:

Turon, BBQ and Spaghetti

Yup, those are the delicious things I ate today. Turon for merienda. Barbecue and spaghetti for dinner, care of my sister.

I talked to my client via Skype today regarding significance testing and the data tables. Turns out she had expected the data processor to be the one to do the sigtesting. So, she is getting another DP supplier to do it for me. Yehey!

My computer is acting up. It is sending messages like "we encountered a problem...". Looks like I have a virus. I have asked my friend-technician to come tomorrow to check my computer. I can't do without it so he'd better fix it.

Another picture to delight the eyes:

Glad to Stay Home

I'm glad to have stayed home today. I slept after breakfast AND after lunch. Soooh sleepy!

Yet, I was able to work somehow. On a report, a report template, and a tab specs.

I have not been called for work yet in my new job. Oh no, the end client might have been turned off by my illnesses. If that were so, that could be blessing in disguise. Anyway, too soon to tell.

I learned that the data processor assigned to one of my projects does not do significance testing. Oh no! That means more time on my part to work on the project. The good part though is that I am more in control of the data. I just hope I will get the data on time so I will not be pressed for time.

Here's another breathtaking photo of the sunset by my friend, Jobert:

Text Messages from a Friend

Last night, my son said that I think too much and I take things too seriously such that I am not able to sleep well. How observant, and such prophetic words! I barely slept last night! I was "worried" about my schedule because I have a report due on the third week of October which is also the week of my treatments and doctors' visits. I might have things to do for my research agency then. Oh well, not to worry.

I worked on a long report today (equivalent to four sub-reports). Tonight I will work on another one.

My best friend keeps sending me inspiring text messages such as:

1) Never blame any day in your life. Good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience. Worst days give you a lesson.

2) Don't ever let yourself get so busy that you miss those little but important extras in life. The beauty of a day, the smile of a friend, the serenity of a quiet moment alone. For it is often life's smallest pleasures and gentlest joys that make the biggest and most lasting difference!

3) Faith makes everything possible, Hope makes everything work, Love makes everything beautiful.

4) Life comes just once so let's make the most of it...God didn't give us everything to enjoy life but He gave us life to enjoy everything.

And the Decision Is...

I was fetched at about 10 am today.

I talked to the boss and told him about my illnesses and what my circumstances would entail such as having regular treatments, doctors' visits and tests. He said the client herself has cancer so she would be sympathetic.

So he said that if that's my only problem, they still want me in and I could work mostly from home. He would inform client about me and my illnesses and give them a copy of my resume. If client is agreeable, we will have a meeting with them.

So, it seems I have a new regular consultancy job. Hope I do well.

-----
I worked on four projects today. Two reports, one questionnaire and a tab specs. Whew!

-----
I saw this in the email:

Attitude is everything - Your attitude toward life defines not only who you are but the quality of life you will have.

Have you ever seen a more beautiful smile than this one?

Belated Birthday Lunch

Last night, I cried in pain because of cramps. I asked my son to search "cramps" and he said there are several factors, one of which is uncontrolled diabetes.

True enough, when I took my blood sugar this morning, it was a high 7.3. Oh no!

------
Off to the hospital again we went. And yes, there were wheelchairs!

I had a lunch invitation but I said I will be late. It was my friend's birthday last September 3. It was a good thing we found a cab right away and there was no traffic. I also got clear directions on how to get there.

Food was pancit palabok, spare ribs, rice, melon juice, and peaches. I was tempted to eat ube and leche flan but I remembered my high blood sugar.

I taught my friend how to play Scrabble in Facebook.

Funny, I learned that her son plays with my pet called PetNim in FB. Ha ha. I had forgotten about my pet in Pet Society.

My friend lent me CDs of "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Before Sunrise".

I went home before the 5 pm rush hour.

-------
I worked on a few projects including two reports.

Tomorrow is decision day. I will let the research agency decide if they still want to hire me despite all my illnesses and conditions. We'll see...

Why Didn't I?

I am inclined to accept that job offer in Pasig. But why oh why didn't I tell them of my illnesses? All they know is that is I have osteoporosis. I should have told them of my diabetes, bipolar mood disorder and multiple myeloma. Points against me I guess.

I hope they will still consider getting me despite these illnesses.

Tomorrow, it's back to the hospital for my treatment. Then, I will have lunch at a friend's house. It was her birthday last September 3. I said I will be late.

On Tuesday, I will be fetched to discuss matters with the research agency. I know they need my services so maybe there's nothing to worry about.

------
Today, it's work and play. I just cleared the translation of a questionnaire. And I played several rounds of Scrabble in FB. My average has gone up to 44%. Getting there, getting there...

------
Here's a photo which made me smile:

The simple joys of innocence!

Shall I or Shall I Not?

Today, I met again with an elderly man who heads one of the pioneer research agencies in the country.

I was a few minutes late because I had difficulty getting a cab. Anyway, this man treated me to Mcdo - fillet o' fish, french fries and Coke Zero. Over "brunch", we discussed business. Basically, he wants me to be Senior Research Manager or Consultant for their company specifically to service one of their biggest accounts, if not their biggest account. They have been told that unless they hire somebody senior for the job, that client will no longer give them ad hoc projects.

Well, that client is indeed a big company with interesting products, FMCG. And I'm familiar with their categories. I also know their research head, way back Consumer Pulse days.

The research agency that is getting me is located in Pasig. Much nearer than Faranacue. ha ha. But, I have to walk a long distance from the elevator to the office. Takes getting used to, I guess.
I am not expected to report for work everyday. Something like twice a week.

The pay? Quite low but enough to pay for my monthly medicines. Plus, I get extra commission for ad hoc studies with a certain monthly limit. And, I am allowed to work on other projects for other clients.

So shall I or shall I not?

I texted that headhunter to inform him of this latest development. He said he will get back to me.

--------

I am also done with my research template. All that preparation will pay off later in terms of time spent doing the report. Who knows, by the time the data arrive, I may already be working for either that pioneer company or that multinational FMCG company.

God Answers the Smallest Prayers

This morning, I had a hard time waking up. Felt soooh sleepy! So I prayed that there would be a wheelchair for me when we reached the hospital so I wouldn't have to walk a long distance.

Well, what do you know? Upon arriving, there was not just one but ten (!) wheelchairs in front of the lobby. Yehey. God answers prayers indeed!

But we had to wait long for the doctor to come. I took a nap and prayed the rosary. The doctor remembered me as telling her that my son looks like Jake Cuenca. Ha ha. She was skilled enough to find my vein in one try. No ouch.

------
I spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening preparing tab specs. For those not familiar with the term, it is the specifications made by the analyst for the data processor in order for the latter to know what data tables are expected of her - the table titles, from what questions in the questionnaire, base description, whether averages should be computed, whether significance testing should be done, if cross tabulation is required, etc. It's quite easy to do but one must be careful about the details because a single error could mean unnecessary costs and loss of time.

-----
Tomorrow, I have a client meeting in McDo Crossing. Hope I will be of help and of course, get properly compensated in due time.

----

Life is good!

Still Getting Better

That island property? We may be getting the money sooner than expected after all. ha ha.

We are still hoping to get my dad's remuneration/compensation for services rendered. How much would that be, I wonder?

-----
Today, I did three work-related tasks:

1) Revised a questionnaire
2) Cleared a report with major major mistakes it's as if I wrote it myself (gggrrrh)
3) Continued with my report template

I just love working at home! I could listen to background music, eat merienda, take a break to take a bath, and even have a nap.

But then, I learned that that employer in Faranacue has not given feedback yet. So, I am still waiting (hoping?) to get that consultancy job. Oh Lord, please be kind to me. Thy will be done.
-----
I am learning so many things by playing Scrabble at FB. Such as:

1) Use the dictionary to find out if certain words do exist. Take the opportunity to expand your vocabulary as well so take note of the meanings of the words that are "valid".
2) Be kind to your opponents. When he/she is sure to win but is taking time to answer, do not force forfeit the game or it will be counted in your favor. If the player is taking too much time and he/she is not winning or it is not sure yet who is winning, warn him/her that you are about to force forfeit the game.
3) Learn to strategize. Use high-scoring letters to full advantage. Try as much as possible to cut across several letters while forming a word. Avoid giving the opponent the opportunity to make a high-scoring word if possible. Try to beat the opponent to choice spots even if it means blocking the triple word path.
4) Although there is no time to chat for long (I choose the two-minute per turn game), be sure to say hello, wow (when the opponent makes a scrabble), nice game (when he/she wins), and so on. You could make friends, too.
5) No need to broadcast your high-scoring words, your scrabbles and your wins at FB. I'm guilty of this but I decided to stop because it's obvious that I'm boasting. ha ha.

It Gets Better

I heard today that as far as the island property is concerned, it will take some time before we get the money.

But the greater news is that we are bound to receive my dad's "back wages" for having worked for a particular company (no names here) without receiving a salary for years. Yes, God is good indeed!

------

I did play scrabble in FB and found a new friend. He is a businessman from India. He says he comes to the Philippines often. Anyway, the more important thing is I beat him. he he

I surpassed my previous record. I'm up to a high of 448! Yehey.

-----

I was able to do the research design last night and emailed to client.

As to the product test that I am doing, I started doing the report template already with a few graphs already. That is how excited I am with the project, and how much time I have on my hands.

-----

So these days, I'm feeling pretty okay. Pretty na, okay pa.

From Out of the Blue...

Just when things were becoming desperate, great news arrived. The former accountant of my Dad's office contacted my mom saying there is a buyer of our property - on an island off Quezon called Balesin.

We were asked if we want to sell the property or receive shares of stock. The family's decision (or rather, more like my Kuya's decision but we all agreed) was to sell. Lord knows we need the money.

So you see? God provides...all the time!

-----

I just love scrabble at FB! I am getting addicted, really. Ha ha. My current average is 40%. My goal is to exceed 50%, the higher the better. And my present record is a score of 419. I want to surpass 500. Ambitious 'no?

And scrabble enlarges, widens, and broadens my vocabulary.

Have you heard of words like qi, qat, za, zo, zoa, jo, joe, ka, and so on.

But of course, it shouldn't get in the way of work. Oops, I was supposed to do a research design today but I just had to play. Oh well, I shall attempt to do it right after doing this blog. Then, to cap the night, a few (?) games of my beloved scrabble!

Happy Grandparents' Day!

We didn't know it, but it's grandparents' day today. So we had an on-the-spot family celebration.

My youngest brother and his family couldn't make it. Too bad. But the rest came over to the condo.

There was inihaw na baboy, chicken inasal, KFC, fish fillet, pork asado, pancit canton, yang chow, plain rice, softdrinks, and mais con hielo. Yummy!

Food was plentiful that everyone brought home food and there was more than enough for us here.

----

I got to talk to my client in Singapore. She agreed to my professional fee and to pay me half before the month ends. Yehey!

I was eager to work on the project, I finished doing the questionnaire for it.

----
I am improving my scrabble playing skills. And I learned a trick - play with low-scoring opponents. He he. When my average goes up, I will fight against the veterans again.

----
If you are a grandparent already, happy day to you! If you are a grandchild, greet your lolo and lola before the day ends.

Working Saturday

Today is work and play.

I worked on two projects.

The first entailed limiting several slides into just six. All that work into six slides? Ha ha. Hope they will find use for the longer output we came out with.

The second was preparing the report template for a product test. I might discuss the project with the consultant-client through Skype tonight or tomorrow.

Whenever I can, I squeeze in playing scrabble at FB. I sometimes win but most times, I lose to "worthy" opponents.

Anyway, I am learning...

Here's a simple message:

Yes, it's nice to be nice!

A New Project

A new project came in and it's interesting. I am helping in the finalization of the questionnaire and I will prepare tab specs, do categorization of answers to open-ended questions, check data tables, chart the data, and analyze/come up with the report.

It's a quantitative study so I'm eager to continue working on the project.

No word yet about that consultancy job. Well, maybe it's not meant to be. Perhaps the Lord does not want me to wake up very early each day, go through traffic, go up a flight of stairs, do challenging (potentially stressful) work, and travel the long distance home. Might affect my health.

I chatted with the daughter of the brother of my ex-husband. She's all grown up now. I asked her what year she is in and she said she has graduated already. She is working as teller at BDO. And, in January, she's getting married! Of course, she invited me to her wedding. Ha ha. Her color motif is red and gold. How time flies!

People are entering different phases of their lives. Some are getting married. Others are retiring. Still others have new jobs. I'm somewhere in-between. I am far from retirement age but I have had a lot of work experience behind me already.

Looking back, I could say life - despite all the trials and pains - has been good to me.

Now here is something heartwarming - nice to see this kind of mail!

Billy Graham is now 91-years-old with Parkinson's disease.
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina ,
invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in
his honor.

Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he
struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte
leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just
come and let us honor you.' So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham
stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said,
"I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from
Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the
aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he
came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He
couldn't find his ticket, so

he reached in his trouser pockets.

It wasn't there.

He looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it.

Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.

"The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are.
We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket.
Don't worry about it.'

"Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued
down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to
move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great
physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his
seat for his ticket.

"The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein,
Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are; no problem.
You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'
Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.''

Having said that Billy Graham continued,

"See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren

are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious.

So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.

You know what that occasion is?

This is the suit in which I'll be buried.

But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want

you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.

I want you to remember this:

I not only know who I am.

I also know where I'm going."

May your troubles be less, your blessings more,

and may nothing but happiness,

come through your door.

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil -

it has no point."

=

Boy, I Love My Work!

I find my job extremely interesting.

Recently, I have been gathering information on several livelihood projects for a depressed community in Montalban. Things like hog raising, mushroom growing, beekeeping, candle making, orchid growing, laundry shops, canteen, and dried flowers making. Some of these are no go. But the others are viable as livelihood projects.

I am glad that in my own little way, I am helping the poor raise income. That's why I charged only a small amount for this project.

Problem though is I need to raise a certain amount of money for my mom to pay her credit card. Something like P20,000. But as always, the Lord provides!

Dreaming while Working

I played more scrabble games and won so my average winnings increased to 38% haha.

I did more work on my "difficult" project. As time goes by, it becomes less and less difficult...like most things. I first did a poster. Simple but nice. Then, I revised a Powerpoint presentation. Added/revised some info, deleted others. I put in the financials. Done! One down. About 6 more to go! Haaay! My deadline is September 10.

Other projects are coming in from my regular client-agency. What will I do without them?

So what am I dreaming about? I am dreaming of getting that consultancy job for which I was interviewed yesterday. There are two problems: my illnesses and the far location. The former is up to the employer to decide. I can sign a waiver that the company will not be liable should I be hospitalized due to my illnesses. The latter could be addressed depending if the company provides a car. If so, I can either drive (can I?) or hire a driver. If not, I can stay in my aunt's house near the place and take a cab.

Oh well, so I can dream, can't I?

Here's something funny sent via email:

.

Nicolas, Scrabble, and an Interview

Last Saturday, I watched a movie entitled, "Gone in 60 Seconds". It's an old movie but I have yet to watch a Nicolas Cage film that I didn't like. I'm not fond of action films but one that stars Nicolas gets my attention.

I have been playing scrabble at Facebook and sometimes I win, most times I lose. That's because I play against "veterans" who have played hundreds of games and have won more than 50% of the time! Oh well, as time goes on, I will improve my playing skills. Not to mention grow my vocabulary.

This afternoon, a headhunter interviewed me over the phone. Talk about saving time and energy! It lasted for 45 minutes. I think I did pretty well. I was very honest, especially about illnesses. I am hoping they won't take those against me. The company is a multinational FMCG but the location is far! As far as Faranacue! Haha.

Hope I get the job! The headhunter said I'm their only candidate. But then again, the employer is using other executive search firms. So I need a lot of prayers, folks!

Food for the Eyes

A while back, I saw pictures in FB which made my mouth water. Here they are:









Yummy!

Two Poems

Last week, I wrote a poem with three other people - Jobert, Lovely and Bien. It was Lovely's birthday so we entitled it, "A Special Day". Here it is...

Once every year, comes a special day
Thanking God for all the days that passed
For all the blessings, what can I say?
I’m grateful for the times with my family and friends

This day has been like no other
With a lot of happy saying from my mother
In joyful gladness as a family
My heart is full of glee

I saw a museum full of lovely paintings
I hear an orchestra, wow wow wee!
Filled with colors and music that makes me sing
And in my head an opus saw its birth

To cap the evening, I ate my favorite food
I’m having a joyous day!
The meaning of life I understood
Steadfast and glad shall I be come what may

Today, I grow older and wiser
Thankful to God my Maker!
This joy in my heart is Heaven
To Thee I offer my life now and forever, amen.

*poetry by Nimia Gamo (purple lines), Lovely Abiva (pink lines), Jobert Abiva (blue lines) and Bien Rivera (red lines)


I also composed a poem for Lovely all by myself. And the title is, "To My Lovely Friend".

Friend, Lovely is your name

As lovely as you are

I feel blessed to have met you

For you are beyond par.

I knew from the start that you are special

As special as a rare jewel.

I feel as if we’ve been friends all our lives

That I know you so well.

May God bless you on this special day

And the rest of your life.

For you deserve much happiness and joy

And peace in the midst of strife.

The living poets society is still alive!

Working Day

Yesterday, I continued working on my book, "I Love Humor and More". I got several entries from this blogsite. The book will have two portions - Humor (anecdotes, jokes, funny quotations and writings, etc.) - and More (inspirational stuff, mostly). Watch for it! I hope I find a good publisher though.

Today, I worked on my "difficult" project. Well, what do you know? I was able to come up with two write-ups already on possible livelihood projects. Mostly Internet stuff which I put together. What will I do without the Internet?

I also did some work on another research project which I've started analyzing. I will finish it tomorrow because I'm drained already.

A headhunter called me up today. He said that an FMCG company is looking for a "Consumer Science Manager" or consultant. When I asked him how he got my number, he just said that it is his business/work to know people in the industry. He asked for my resume. Wow! Hope things would prosper. Sure could use a regular source of income. Wish me luck!