Numbers

I had a very sobering e-mail from the boss which says he is upping up the quota from two to eight (400 words minimum, 600 words maximum), hinting that it is bound to go higher in the coming days. Well. That was so not cool. The task is quite doable perhaps if I start staring in-front of my laptop all day every day without eating or drinking. That and I am to pee on a cup.

The great thing about working with previous bosses who are pretty much a bunch of slave drivers is that I have a pretty good guess on what I can and cannot do. I'm fully aware of my own limits and this new quota is pushing it. At first I talked to my old mentor, who is pretty much an expert on this thing and asked her how many can she do in a day's work to which she said 20-40 words, 20 articles a day. I didn't do the math (because my brain won't stand for it especially at 9 in the morning) but it sounded less stringent than my quota. She echoed the same sentiments... the quota is too damn much. It's something that is not possible even if you are working in an office.

Good thing the boss was online and we ironed out this kink faster than ever (without any of us getting the wrong drift and fighting, which seems to be the case ever so often) It's now on a much reasonable five articles which is still huge but I'll take it anyway. God, that was close. I really thought he was going to fire me.

Oddly enough, I was at peace with that thought.

Bad Hair

My hair is such a nightmare to deal with. Especially during humid months, like now. I've been wearing my hair short for almost four years that I totally forgot how insane my hair gets at a certain length. Grabe, it's like, it has a mind of its own.

I've been thinking of having the motherfucker re-bonded but I'm not looking forward on spending the whole day at the parlor for it. God, just thinking about it makes my kuyukot shrivel up. Or I could just buy me a Keyoseki. Which is about four thousand grand. Shit. This long hair sucks donkeyballs!!!

Dimitri

Say hi to my sister's kitten, Dimitri. He's a Korat/Russian Blue, I think (either way, he's a rare breed especially here in PH). I told my sister to think it over before buying him because we were unsure if he is a mix or pure bred. I don't discriminate but in the past, she had a peculiar obsession with the Russian Blue breed and wouldn't settle for anything else. So imagine my surprise when she bought this critter.

Well, I suppose we won't know if he is from the Korat or Russian Blue breed because both breeds are similar looking and it's impossible to tell them apart to the untrained eye. Heh, they all look alike to me. Maybe when he gets older then we'll know. If his eyes are bottle green then he's a Russian Blue but if it turned out to be Peridot, he might be a Korat. That's all I know.

She was supposed to name him Mika but the seller already named him Dimitri. He responds well to that name so there's no point in changing it. Personally, Dimitri is a better name because Mika sounded gay. Anyway, I'm looking forward on meeting the newest addition to our family. He is much bigger now than what appears on the picture above, by the way.

Corny Jokes Ahead

"Remind me never to take you seriously again... EVER."

-Paeng on learning that the Transformers are not from Japan but from Cybertron

Nurd

"Kayo po itong nasa picture?"

- G-Cash Cashier (The picture on the card I presented is 4 years old... give or take)

Chillin' like a Villain

My boss decided to take a well-deserved break by refraining from being online on mornings (PH time). This is one of the awesomest news  I heard this week because this means I can chill. You see, I' m tensed whenever any boss of mine is online regardless whether he's just a few yards away or  even miles away. The feeling does not change.

Mind you, this boss of mine isn't a slave driver at all. In fact, he's actually one of the nicest guys to work with but I guess it's just one of my strange quirks. So there. Unlike other bosses, he doesn't require his employees to be always online on Skype, which is awesome in itself. So this piece of news made it a lot easier for me to work. I've adjusted my schedule so that I'll have more time to interact with the outside world. During the evening, I spend my time mastering the softwares he gave me even though I have a pretty good grasp on it already. I guess I just don't want to draw a blank when he ask me stuff about it sometime next month (he said it'll be a busy September as all members are going to start working together as a team).

Speaking of team, I decided to stop talking to this moron co-employee of mine because after I had a fight with the boss, I realized that one of the reasons why I went into such a panic to begin with was because this guy said some things that fueled my paranoia. He was the one hinting about getting ripped off and shit and by the time the hooplah was over he had the audacity to say "I told you he was a good man". I know, the gall.

So there. I shouldn't have talked to him to begin with but he is a part of the team and I'm pretty sure there's going to be a lot of events wherein we'd collaborate on certain projects. But until then I'm shunning him.

Another thing is that my mom found out about my stash of cigarettes. However, unlike the first time, she calmed down fairly. I just got a text from her warning me about the dangers of smoking and all. I'm quite tempted to lock up my room whenever I'm asleep because she seemed to develop a habit of going through my stuff while I'm asleep. It's like I'm in grade school all over again. I hate it. I'm quite territorial so it goes without saying that no one, not even my sister, is allowed to touch any of my stuff without permission.

I'm tempted to tell her to stop touching my things and leave me alone because I'm an adult now. But then again, I know she's worried and she's a mother. Hell, if I were in her shoes I'd fucking strangle my offspring until I shake the addiction off. Which is impossible but hey!

So at this point, I'll just hold back and find a new place to hide my stash.

Stalking

This old mentor of mine wanted to arrange a blind date starring me and the cutie below because she thought we'd look "so cute together". He added me up on Facebook and I have to say he is mondo hottie!

I'm staking you.

So far all he did was leave a comment on my shout out once and that's it. No hi, hello, how are ya,  let's go out on a date or something. Teehee. Asking a bit much?

I wish he would just you know, find a way to really talk to me already because I'm so bored right now anything is possible... well... not that possible.

Anyways, I'm stalking him. If he stops being cute then I'd stop stalking him.

Out Of Town Trip and Stuff

The boys and girls of Webdate are planning another get-together. Well, finally. I thought it's gonna take Rhae forever to instigate another out-of-town trip because I sure as hell could use a break. I'm fed up with doing the same old thing, seeing the same old people (except for Waki op kors. I love that crazy little tyke) and dealing with the same boring shit.

So far, they can't think of a good venue. That, and Hannah is suggesting that instead of a relaxing weekend on an island, we should all go camping on a rat-infested island and eat canned food in the middle of the fucking jungle. I don't know about you but I sure as hell won't spend my money, time and effort scraping off Ma-ling and sleeping in a flimsy tent in the middle of nowhere.

I'm not being difficult. In fact, I like the whole camping thing. But I won't do it eating lameass canned goods and fearing the rats might smell and attack us while we sleep. Not happening. If I want to spend my weekend surviving the jungle, I'd just go to our backyard and build a makeshift tent, thankyouverymuch.

So there. I'm okay if Hannah won't come because she thinks it's too expensive but obviously Rhae won't let this issue slide. Seriously, why bother? If a person clearly doesn't want to go, then what's the point of making her pilit and then dragging everyone to do what Hannah wants to do? Ang dami-dami pang kondisyon kesyo dapat wag sa Puerto Galera or Boracay kasi nakapunta na sya, kesyo kelangan nyang mag-tipid kasi magsho-shopping pa sya sa Hong Kong kaya 1, 500 Php lang kaya nyang i shell-out and Rhae was compelled to foot the bill, kesyo natuwa sya sa experience ng camping at feeling nya kelangan may thrill ang susunod na vacation kasi ayaw ng same old. I'm not being catty but I wish that girl would start thinking sensibly before she push everyone too far. Well I'm not going to stand for this bullshit.

Can we not go ahead with the original plan and just make some cost-effective changes? I just don't get it. So what if lima lang kami? Kris, Carlo and I managed to stay in Galera for two days and only shelled out Php 1,500 each. I don't fucking see it why we can't do the fucking same.

So I'm leaving the decision to the majority. Bahala na sila.

A Long Week

... it has been. My back is taking a beating these past few days. First off, I settled things with the boss. I'm not going to bore you with the details but after a rather lengthy Skype convo with the boss that was punctuated with much drama, indignation, vindication and absolution, we patched things up and decided to move on. There. We're back on the game, yes, we are.

I find myself busy with work most of the time. The bulk of work I do are done off my working hours but I don't mind. I like writing and I like knowing I got back-up articles in case another shitstorm come rolling my way.

Also, I have a side project. It fell on my lap, just like that, if can believe it. You see, an acquaintance of mine recommended me to her friend. This friend of hers is on the look-out for someone to do a bunch of company profile write-ups for this up and coming skin care clinic which I think will be located at Glorietta mall.

Firstly, I was ecstatic. This is something that I really wanted to try but didn't have the opportunity, 'till now of course. Though I can't figure out why, of all people, this acquaintnce of mine picked me instead of other writers she knows (she's a graphic artist, she has got to have contacts), I'm just glad for the opportunity. Another portfolio filler, whee!

So far, she loved my work. In fact, she wanted me to do several more articles for her other businesses. I'm looking forward to it even though it'll be the first time I'd handle something like this.

Finally, I'm so glad that I finally figured out the two software programs that the boss wanted me to learn. I'm so relieved about that because I don't want to be one of the other things he had to worry about. So there.My week was spent writing day in and day out. I wish I could take a break tomorrow since it's a Sunday but I'd probably do some more write-ups for work. I know I'm pushing myself too hard but I guess I just have this insane habit of doing work even when I don't have to. Haaay.

Panic

"Kung maka-panic ka kasi eh. Do you think makakatulong sa problema mo ang kaka-panic mo? Magkaka-acid influx ka lang sa ginagawa mo."

-Sasa

Cancelled

This was the status of my long-delayed first payout. Cancelled. What the fucking hell. You know, I wanted to trust my boss, I really do. But it's getting harder and harder when things just don't go as he promised. That's one of the kinks of working in a home-based work but the stress whether I'll get paid on-time or not is just too unnerving. I have two options, to quit or bear with him a bit.

The only thing I did was to send him an email regarding this and told him I will stop working for a while until we work this out. The bad news is that he doesn't read his emails nor is he online. Punyeta talagang buhay to, kung kelan ka nagsi-sipag. Makapag-damo na nga lang sa Farmville.

Decade

Yesterday was weird. I got talking to a HS frenemy of mine who's based in the U.S. She used to bully me back in HS because she found out I was a long-time friend of her minions. It was childish and all but we sorted things out by time we hit our fourth year and parted ways as friends.

I haven't talked to her in almost a decade. Wow. If that doesn't make anyone feel old then I don't know what.

She said she's very depressed after she and the rest of her family moved to the U.S. and she wanted to go back here in PH but she can't because she's a working student juggling work, school and son. It was all adult stuff that I can't relate to, hahaha!

But it's good to reconnect with her and I'm genuinely glad I got to talk to her after all these years. I'm one sick fuck because hearing her story made me feel better about mine.

Sikat Si Lolo

A friend of mine got featured on a funny Bayantel commercial. It's absolutely hilarious, hahahah!

Webdate Days

"You are missed."

- Rene

1997

This day felt like a cold drink after a harrowing ten-hour trek from the Sahara desert. It was that good. Sure nothing truly life-changing happened but seeing old friends and singing a string of MJ hits on the videoke with them reminded me what it felt like to live a little. Oddly enough, I felt old. But it's okay.

Awesomeness

It was like 1997 all over again. Except Icy got a much bigger set of hooters. Carlo is Quatar-bound. Icy's little brother got much taller and tons beefier. I got a chopped-up bangs that twirl away from my face like a fucking bigote cleverly hidden using a rubber band. So many things have changed but it's nice to know that even after all these years, we still managed to act like a bunch of hormonal teenagers when we're all together.

Short-lived, it sure was. But who gives a shit?

Papa Ben Barnes as Dorian Gray

My Goodness. I loved the novel, I love it even more now that zexy Brit actor Ben Barnes will be playing the lead for the movie version. Oh, what I would give...

How To Properly Reject a FB Friend Request

Spoke Too Soon

Turns out there was a miscommunication between my boss and his bank. So now the payment will be delayed for FIVE DAYS. This really sucks but I don't think we can do anything about this. And I was such in a good mood this morning. I'm kinda thinking twice about working on Monday, I mean, I didn't get paid. Should I just go and wait it out like this thing never happened or come to a screeching halt? This is so new to me.

******

So this co-worker of mine. He is such an odd person and at this point he is seriously wearing me thin. He blatantly asked how much I'm getting from this gig and suddenly he was asking for my writing samples because his writer-wannabe cousin's needs it. His prospective client wants writing samples so he'll know how well he writes. What, like I'm gonna give my fucking samples like it meant nothing to me and risk getting it plagiarized by, heaven forbid, a newbie?

What the fucking hell is wrong with this idiot?

Do I have the word "Sucker" tattooed across my goddamned forehead or something?

*This is my 300th post by the way. Yey.

Relieved

First off, I will start the day with good news. My client passed the test... he just paid me. Muahahahahha! Although I'm still at the point where I'm wary of trusting people in the homebased work arena, it's good to know that my new client kept his end of the bargain.

The funny part was back when I was still unsure if I will get paid, I picked out a strange habit of checking out various job-seeking websites but not attempting to send any application. I literally just scope each company, find out the job requirements and move on. It's most amusing.

Moving on, my internet connection is crappy... just like everybody else's, it seems like. It's so bad that I'm forced to wait twenty minutes to upgrade Firefox into the newer, faster version. Twenty fucking minutes. What the hell.

Time

"...Saka pano kung totoo nga ang reincarnation at nagsatipaklong ako sa next lifetime,  sa tingin mo mababawi pa natin yun oras na sinayang natin?! Noo.. we will end up na hinahabol at nilalagyan ng tali ng mga putagninang bata!!!"

- Rhae  on the importance of Time

Old Bosses Of Mine

Warning: Some images from these links are totally NSFW (Not Safe For Work).

Out of boredom I went surfing on GFY (a forum where porn webmasters and lurkers hang out to be in the loop) and saw a couple of interesting things. This involves an old boss of mine and this asshole. The latter was the subject of my ire not too long ago. Ironically both of them are being painted as liars and scammers. Well. Don't I know it.

In fairness to Marc, he was a great boss. Sure, he can be quite overbearing and let's face it, childish (he farts on certain people, not me thank God.) but personally he was nice to me. Now that Madison Avenue is gone I feel for my ex-officemates. Gosh it's like, 2007 all over again. As far as I know, he's not really that bad of a person.

I can't say the same thing for the other one, he's such a fucking liar. At least Marc was considerate enough to tie all loose ends before the shit went down.

Good to know I'm not alone knowing what a douche he is.

Feeling Restless

I don't understand my mood swings lately. But I think I know what caused it.

Yes, this is what my feelings look like. Ony grayer.

I'm... restless.

The quiet mornings gets on my nerves.

I catch myself sighing all the time.

I get irritated and impatient over the most inane things.

I miss the morning rush.

The bone-tired feeling.

Buying a good pair of sneaks.

Haaaay. I feel old.

Perfection

Good God.

Usually, I'm not a fan of cover songs but I thought they did a good job on this one. Doesn't sound like they butchered a classic. Plus it's for a good cause so there. BRANDON I LOVE YOU!!!! (shrieks like a banshee)

Oh, The Shame!

Seriously, if the same thing happened to me, I'd totally kill myself. If I don't die of embarassment first, that is.

Wouldn't It Be Funny

Listening to this song takes me back to that one night. Suprisingly, we both loved this song and we took turns singing it. It was the first and last time I went out with him because things got crazy after.

Sometimes I still wonder what my life would've been like had I ignored my better judgement and actually summed up the guts to take that one risk. A part of me wanted to be a little bit brave, ignore the bad and just go. But I couldn't. It wasn't worth the gamble.

I know I would've been miserable. Probably be hurt in the end. And maybe I would've hated him. But still, I wonder if I took that chance, would I come out as a much better person from that experience? Wouldn't it be funny if in the end pala, we'd turn out to be each other's savior?

I feel foolish but somestimes I still wish things turned out a little bit different.

My Kind Of House

I just finished watching the 5th Season of House. Boy, what a revelation. I was so bitin. House and Cuddy finally hooked up (but only in is head... whoops!) I had the DVD for quite a bit but I chose to watch it little by little to savor the sexiness, teehee.

I can only imagine what House has in-store for season six, yowzah!

And you know it.

"Because "Queen" isn't totalitarian enough."

-On why I chose to put "Hari" on My FB Name

Something is Amiss...

For a couple of days now, I have been feeling the unmistakable sense of foreboding. It's work-related, I'm afraid. Maybe I'm just being my usual neurotic self but I can't seem to shake the feeling off. Times like these I tend to seek enlightenment from my trusty Magic 8 Ball. It might seem silly to you folks but I've been using this thing for years and it almost always never fail. Anyhow, a few sec ago I asked "Should I Be Worried?" and I got this answer:

Shit. Shit. Shit.

If I am to believe my boss, I'd say I'm doing great. Hell, he was happy with the results. But something is off and I can't quite put my finger on it. There's actually no reason for me to feel this way but usually when I sense some shit is about to go down, there's a high probability that I'm right. Days before this happened, I had the same feeling. Same thing goes when this happened. It worries me that my boss haven't responded to my IM message this morning but I got an email from the boss yesterday and he said he is fixing his schedule because it has been hell for him, so maybe that should explain something. I don't know. It's like, something rotten is about to go down and my Spider sense is a-tingling.

I can't, for the life of me, figure out why considering thing has been smooth-sailing... to the point that it aroused my suspicions.

Heh. I'm probably just tired. But just the same...

Bring It.

Good To Know

"All the articles are great!!! "

- The Boss

Instinct Kicks In

"Bahala ka. If you pass out and this thing eats your face, ikaw ang papangit hindi ako."

-Tina on Sasa's suggestion that she'll get a Bengal Cat, of all things.

Gallery

Jeric Raval, i-statue?

This guy has been sending me virtual gifts on one of FB's dating apps (I have a profile because I like stroking my ego on a daily basis, that, and I don't know how to delete my account). Good God, the mullet! The bangs! The knowing smirk! It's like 1992 all over again! Jeric Raval called me and he said bitch stole his look, yo!

Borderlining

Launching a new category.

"Ang laki naman ng suot mong salamin. Para san yan, para mag-mukha kang matalino?"

- Manong Ahente

Rest in Peace, Madame President

Just got back from a whirlwind weekend in the city. Good God, how I burned so much money. It hurts... so good. I bought myself a decent mouse, finally. I really have no idea what difference this one would make compared to my old mouse but now that I was able to roadtest this shit, I tell you, it was worth every penny!

*****

Corazon Aquino

January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009

Corazon Aquino died last Saturday. I actually felt a bit sad about it though I was but an oblivious toddler during her reign as president. I may have not been there to know about the 1986 hiatus but I'm still sorry she's dead. She seemed like a genuinely nice person. Incidentally, I read that the Philippines will hold a week-long mourning period. Yeah, I guess that's proper. After all, she did sacrifice herself to this fair country in the name of true democracy. Rest in peace, Madame President.

*****

I've been so busy that I stopped exercising. I also started over-eating. It sucks that my gut is so wobbly. Will start dieting tomorrow. I'll also save up and buy me a ab rocket for good measure.

*****

I'm in dire need of a trim. My sister told me I look like "buhok na naglalakad". I agree completely.