Twenty Weeks

For the past six weeks, it has been a very interesting and intellectual phase for me. I gained further knowledge about business, relationships and I gained new friends. Why so?

I’m back to my alma mater and currently attending UP ISSI’s 89th Manager’s Course. The Manager’s Course is a 20-week program dubbed as a compressed, non-formal MBA geared to equip top and middle managers from various industries to enhance organization, marketing, production, financial and information management skills.

I also have been exposed to different ways of thinking. My classmates have been very open to share all of their thoughts about certain things. For my part, the experience is a delight. As if I’m back in college with countless readings, brainstorming and nosebleeds. Fifteen more weeks and it seems a bit too far yet time flies fast nowadays.

Anyhow, with the numerous readings, I am sure every Friday is a cram day! All the same, knowledge is power and with our technical and the necessary management skills, we will surely increase our assets as managers.

Oops, I need to start browsing for Saturday’s module. I wonder if we will have a good one this time?

A New Chapter

I am currently swamped with schoolwork aside from the usual work load and was really wishing to have a break with some friends. As I was rushing some inputs to a group presentation on the next class, I got a message from Elline.

At first I was kidding with her and was surprised she’s not at work. I asked her why and she gave me a few bogus reasons and then she dropped the bomb.

She’s leaving tonight for Singapore and will be starting with her new work in Nanyang Technological University, I was like, huwat?!

Elline resigned from her work, a work she’s been with for almost 13 years and will be starting to work for a very different work environment.


I am sad. Honestly, really sad. I’m not talking or chatting with Elline since she mentioned that her flight is for tonight and I haven’t seen her since Mary Ann’s birthday treat.

I am also happy. Happy for her new career and workplace and maybe she’ll find her Prince Charming in Jurong. Happy as well since we can visit her in Singapore and enjoy the sights.

I’m used to having her near my area. She’s just a cab away from me. A phone call away if I want to rant or rave a few stuff. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be 1,490 miles apart. It would take me 4 hours to see her rather than the usual 15 minutes.


Elline, I’ll miss you. As I write this one, I can’t help but cry.

Laurie, Mary Ann’s younger sister, told me that we really are following the steps of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants storyline. From four, we are now down to two. Yet, even if will be divided again in distance, I do hope the friendship will stay the same.

Elline – it saddens me to learn that you are leaving but still good luck on your journey. I wish you all the best.

How to Kill Creativity...

1. Always pretend to know more than everybody around you.
2. Get employees to fill in time sheets.
3. Run daily checks on progress of everyone's work.
4. Ensure that highly qualified people do mundane work for long periods.
5. Put barriers up between departments.
6. Don't speak personally to employees, except when announcing increased targets, shortened deadlines and tightened cost restraints.
7. Ask for a 200-page document to justify every new idea.
8. Call lots of meetings.
9. Place the biggest emphasis on the budget.
10. Kill any idea that is not your own

Creativity is what keeps things growing, keeps the mind sharp and keeps people enthusiastic in all their endeavors, from home to work to personal life.

So next time you have the opportunity to stifle creativity – Don’t – whether it is in the workplace, the kitchen, or from a smiling 3 year old.

Thinking out of the box is what brings society its leaders. Restricting creativity only hurts oneself.

Is it really over?

From Just Jared and all over the evening news:


“The writers’ strike is finally over. Party time!!!!!!! “It’s over,” former Walt Disney chief executive Michael Eisner told CNBC. “[The major media companies and the Writers Guild of America] made the deal, they shook hands on the deal. It’s going on Saturday to the writers in general.” The writers, however, could still reject the agreement, but the deal is definitely in motion.”

I want all of my fave shows to resume!!! Can't wait, bring them on!!!

The Best Gifts Are Free

1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and holds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

3. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

4. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

5. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

6. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

7. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard to say, Hello or Thank You.

8. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons, jokes (and Rexes). Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

While each and every one of us gets absorbed in final holiday shopping and plans, don’t forget that sometimes these simple gifts are appreciated the most.

And they’re off!!!

The Fall 2007 television season officially started last night with all of the major networks unveiling premieres or delivering new content.

Talk about being a couch and mouse potato and waiting for all your favorite shows – me and my sister and even our brother are very anxious with the opening salvo of our favorite returning shows and new shows. Our TV calendar’s all booked up and we don’t know what to watch and what to skip.

As a sneak peek of what I am saying about, here’s our Fall 2007 Prime-Time Viewing Guide…

Mondays
Returning: Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, Prison Break, Rules of Engagement, Two and a Half Men, CSI: Miami
New: Chuck (Action/comedy about a nerd thrust into the spy world)

Tuesdays
Returning: Bones, House, MD

Wednesdays
Returning: CSI: New York
New: Pushing Daisies (Fantasy about a pie maker who brings the dead back to life); Back To You (Bickering local news anchors struggle to get along off camera); Gossip Girl (Rich teenage Manhattanites involved in backstabbing and class warfare); Bioinic Woman (Bionic implants save a lady's life, but she also become an unwilling government agent)

Thursdays
Returning: Ugly Betty, My Name is Earl, 30 Rock, The Office, Scrubs, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Fridays
Returning: Las Vegas, Numbers

Not only do our Prime-Time viewings are full, I still have my loads of the Today Show and the ultimate show of all – The Ellen Degeneres Show. Check out her new DJ!

So, given the schedule, what will we watch live and what’s to TIVO?! Fire it up!

Inconsolable

The Backstreet Boys are back again and ready to release their 6th studio album due out October 30th!! This is their first single off the album, which debuted last Monday night at NYC.


“Inconsolable” is a piano-heavy rock ballad and was written & produced by Emanuel Kiriakou, and co-written by Lindy Robbins & Jess Cates. The song has a rockish ballad feel, which the boys are really professionals at doing. They

I still love their music, even though I have grown up!

Almost over...

Wow!

Time flies so fast and the next thing you know it is already Thanksgiving and then Christmas!

Well, there is so much to look forward to next year but I am not going to spill the beans yet. Many things have been going on, both good and not so good.

I will just keep it to myself first to be more thrilling.

And in the end, Harry Potter...

As early as 6pm, a number of avid Muggles waited in front of various bookstores for the most awaited book for 2007. For my part, I still have to wait for September 18 to be able to appreciate the final installment for the Harry Potter series. Why?


I got my wish that the book set would be in a special commemorative box (a collectible trunk-like box).


It will be an awesome addition to my library. The books are already great but the chest makes it even more exciting!

Though, I will not be able to hold my own copy in a more than a month, I already know the details. Ha, ha, ha! I have the means! The final installment is a little bit dark and a little less fantasy like.

J. K. Rowling's right. Everything comes to a definite (and very satisfying) end. I'm sad that it's over, though!

Harry Potter

The end is near.


Just hours away, how do you feel?

Me, I am excited and anxious!

My 31st!

The 31st birthday was celebrated quietly and without too much fun fare. Just like the usual traditions, I attended the first morning mass and prayed for additional blessings and thanked the Big Almighty for everything.


Mom prepared my favorites for lunch and we had tons of laughter over Spaghetti, Chicken Lollipops, Chicken Barbeque, Dinuguan at Puto. The Yayas was also busy eating their heart out with Mom, Chloe and Reyboy.


As usual, Dad was busy with his meetings but he met us for dinner at Glorietta 3 with Kuya Dong.


After enjoying Thai dinner, we went home to enjoy desserts. I blew the candles from my two birthday cakes, one from the family and the other one from Dra. Carissa. I got cash from Mom and Dad and a beautiful card, and a very cute stuffed pillow from Chloe and Reyboy. They promised that they’ll have an additional present come Christmas so that they can compensate for the small birthday present.

Cheeblings… I’ll be waiting!

‘Idol’ Face-off

Who should win American Idol 6 - Jordin Sparks or Blake Lewis?

Who will be crowned the new American Idol?

Why Aren't You Married Yet?

Aside from me, two members of the Sistahud are in their early 30’s and still single. We have great jobs; we travel and have money to spare for our everyday knick-knacks. Is their anything wrong with being single at your early 30’s?

Do we need to be concerned?

No, I don’t think so! As long as we are happy and comfortable with our lives then we should have no worries. I still have many friends who are not married yet and they are in their mid-thirties.

What else? Being single at this age, we are plagued with the age-old question “why aren’t you married yet?

Some have a hard time answering this question but I bumped into these snappy comebacks and had a good laugh.

• You haven't asked yet.
• I was hoping to do something meaningful with my life.
• Because I just love hearing this question.
• Just lucky, I guess.
• It gives my mother something to live for.
• My fiancee is awaiting his parole.
• I'm still hoping for a shot at a beauty pageant.
• I'm waiting until I get to be your age.
• It didn't seem worth a blood test.
• I already have enough laundry to do, thank you. Because I think it would take all the spontaneity out of dating.
• I wouldn't want my parents to drop dead from sheer happiness.
• What? And lose all the money I've invested in running personal ads?
• I don't want to have to support another person on my paycheck.
• Why aren't you thin?
• I'm married to my career, although recently we have been considering a trial separation.

Given all this, whenever somebody asks me, "So, why aren't you married?" I pause; I smile, look at them in the eye, and then I quietly reply, “The reason I'm not married is because I’m still enjoying my single life.”

It is quite the answer, for now. It would not be a snappy one, but it is the truth.

Bumps and Bellies

Talk about baby boom for 2007!

A number of my friends are all having babies and I had to attend a baby shower this past weekend. While sitting at the table, one of the women asked me when was it going to be my turn to have a baby shower. I wanted to reach across and strangle her, but I know it's not her fault - she doesn't know that I am not pregnant, I’m just fat!

A few weeks back BFFL Ruth, shared to me the wonderful news that she is almost eight weeks pregnant with their second baby.

We, of course, including dearest husband Teddy, are all wishing for a baby girl so that Elian will be the big brother. I cannot wait for the new baby and definitely, the baby will be politically inclined.

Another girlfriend that is pregnant and just waiting for the big day is my high school twin, Vangie.


She is currently in the last days of pregnancy and anxiously waiting for Julianne’s arrival. Since this would be her first born, I cannot wait to hop to Macau and see them soon.

Rhea Rowena on the other hand is still very beautiful even if she is pregnant and on her 37th week of pregnancy.

The proud parents, Rhea and Nap are ready for the arrival of Andrea Isabelle. Such a beautiful name and definitely will be as beautiful as her mom.

Jannice will have her turn this May since she is also on her last month of pregnancy. However, I have not heard anything from her for a few months now; she’s very much occupied with her work and a few problems.


I do not have any news even from husband, Roger; maybe he’s also busy with work. I just wish to see her with the baby bump before I see the baby itself. I do not even know if her baby is a girl or a boy. I wish her and the baby well!

As I was channel surfing while reading mails, I received another call from a former officemate and guess what; she’s sharing again her great news…. “Rae, I’m pregnant!

And it does not stop there... an actress from a fave show of mine, Sarah Wayne Callies is also expecting.

Ok, I wonder when will I get a call from MA and EE?

McPheever!

Katherine McPhee’s album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard charts.

Thanks Frank!

I'm over your lies
And I'm over your games.
I'm over you asking me
When you know I'm not okay.
You call me and I...
And I pick up the phone.
And though you've been telling me, I know you're not alone.

Oh and that's why

Your eyes... I'm over it.
You're smile... I'm over it.
Realized... I'm over it, I'm over it, I'm over...

Wanting you to be wanting me.
No, that ain't no way to be.
How I feel.
Read my lips.
Because I'm so over...
(I'm sorry)

Moving on
It is my time.
You never were a friend of mine.
Hurt at first a little bit
But now I'm so over
I'm so over it...

I'm over your hands
And I'm over your mouth
Trying to drag me down
And fill me with self doubt

Ohhhhh, and that's why
Your world, I'm over it
So sure, I'm over it
I'm not your girl, I'm over it
I'm over it, I'm over

Wanting you to be wanting me.
No, that ain't no way to be.
How I feel.
Read my lips.
Because I'm so over.

Moving on
It is my time
You never were a friend of mine
Hurt at first a little bit
Now I'm so over
So over it.

So Over It
I'm So Over It

Oh--Oh-Oh--Oh

Don't call
Don't come by
Aint no use don't ask me why
You'll never change
There'll be no more cryin' in the rain

Oh--Oh-Oh-Oh
Oh-Oh

I'm Over It

Wanting you to be wanting me
No that aint no way to be
How I feel
Read my lips
Because I'm so over (I'm so)

Moving on and it's my time
You never were a friend of mine
Hurt at first
A little bit
And now I'm so over it

So Over It
I'm So Over it
I'm Over It

The song is catchy! I found myself humming “Over It” today after hearing it on the radio. Her album is great and has several potential hits.

Congrats Kat!

Viva, Las Vegas!

Wahoooooo! I am so happy.

This just in from the Peacock: "NBC has renewed its veteran drama series Las Vegas (Fridays, 9 pm/ET) for a fifth high-rolling season through 2007-08, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, president of NBC Entertainment.


'The cast and producers have consistently given us what we want from Las Vegas — pure entertainment — and we're looking forward to another fun ride next season with the show,' said Reilly."

I got to have my Josh Duhamel fix.

Obsessed Completely

I have accepted that The O.C. has ended (February 22, 2007). I will just remember it for the great show that it was. After watching the series finale, I did not really want The O.C. to do another season because it was perfect.

It was the best episode of the entire series; it gave us closure to all the characters. Summer and Seth's wedding was the greatest; I honestly did not expect it. Ryan and the kid were amazing.


The episode made me cry, honestly.

The last 10 minutes however, were incredible. The flashbacks to the pilot and season one was good and the way it ended with Ryan seeing the kid was just perfect. It was just great to see it come full circle.

Cheers to Ellen!

She was amazing! I do watch her show everyday, and the Oscar’s last night was just the best because it had Ellen Degeneres as the host.

Congratulations on her monologue, she is so funny and she looked so relaxed, very natural, even her outfits, and hair & make up looked great too. She even managed to work a dance in!


My sides hurt from laughing so much. I love to laugh. We all love to laugh. The world needs to laugh.

Ellen, you go girl!

Love and Time

Once upon a time, there was an island where all feelings lived Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love.

One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed.

Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help. Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you." Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel.

"Vanity, please help me!" "I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat," Vanity answered. Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me Go with you." "Oh...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!" Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that he even forgot to ask the elder her name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went her own way.

Love realizing how much he owed the elder asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?" "It was Time," Knowledge answered.

"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"

Knowledge smiled with deep Wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is."

Let us bring out the love in our lives --- and watch what happens.

Another Shared Moment

The kiss was cute and sweet, beyond expectations. I cannot stop smiling!

Thank you, Lolai!

I loved how they talked before hand. It was just awesome.