2016 - Part 01, episode 02

Where'd I left ya?

Okay, got it.

So yeah. The kid is into a lot of trouble like in a deep foxhole. He's talking weird stuff and really was out of it. This is definitely something to cause some serious concern.. especially for me. Why? Well, I did have a brother who got hooked into drugs, got crazy and all and now he's lost a few turns on that part in between his ears. I have to park that story for some other post cos it's kinda long and I still have a long way to go to finish this bangin' yearender, eh?

So, after just a few pop of those meds the doc gave him, he declined to take s'more. It's got some awful side effects on him. I can only imagine his sufferings.

But.. too make this long story short, days and months passed by and the boy recovered. Not only was he able to recover physically and mentally, but best of all, spiritually. He just went 180 degrees!

He does all things differently now. Miracles do happen.

I thank the good Lord above for all that he's done for him.

So now, the other highlight of this year was my untimely departure from my day job. Yep. I've written a few stories of that in here and in fact is the single biggest reason why I started this blog.

I was working for the company from October 1999 to August this year. 16 long years. Prior to that, I was working for another company with the same owner for almost two years.

Basically, I was doing too well and resting comfortably in my laurels... that was until some guys and gals from the higher ups took it upon themselves to jolt me in my comfy seat and did an ops on me the nasty, nasty way.

It's like a power grab. They wanted to change the way things are run by me but they had to do it in a backstabbing way. So, like a rat caught in a tight and slippery rope, I bailed out, pronto!

Well, it didn't end well for me and the company. But like any other company, they will continue to thrive and prosper even in my untimely departure. Four months later and I'm still on recovery mode. I still have some hate and misgivings. I had my moments of depression to battle with. So, basically, I'm not out of the woods yet. But... I have to move on. Life goes on and it will continue to go on because more than anything else, there's a higher purpose for all of these. I can't afFord to just sit around and wait for dole-outs.

Later on, I went out and applied for some call center job. I got into three companies in just four months... imagine that!

The first one, I didn't last a week. Graveyard shift sucks. It was setting appointments for some solar company. Selling to be precise. Second one, I applied for a chat support position but got into a customer service representative. Again, graveyard and worst, the training was just going soooo fast! I was having a hard time absorbing the lessons to be learned especially on how to navigate the system. Lasted for a week. Not bad, eh?

Third and lastly, it's for an Australian account. It looks like I've found THE ONE. Training was great. The trainer was very good and the vibes was great. Best of all, it's dayshift!

Finally, I was devirginized!!! To getting calls, that is.

However, I could not imagine myself doing that job for 8 long hours! No, No, No!

Sitting there and taking calls made me feel like a sitting duck. There's a lot of things I can do and I'm there getting pounded one call after another. The calls kept coming in. They call it - queuing.

In hindsight, I kinda regret quitting that job. I should have soldered on and take all the poundings, at least for a few months. It would have been great for my character.. to make me better and stronger as a person. That one was a good month and a half of work.

Anyway, I have some great ideas that I hope I can launch in 2017. I'm just finalizing everything and getting it in order.

2016 was really an eventful year. I can't feel bad about it. What doesn't kill you only makes you better, right?

So, next year, I aim to better myself, my family and my relationship with the good Lord above. Of course, to my friends and associates as well.

Whew! It's done, homies!

2016 - Part 01

Yeah, 2016. What a year it is!

So many things has happened.. I've lost count of 'em all. Well, let me count the ways..

My son got into a lot of trouble in school early this year. He had a girlfriend whose really into him. I mean, not to brag, but the dude is quiet a looker. So much so that his girlfriend would come by the house and they'd spend hours in his room 'praying'. So, that, got him in trouble because he's not going to school anymore and he's spending most of his time with this girlfriend of his. And, my siblings who volunteered to spend for his education because they want him so badly to be a physical therapist, are very, very disappointed. That course, by the way,  is steeply expensive.

Then, as if it wasn't enough that he screwed up his education, he got into drugs. Yeah, the kind that could get you killed these days? that's that. Well, his pals were scions of some wealthy family and they kinda like him and then one thing led to another and before we knew it, voila! He's hooked!

From then on it was all downhill. Her mother, with her maternal instinct, caught him red handed a few times sniffing that maryjane thingy. I was more lenient. We often see it in the movies, right? Kids getting high and all that. We're cool cos we're IN.

Wifey was paranoid and she kept bugging me and I wind up giving my son that lecture that merely goes between his ears. What can I say? I was busy doing my thing earning all that molah we all strive for in our lives. Ya know, security and stuff.

Then, one day, when I thought "what's the worst thing that could happen, eh?" Yep, the worse is yet to come, hombre!

Well, as it turn out, while he promised to stay clean from that day on when we had a father-and-son talk, he was hanging by the rooftop of our house while sniffing that cannabis thingy and he was getting out of his mind!! Boy, I'm soooo @##%$^^%!!

Again, wifey to the rescue. Since I'm more of the passive kinda poppa, she was really on to something. And so, I went up to check on him. Positive. He is weird. He did a lot of writings. On the paper and on the walls. It's pretty amazing really, what he did. I didn't know my son had some depth in him.

So, we went to have him checked to some psych doc. He was given some sleeping pills and something to calm his mind. I mean, he was too alert and kept talking about out-of-this-world stuff.

Days went by. The medication he was having was quiet a struggle for all of us. His face changed whenever he popped that pill he was given with. Some kinda muscle deformity happens when he's on it. He slept like a baby but it seem like he was making faces. It didn't help that we were scheduled to have some out of town trip with my close pals and we had to make excuses why he looked like a horse... that thing the horse's do with their mouth - get the picture??

Anyway... I have to cut this story short cos it's reeeaaalllyyyy gone too long. Four days more to go and this story will be a wrap. Should be able to cover all of 'em 2016 highlights, eh?!

Part 01, episode two coming up next....

Metamorphosis

Whaddyaknow??? I got hired yesterday for a BPO job!! Hoorah!! Well, this BPO is so much better. I mean, they are the pros, man. That was the interview I was hoping to go the other day but failed to do so. What's even more surprising, the other very competitive BPO company I applied for also called me on the day I was answering the required information sheet. Nice!

The job I applied for was for a day shift and for some chat support thing. Like I said, it's something that interest me and the previous didn't quite gave me the challenge. I was able to get in with no exams and difficulties. Handed like a silver platter, in short.

So this BPO I got myself in, they have this one-day processing where you'll take all their interviews and stages of exams 'til the final test/interview. Boy, that was an excruciatingly long day. I was done at around one o' clock in the morning! From the many applicants down to a handful and then there were two.

That felt good. I know all those arguments and cases I've made on FB or with my pals in person using the English language would come in handy. I mean it's not something I'm exemplary but I try. There are days that I get owned by some more badass keyboard warriors, but quite often, I get to be the top dog. It's different when you're writing it as compared to speaking it. I'm guessing the transition wouldn't be that difficult. There'll be a 6 week training and then it's showtime!

But I'm not out of the woods yet. Yesterday, I had my medical exam and my BP shoot up to the roofs! I had a long day the day before and when I got home, had some beer to kinda celebrate for acing the whole shebang of the job process. Then, woke up early the following day because I had to get the medical. I wasn't feeling anything unusual because I had a good lap in the pool prior to that day and ya know, if you're out of shape, you couldn't be lapping the pool, right?

And, during the interview/exam, I had two cups cappuccinos too! That should help elevate my already fragile BP, notwithstanding, we've been eating high-cholesterol food in the house like it's Christmas day everyday.  And did I mention the alcohol intake here and there?

All that didn't help, but, the company was very accommodating. Even with the absence of a complete result, they still had me signed the contract.

While I was there, there were these young men and women who are now managers and I have yet to prove my worth. Maybe If I really made good of my resignations back then (I resigned thrice), I would have been somebody in the BPO industry, eh? Or, not.

I'll see how this fares out, though. Health and career-wise. I'm excited, of course. There's a lot of people there who are really talented and it should be challenging and perhaps fun to learn new things again.

If things go great, I can only thank my previous company for treating me the way they did. They probably think that at 43 years old, I'm just gonna bow down to their whims and suck it up, cos dude, where's this old hat gonna go?

Sadly, the other guy who knows his way around the kind of work I do has also resigned. It's not looking good for them right now. These fellas, there's three of them who are pulling their weight around and they've got this pride and they feel invincible. They tasted power and now they're having a ball using it. What's despicable is the guy whose on top of everyone has enabled them because, why not, they are making sure the money is kept within their pockets. Awesome!

Anyway, should be interesting what'll happen in the following days.

If you have the dough to blow to get a nice haircut, would you get it from your next-door-toughie-neighbor-barber wannabe, or, you'll go to SM, find a fancy parlor and have it done by the pros?

That's right.

But the company whose selling high end products wants to take all the client's money and in return, the company gives back dirt cheap service. I know a lot of horror stories but I would rather keep it to myself. They will eventually implode especially with these three conniving jokers on board.

Well, I am glad I'm not a part of that company, anymore. There wasn't anything going for me, career-wise. They were just happy I get things done. And now that they saw how I did it, they wanna took over, pronto! They could have waited. But NO, they were too eager for that CHANGE. Rome wasn't build in a day. People don't slim down in an instant. Metamorphosis was a gimmick and everyone had all been had!

They saw a window and they pounced. I let them in because they were like wolves in sheep's clothing. Although I have that gut-feeling that it's all a smokescreen, I trusted them. I lost. So were they.

I hope to get cleared by the doctor tomorrow. Have an orientation and then I can start training the following day.

Lets do this!

The Weather

WOWSA!

I'm supposed to be blogging like everyday. There's been a lot of happenings but I'm still stuck in the rut. Basically, it's back to square one. Had my training last week for a call center job. I guess I'm too good that I found it horribly boring. The time takes forever to move when you are on a graveyard shift and there's nothing to do. We're just talking about everything that we could talk about. The training was too relax and I wasn't too challenged with the test. So, yeah, I made some flimsy excuse that we don't have a helper, blah, blah, blah, and I'll be back shortly when things settle. But really, to the job-hunting front and beyond!!!

What's nice about call center is they pay good money. Unfortunately, it's not something you'd like to stick around with. Judging from the many hiring of BPO companies, you can safely conclude that the turnover of employee is fast. Hats off to those who stayed and grind 'til the wee hours of the morning. I just have a newfound respect for you, guys!

Zika Virus.

It's all over the place now. I think three of us already got it. Half sister, Wifey and me. The symptoms of  fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes are definitely evident. I was swimming yesterday and I couldn't figure out why my shoulder joints are in pain. I mean, I haven't worked out for months now so there's no reason for it. When afternoon came and I tried standing up from my seat, boy, my knees, feet, back, wrist and fingers were feeling the pain too! My Gaaad!!

I wanted to lie there and just sleep it off but nah, there's a lot to do. I was gonna drive for Uber today but the fever and the joint pain made it impossible. What's worse, I had an interview scheduled also today but only felt better in the afternoon. Good thing, the company was kind enough to let me have the exam and interview tomorrow.

Yeah, we enrolled the other car to Uber. When I feel better and have more time, I will be your chauffeur de maitre if you wish to. Going to December and Christmas season, it should be good driving around picking-up and dropping riders. Then, I will have more materials to post here. Sounds like a plan!

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

The rain had been incessant today and so are the mosquitoes so you careful. The news says there's been 130% plus spike of Dengue cases and you wouldn't wanna be a part of the statistics.

I hope to be back tomorrow for some good news.

Stay healthy.

Politically Correct

I hate 'em!! I hate 'em!! I hate 'em!!

That's what's been running through my mind when I saw my pals having the time of their lives over at Facebook. Then, when it was my birthday, I didn't get a greeting from my close associates. I figured, since I'm jobless now, I'm not gonna be "IN" in their circle. Must be, eh?

I felt so enraged I can't wait to get out of the hole I got myself into and give them the finger when I'm back into the groove again.

Then, this week, gathered all my strength (yeah, that's what it took.. lol!) to haul my ass back into the pool and went swimming. It was tough having been gone for more than a week but I soldered on. I have to remember my goal: to get out of the rat hole, pronto!

One lap.. two laps.. next thing I knew, it was a lot! Yeah, that's exactly what I need. To get the endorphins flowing out of my body streams again. Ya know, that happy drug you get from an intense workout.

One day at a time, I go speak to myself. Three days in a row and made my trip to the pool. Got my condition up again. Made some bold career moves. Composed a resume and an application letter. Signed up to Upwork and hoped to get approved to some freelance work. Then earlier, me and wifey went to that call center I told you about. I know it's the easy way but it's the same money and work with the rest of them call centers and I didn't have to go through the tedious interviews, exams and training. I know I can do it because I tested myself with the local call centers like those in the credit card and telecommunication BPO's, and well, I can go tow-to-tow with 'em all. hah!

So, Monday I'll start training at get this, 12AM! Wait, that's the first hour of Tuesday, actually. Well, I really wanted to try what's in there for me since many years ago when my pal, Dexter, used to work on the same industry. he's always talking about his experience and it really perks me up every single time. Told him if only I could do it part time, that is, if I had the time. He went on to become a recruiter and actually rose from the ranks. It's one of the ways I intend to extrovert myself. There's a lot of folks there when we came to visit. Looks like a happy place to really brush up and better my English. I'm excited!

Then, this afternoon, went to check my email if my application to get a freelance job at Upwork was somehow approved. And, IT DID! Awesome day, eh? So now I'm wondering what to do first. I just realize there's a lot of home-based work at Upwork but I also like to go out and socialize with the other species. We'll see how things would turn out in the future. I just need to do something other than promoting my wife's business because it's making me dumb when I don't get my brain stimulated.

One thing I learned from all of these good things happening right now is to not be a hater. DON'T BE A HATER, man. It's the vibes.. they come back and haunt ya.. After a day or two of watching my pals having a good time, I remember what I've heard from the guru's I've been listening to. Appreciate the joys and accomplishments of other people. You attract what you put out. Law of attraction, repulsion and vibration, baby. So I started liking their pictures and all. Also, those grim news about the political bickering of our leaders, I try to avoid them especially the killings and all that bad news.

I feel dismayed watching the feeds on my FB. Thus, I barely open it. My wife's is so much better. She's on a roll and her friends will maxed out to 5k before the year ends. It's quite a harvest and she can use that network to her advantage in her business. That's the idea, really.

Anyway, now's a good time to celebrate.

Loves and kisses.....



[photo: happy people: a2ua.com; help: slidellmemorial.org; call center laughing bethere2day.com; don't be a hater:howislept.com]

Neuro Linguistic Programming

Big word, eh? Neuro Linguistic Programming. Just trying to be nerdy while catching your attention. Also, the picture below. Hoped it works.

As I was sifting through the e-books I've collected through the years, I came across this business skills thing for dummies. And one of the most essential ingredient to running a successful business is.. drum roll please -- rapport.

I guess that's the part where I've had quite a success in my dealings with difficult people. You know, no matter how good you think you are but if people aren't receptive, nothing gets done. The irony of it all is I can have rapport with everyone else (save for a few) but not my wife. We often have clashes of opinions and she's quite adamant when she talks on how to go about things. However, when things go south, she asks for my help. I told you this was gonna happen, I often tell her.

I had all these e-books and I'm rushing to read and pick the essentials of what's gonna be next for me. There's a job that's just waiting for me to go but it's gonna be in a call center. I could use the experience and well, it's also a good place to brush up my engrish.. hehe

Wifey's cousin happens to co-own the company so my one foot's already at the door. I would probably be useful to them with my vast experience in the *cough*cough* corporate world. Then there's a lot of hiring in some jobs website and I must admit, it definitely scares the crap out of me!

Eighteen years of not having to apply for another job takes its tool on ya, I guess. That's especially true when you're not at the prime of your life but that's one of those self limiting beliefs I am trying to shake-off and overcome.

To increase the probability of getting hired is to send out an overwhelming number of applications. Heck, I can drive for Uber because I just got my NBI clearance and there's a car to drive at. What I really, really need right now is to focus. I'm like a shotgun firing at some goal and the bullet just splinters away. I needed to be a sniper rifle so I'm shooting at something and hitting it directly.

Ultimately, my goal is to start my own business and be an entrepreneur. There's a boatload of information and education to be had but it's been a month since I abruptly resigned and I'm still grasping for what's my biggest next thing. I need to make some quick bucks not because I want it but just to feel better that I'm earning again. I've given most of my savings to Wifey so she can grow it. Been helping her grow her business further. There's no need to experiment because hers is already up and running it just needs more pushing so it can grow some more.

I'll give myself one more month to sort my issues out and then it's a do or die situation already. LOL!

Memo to self: After this party we are going to later, it's time to turn up the heat and get something done. Already!

And NO, no more Facebooking! Only when it's about business because it is such a waste of time to watch people giving their best shot in some awesome places here and abroad. Yeah, I feel execrated!

Happy Sunday and it's time paaaarrttttyyyyyy!!!!


[photo: best-wallpaper.net]

The Closure

Just went back swimming this morning... and, the prognosis is baaadddd. Really bad. Strokes look bad. Endurance is bad. Conditioning is bad. I mean, really, really bad. I think it's time to rename this blog to.. wait for it - bad vibes and chained to bad memories... LOL!

I dunno how I can get my mojo back again. Don't you ever have that feeling when you are so in control like ironclad control of how you run the show only to find that you are slipping slowly.. day by the day and you try in earnest to get a grip again of the whole situation? Been on this challenge a lot of times and I hope to get out again on this fox hole like I did before. I can do it!

Frankly, I'm quite stuck in a rut for days now. Well, my wife's business is doing fine, thanks to the good Lord above. I put some moolah in the mix so she can grow it by having it loaned through her network. Wifey is the exact opposite of me. She is outgoing, friendly and everything that sums up of what extrovert is. So yeah, I'm stuck because I'm merely a supporting cast now. I'm not the one running the show like I always used to. But maybe I'm looking at things the wrong way. Woosa... woosa.. woosa... (watch: Anger Management).

Anyway, helping her in the backgrounds is where my expertise are best utilized. But I don't intend to stay in the backgrounds because it's at the front row, that's where success is found. I am grateful that I was able to help her grow her clientele. We also have a little van rental with my two pals and boy, booking is picking up lately with the intense advertising I'm running on Facebook. I haven't even tried the other social networking sites since FB is obviously the more popular here in the country.

But I'll get to them Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. etc... hopefully not before I get a job because it gets boring staring at the screen most of the time.

The job isn't really important. I just need to do something to un-bore myself and maybe earn some paper on the side. That would be awesome!

Speaking of job, most of my pals who knew what I did, resigning pronto, think it wasn't a good idea. They said that I should just suck it up, stick around and wait for them to terminate me so I can get paid for the many years of my service. Well, it's really easy if you're simply looking from the outside. There was no way around it. Before we became her underlings, we've already seen the many people who packed their bags because of her. Of the many people who left, I got to know this guy we'd call Mr. Brave. I thought he'd survive out of the many who left the position he filled in. I mean, I called him exactly that, Mr. Brave because he plod on and went many months longer than the previous ones.

When we had our chance to talk, the guys just opens up and says he's never felt so low and demoralized whenever he talks to this woman. After getting his ego bruised and beaten many times over, he finally called it quits. Unlike me, he went and properly turned over to the next guy his work. Well, he didn't suffered the same fate as me.

Then there's this another guy who is really good and he came from a prestigious company with vast experience on the job he was hired for. He did exactly like me. Just vanished out of thin air. And mind you, this guys was sent to Manila a number of times to attend training and important meetings and if my memory serves me right, was even a recipient to a trip abroad for some R & R.

And so it got me thinking. Why are there so many good people who left this company? This company, by the way, is running a very, very prestigious dealership brand. When we started, we only had roughly 10 people in it. Now, it's running in the hundreds (or in thousands?) of employees including the branches. Amazing, eh?

So why people left and couldn't care about the brand? There's little to no incentives for the support group. They prefer to hire new graduates because they are the most likely people to suck it up. I mean, really, who gives a flying F about the brand if your immediate supervisor gives you a dressing down most of the time?

Well, it's nice to see how awesome the brand is especially now when it's really on the verge of toppling everyone on the top. But, behind the brand is really a disgruntled dealership where the turnover of people is of record's all-time high. I have seen a lot of good people quit or let go all because some of these monglers (managers) think they are 'holier than thou' or know better than everybody else.

The only people who would stick around no matter how beaten black and blue they are, are the people who make a profit. Like primarily, sales. Insurance and the chattel mortgage guys too. Yeah, the managers, who else. I was making a profit, true, but I was giving them a stirring service in that no matter how difficult or impossible, I get things done.

Would you pay a hundred or a thousand for a car detailing? You know detailing is a difficult task and for someone to merely charge a hundred, you would certainly have doubts of the quality of work, right? So, I would compare myself to that. I might be charging a little bit more but, you know you are getting the result you are looking for.

Now they've cut cost. Good for them. However, from what I've heard from the close associates I have there, it's not looking rosy. There's a shhhh... load of problem brewing in the horizon. Well, don't say I didn't warn you!

Poetic justice is indeed a great feeling. They're the brilliant, we're nobody's so who are we that they'd listen to us?

My gripe also goes to the man who could have prevented this whole debacle. I told him about the outcome because me being on the ground and know how things work, he should have listened. But he rolled the dice, anyway. Here you go, boss. Ya got what you came for. I hope you are satisfied with all the money you saved. I hope it's cheaper than me and my loyalty.

Let me tell ya something and I'm saying this in a modest way possible. No matter who they put there, there is no one like me. I go out and establish a good relationship with the people we deal with, I put up the system that makes the processing seamless, I talk to customers about their gripes and make them understand of the situation to diffuse their agitation. If I need to go the extra mile and drive because the customer can't, I go. I do all these things because I want the company to look good. No less than this ambitious manager said that she is not satisfied with our very own brand of service.

The profit is secondary to me because I know, I work hard for it, it should come because I deserved it. I should get paid for my mad skills.

Nonetheless, they saw a 20-something-year-young-sexy-thing girl more fitting to head the little department I used to run. Awesome dude! And, they are still looking for the guy who will do the shhhh.. work I used to do. They've hired a few before but they ALL quit. LOL

That's over a month ago now.

Let me tell you something. These guys need work, alright, but once they see what's out there, they would rather plant sweet potato than work under these scheming biatches and/or deal with the guys and gals who aren't gonna be friendly, knowing how cheapskate the company is towards them.

Sorry, it's downhill from hereon now for you, pals.

I'm happy to announce this is my last post about this whole shebang of JOB thing. Time for some closure.

It's really a good day to move on... make everything exciting, feel the difference and go further.

anyone in for some FFffff CLAP???

And It goes without saying.. Today, I love myself more. I'm the best there is and the best will ever be in that position.

Case closed.




[Photos: backstroke: transblawg.eu ; car detailing: pennexxon.com]

Unreserved.

While I was out driving my motorcycle on my way to Talisay City (freakin' far place, thanks wifey!) to collect some money my spouse's is owed to, I listened to some audiobook to while away time. Boy, it was fun! I didn't got tired with the long commute. It's probably the awesome Suzuki Gixxer that I was driving, or, the audiobook was quite powerful not to be tuned to it.

Grant Cardone had some 100 ways to stay motivated and it's definitely worth the listen. I'm gonna have to mount that GoPro clone I bought some months ago in times like these long travels. I hit just 100 kilometer per hour in SRP although I wanted to squeeze the throttle some more but it's a little traffic and I run out of pavement to get my adrenaline - jack excited!

But I digress.

Extrovert. This is the subject that's touchy to me. Why?? Because I'm the exact opposite. I've read some recent studies and indeed, a lot of people are getting to the top not because they think like Einstein but because they are very sociable.

And so Cardone mentioned how he's never had a white spot on his calendar and he's all booked to the hilt and the reason of course is he's always out there showing up and meeting and greeting people. He's very active in the community, church and what-have-yous.

Thus, it's a foregone conclusion that for anyone to actually have a chance in these ever changing world to actually climb the ladder of success. not only that you need the smarts, intelligence and hard work, you need to be kissing asses, err, I mean, ya gotta be bold and network with the right people through social media as well as spend quality face time with them in the marketplace.

Being shy, prom and proper isn't going to lead you to the greener pasture. When you are driven to take yourself to the next level and achieve that ultimate goal in your life, regardless of how you are brought up and whether you are the introvert kind, you need to extrovert yourself. period. There is no way around it.

I will read this post again tomorrow because I am actually hammering this important lesson in my head and this pep talk is actually for me.

Hi-yo, Silver!!!! (read: Band of Brothers)

P.S.

I know a lot has posted it on Facebook and on other social network, but yeah, let us pray for Davao. Let us pray for everyone, for the whole country to unite and skip the bashing and the sarcasm. Election is over, we have a new president and he needs all the support he can get from everyone who wants a better Philippines. Lets not fight each other and point fingers. Let us all unite against the people who are responsible for this terrorism.

Alrighty?

[photo: suzuki gixxer - www.autosarena.com]

The Luck Factor

So I'm happy all these things I'm doing for our little business is gaining ground. In exchange, I didn't get a chance to swim this week. No exercise whatsoever. Well, important things had to be done first. And no, I'm not saying exercise is not important. Will be back in the swing of things in no time.

Like Jim Rohn said, you gotta have more skills to make yourself valuable to the market place. And since I'm getting the hang of making advertisements for our FB page/group as well as other groups we affiliate with, might as well learn how to Photoshop. There's a lot of resources online, thank you internet, Google and *bleep*, we can actually learn it without having to spend huge moolah for that specialize education.

My wife is getting busier these days with all sorts of inquiries she has to answer. We've made a few sales and recruited some in the fold. There's definitely some gray areas we have to deal with but we gotta keep firing. Otherwise, we'd cripple our operation overthinking minute matters.

It's not gonna be easy but if we keep pounding we'll get through either to the bitter, or the better end. Hope it's the latter.

Whaddyaknow?? The guy whose been my contact person in the office I transact with while I was still connected to my previous company also called it a day. He said it's been downhill with the way his work had been going on. He said he's met this lady who, if you know my story, was instrumental in my abrupt departure. She was forced into taking my place because I wasn't gonna hang around with the treatment I got from her and her gods. She was oozing with bravado... he said. She brought her swagger in there. LOL

I'd say, let her. The times and the circumstances favor their actions and attitude. It's called human wheels. We go round and round. You step on so many people to get to the top. When you come down, these people are gonna be too happy to watch your downward spiral. It's not a wild guess. It's just basic universal law. I'm not gonna second guess you what it is... but I'll bet my house you'll find it there.

Anyway, this is Good Vibes and Freedom blog, and so, even with some residue of bitterness in my heart, I have to be thankful. I didn't have all this time then to learn and think outside of the box because I was resting in my laurels and having a ball, but now I'm finally making use of my brains again and really come up with something genius. Modesty aside, there wasn't anything that they could throw at me that I couldn't handle. In fact, it was getting BORING. Hah! Because the problems are mostly recycled. Of course there are few that's new but I've had worst that were really - a killer.

What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Big word, eh? Yep, but they do make a lot of sense. especially now.

Well, gotta get back to work, do some reading and learning and maybe, just maybe sneak in some much needed exercise later. I've got some dumbbells, some bands, pull-up bar and coupled with ingenuity and it'll be fun one hour of sweat.

Muchos Gracias.

Work it

Holy macaroni and cheese! How ya been? Yeah, it's been busy on my end. You can't expect to get anything if you don't put out. So, what I'm trying to do now is just plant a lot seeds. Hopefully, they will grow by and large. The grand daddy of universal law of sowing and reaping and every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction, etc. is on full motion these days.

Change is here, they say. Adapt, roll with the punches and suck it up. It will be hard before it's easy.

Another thing, I've decided to withdraw my quest to compete in another Biggest Loser contest. I need to focus my energy on this thing I am into. Gotta pay the bills and feed the family first. Gotta keep up the momentum and the wheel spinning and I can only put my energy into one discipline or it'd be half baked and we couldn't afford that at this stage.

Alright, that would be all today!

ciao!!

Positive vibration

So I got a little busy as of late. Been prepping my wife's business like I mean it. I easily forget, ya know... that I'm actually very good at something. I need all that positive reminders to get me pass the hump. My sister had been very supportive. To be honest, I shouldn't worry. When you look at what other people are going through in life, boy, I'm waaaayyy better off.

It would probably take a while to get used to the change, but I know I can adapt.. in time. I listen to Bryan Tracy a lot to remind myself I'm the best. I'm glad I did that long before I decided to call it a day at work because it really helps to see the better side of things than linger on the bad vibes.

So today is my birthday. Nothing special, really. It's been that way for a long time. I would have buy my pals some beer but got really tired with all that marketing stuff and overslept a little too much. It's encouraging to know that a lot of people are responding to the works I've been doing.

Anyway, got a little tipsy with the cheap brandy and my son's here in my war room, so being able to concentrate is out of the question.

Tomorrow should be better. Or should I say "No easy day.." or "The only easy day was yesterday."

Enjoy your Sabado nights, hombres!

For some good vibes...

Don't ya just love this song? i know I do.

The Bigger Picture...

So my partner in my ex-company texted me last week how I've been. Well, I've been busy. Swimming, reading and stuff. I just found out earlier today while browsing through some job's website (ya know I was kidding about the retired thing, right?) that they are still looking for my replacement. I resigned last August 02.

Not to lift my own chair, but they would definitely find it difficult to find someone of my caliber. I mean I've been doing that job for the last 16 years. Fifteen years prior to that, It was all my show 'til management decided I could use an assistant. Before I decided to call it a day for what some ambitious manager cunningly did to me, we were three people in our little department.

So, counting the overhead and the additional two guys they are going to hire, they have a total of four people since they opted to have an encoder (wow!) which would have a minimum of eight thousand salary for each of the three of them with the other department head whose probably receiving around 15k. Almost 40k for the four of them, to be precise.

And, there is really no need for additional personnel because we are now solely processing for our own branch whilst before, we had two additional branches in addition to ours. And I did it all by myself. And no, there wasn't any additional compensation, if you are curious to know.

All of these personnel are novice. To be honest, no veteran would accept such a job with such measly pay grade and potential problems along the way. So, it essentially defeats the purpose of cutting down on cost because what's one versus four staff, and, it basically made their life difficult with a bunch of 'idealist greenhorn' running the show that makes the processing longer to get done.

Good thing though is that before I left, I was able to train one guy to a level of competence that he can probably run the show, but he'd still be needing help.

Why this ambitious accounting manager did what she did is basically to show the higher management she's the man. I had a budget which is basically already covered by the customer's payment for the unit he wanted. And, for years I was able to process our documentations with almost zero penalty. We should be penalize but I found a way to diminish the possibility. So, our customer paid the budget and we are not paying penalties. How can that be bad. eh? The millions they save and not a dime of incentive? Ok.

When May or June came and it was announced that we are no longer under the sales department and we will be under this ambitious woman's wings, I knew from that instance - we are doomed. I mean, I've seen most of her staff come and go and just this January, mass exodus happened. Worse, I don't get to be the head of the department which I know like the palm of my hand but some 20-year old lady who is one of her top lieutenants. I mean, if that's not so crystal yet, I dunno what.

I can already sense the power trip of her lackey who is now our acting leader. I wouldn't mind getting led by some lady whose half my age as I have been under a lot people who were younger than me. But ya know, this setup has that sense of some play (watch: Homeland) goin' on. But, I was confident that we are all here for the greater good of the company.

Then, one fateful day, I was suddenly sent to our branch in Mindanao. It was Saturday and her bootlicker told me I have to go there on Monday because there's this guy who holds the same position as me and that his wife is gonna have a baby and he is talking a week off.

Sixteen years and I have never been out of our branch and then out of the blue, I am going to some awesome place in Mindanao?? Why not??

But really, deep inside, I was surprised and pissed. Anyway, being the good soldier that I am, I oblige. Did I mentioned I'm scared of flying? I was hoping if I could get to ride an airplane more, my fear would somehow lessened. It didn't. Hah!

So I packed for a week's provision or at least I thought so. Long story short, I arrived there with nothing to do. The guy I was replacing isn't going to be a father again because his wife already gave birth last February and worst, his partner with whom we trained for our Surigao branch was also there because the branch hasn't opened yet. Meaning, we're like three stooges there. And did I mentioned we can't do jack?

I'm quite irritated now. Texted my lady head what's going on and all I get was a lie. Lie, lie, lie. Amazing. So, bottom line, they want to investigate me if I was profiting from my little action without me getting in the way. Went back the following day and voila! I resigned.

So, lets just say that I am profiting, don't ya think I deserve it? While the sales people are raking in thousands upon thousands (even the new guys already have brand spankin' new car and big bikes), same goes to our insurance babes and the chattel mortgage boys, we in our department receive a measly monthly salary. If I was profiting, is it the company's stash? Nope. We are so very, very left behind  in terms of compensation when in fact, our work and responsibility is so crucial to get the company going like a well-oiled machine. We are the most under appreciated and underrated people. We are always overlooked and barely get an award and yet, if you look at the bigger picture, because of us these top managers can smile and laugh because they are not having any problems with the people we deal with. And mind you, these people I deal with wields a lot of law enforcing powers that if we are caught with our pants down, we pay a very hefty fine.

And, if you look at the system I put there to get things done seamlessly, you would be amazed. None of the other dealers who works the same job as I do can claim the same. That's exactly why I can do it all by myself. All those replacements can coalesce themselves to the system I put in place. However, they are not me, so, good luck!

All I can say is, you can get whoever you want but you would still come out with a bigger overhead and still come out short. When it comes to quality of work, I don't think there's anyone who can compare. Even the guys now who are all veterans working in another dealership cannot compare. That's how confident I am with myself. And just a quick tip to top management if they haven't gotten it already: I don't think these newly hired personnel will survive either being under that ambitious lady manager. Not only that, they also have to survive to the people they liaise with outside especially the people they will be dealing with.

My previous job requires a two pronged approach. The balancing act I did throughout those years was never easy, but I got it done. With the way these lads been conducting themselves with the people they deal with, I doubt it very much if they can get it done fast enough. There will be hassles and unfortunate incidents because you know why? Greed got the best of them.

So I'm sad I don't have a job anymore, but it's better this way. I could not stomach the way they run the show, anyway. I am almost certain that there will be a lot of complains and so I am glad I got out before things got ugly. It would be fun to watch these neophytes answer customer queries and complains. I'm sure their superiors are better equipped to do the explainin' so let them do the accounting, eh?

Oh, I just might get a job tomorrow... fingers crossed. I will try my luck at Virginia Foods. I heard it's a good place to learn how to butcher. Or, nope.



[photo: mindwise-groningen.nl]

It's Official..

This blog is gonna be about my weight loss journey. Well, I just weigh in yet again earlier today. 219 pounds. From 238 to 213 to 219 pounds! What??? Why?? Had a big meal, lots of water, a cupful of tea and another tall mug of shake. That's what.

This is gonna be a looooonnnggg exercise and diet and stuff. I'm getting better with swimming but I don't think it's healthy to be swimming at the rate I've been doing it. Why long you ask? The finals will be on the last month of October. I'm not exactly a big fan of Herbalife, there, I said it. But, my wife has been taking them and is actually selling and recruiting people to the fold. She swore by it and since I don't really have so much going as of the moment other than helping our modest ventures, I guess I'm gonna have to say "Why not?"

There isn't so much winning here. 5G's wouldn't suffice if you follow their nifty 'program' of taking their shakes in the morning and in the afternoon.Then there's some tea and all that supplements in between. The bragging right though would have so much more impact considering the pictures I saw earlier where people really went from being fat to fabulous! This is gonna be so much more challenging and coming out on top will be even more sweeter.

Part of the bigger picture in this challenge is really to help my wife with her business. I mean, normally I'm a rebel to following prescriptions and what's been laid out. So, this time around, I'm gonna go with the flow and fuse myself into their program. When I lose more weight, my wife will be able to sell more and convincingly at that because, again, why not? I'm the living proof that the supplement and the program works!

However, we know nothing works if the person is not going to man-up and put everything on the line. Ya gotta bump up the passion, dedication and the discipline to get what you want in life. I'm actually cheering myself up because I'm in that bump right now both in this contest and in my personal life. I hope this journey would also encourage you to get on with whatever you are going through and just keep inching forward with whatever you are aiming to accomplish in your life.

By the way, found some picture with some of the 13 contestants...

And the emcee ask what's the big secret, and I go, "just eat less and exercise more."

Really, nothing could have been more simpler than that. It's the process where things get a little bit more complicated.

Cheers!

Three Peat

That is sweet as a pie.

It's nice to win and dominating it. Modesty aside, nobody had a chance. Since the contest is base on percentage and not on total weight lost, It's definitely more challenging. My wife had me on the edge to the last minute. She knew the rest of the contestants but she wasn't telling me whether the other contestants were losing weight. She wanted me to just keep grinding and never to be complacent.

From the announcements made after each contestant's turn to step on the scale, most had 1 to 2 percent weight lost. Wifey had 6 and I had 10++. If I didn't join, wifey would have gotten the trophy.

The road to winning this didn't come easy. But thanks to my abrupt resignation, I had all the time to swim and didn't felt like eating that much. Quite an effective pill for food aversion, wouldn't you agree?

Two months and 10 percent gone. But there's more!

There's this other contest going on around her network and I might just jump in. I'm not at the liberty of divulging the company, but since I'm not yet skinny and there's still a lot of fats to lose, I say, why not? Lets sustain the momentum and really go for broke. I think it will be so much more difficult now because the others had a 2 week head start and I'm gonna have to strictly diet now because the plateau, it's gonna be tricky to get pass by and I'm about to go there.

But we welcome challenge. Like my new venture now to start my own thing, that's something I'm preparing to right now. And, I've been scouring the internet for all the useful information that I can  get and apply. Hopefully, this business will fire-up before the month ends.

My pictures will have to wait cos they are having a grand time filtering it.. Hah!

Spoiler Alert: I WON!

Yep, that's right, I snag it! hah!

All that hard work paid off, albeit, handsomely. Some two G's cash, two G's of gift certificate and an overnight stay in some fancy Bayfront Hotel Cebu. Perfect for my upcoming birthday, eh?!?

It wasn't a competition, brotha..  it was domination. That was the plan since day one. Thank you, Grant Cardone!

Anyway, the drama is in the detail, as the saying goes. The beer did me in so tomorrow, it's gonna be a picturesque of the whole shebang of things.

Let me savor the victory, will yah?

Sweet...

[photo: falkvinge]

Why?

DJ Karen Bordador you are so HOT and all but why ya gotta do drugs??? I mean haven't you heard of the news since President Rodrigo Duterte won the election? Everyday somebody gets caught.. somebody dies. You, in the media and of all people should know.

What a waste, gurl! You have everything going around you like an engine firing on all cylinders, but you got mix up with some shady company and now you're in a hole.

I hope you get out of it and get your life back straight again.

[photo: inquirer.net]

Random Thoughts..

Last election, I didn't vote. Not because I didn't want to, but failed miserably at exercising my rights. In short, I didn't register. Didn't root for Duterte either while most of my circles did. Well, I very much enjoy the role of an antagonist especially when everyone seems to have the herd mentality. Best of all, it's nice to mess with their brains. ha!

Today, since he's now our new president, we don't really have a choice but to support him. I guess the killing is a little too much so that everyday in the news, it's becoming a staple to report about a certain drug-related death. Some would say that it's some group trying to eliminate the other. Or, drug lords liquidating those who surrendered because they could give vital information to the authorities or are not inclined to pay their dues. Very plausible.

Or, it's really the law enforcers who are now emboldened especially with the backing of no less than the president himself and his PNP chief to just shoot 'em all and let God sort 'em out!

Some aren't so lucky though. We've heard a lot of news about innocent people being shot at as a case of mistaken identity. Sadly, they now form part of a mere statistics and most people aren't too interested to hear about their real stories.

Then comes the battle to vanish corruption. I guess 100 days wouldn't suffice to get rid of such deeply rooted predicament which we've been having for the last 100 years. Yeah, I was being generous with the number of years.

To quote some guy named William:

"Best way to do it, eradicate all of them people in LTO, BIR, LTFRB, BOC, etc. You can't expect these people to change since they've tasted corruption already. Then there are the enablers you have to deal with. How do you stop them from corrupting the people inside when they want to be ahead of everybody else? Well, give the government employees bigger salary and improve the system so that people transacting in the government would not be tempted to bribe because it is more efficient and they get what they came for faster."

Yeah, easily said than done.

There's bureaucracy, red tape, commission on audit, legislation, etc. etc. and a whole lot of mechanisms to go over before you can effect the CHANGE you want. But change is good. It's a welcome break from our conventional mindset and getting out of our comfort zone.

But, like Rome was not built in a day or people didn't get fat overnight, these perennial problems aren't going away anytime soon.

Bottom line, it's good something is being done with our troubles, but lets not expect too much especially when people sitting in the government are mostly the same bananas who are bunch of recycled political butterflies who also have their own agenda.

I'm probably having hypoglycemia to come up with this thoughts.. so, forgive me for running my mouth and perhaps offended your political views.

Anyway, bed is calling... ZZZZzzzzzzzz

[photo: conceptnewscentral]

It's almost time

Whew! Today is the most exhausting ever!

Either it's the lessened food or the extra laps that's causing the tiredness I am feeling today. It's crunch time so me and wifey (yes, her role is very vital in this little quest of ours) devise the most stringent plan to win this and take that coveted bragging rights.

I haven't weigh myself since the last time which puts me at 238 pounds of monster fat. People who see me though has noticed the weight lost. and so, I am quite please with the route we took this time around.

Win or loss, it's still a worthy endeavor since I really, really need to lose the excess pounds. After this, I won't be doing an everyday swim. It's not good for my age and my body with those huge swimming pads that makes it really harder to paddle through the water, It will wear out my shoulders and elbows mechanism in no time. Three times a week would suffice and alternate it with some gym workout. I cross out the gym for this 3rd attempt of joining a Biggest Loser contest because I can't keep those muscles on since we wanna lose weight - muscles included. And newsflash, muscles are heavier than fat!

Anyway, tomorrow will be the last swim before we weigh in on Wednesday. I'm thinking of pulling some Michael Phelps of a kind effort. Definitely, the weariness has set in so that swimming for more than a hundred meter requires a gargantuan amount of effort. But, like I mentioned earlier, there were additional laps added to the usual 2.5km course. Not much really, but somewhere in the vicinity of 500m.

Just a side note, while other countries are yet to win a medal in the Rio Olympics, Michael Phelps has taken 23 of 'em as of this writing. The Philippines is lucky to get one silver, Singapore had one gold which ironically they got at the expense of Phelps. And the rest, well, they are still hoping to snag one.

That's it for today, folks. You'll find out come 17th the outcome of this quest. I hope the cameras would get me on my good side. lol

Be well.

[Photo: thepoliticalinsider]

Better than yesterday

Yep, that's today. Been reading a myriad of  stuff on the Interwebs. It's quite exciting to be a student again, I must say.

Since I'm 'retired' now, I will be helping my wife with everything. I'm looking at this as part of our bonding together - as a family. I have always been distant. I guess I have so many things going through my mind. Issues, in fact. And, that is why I hate it when Neil, my son, is not able to focus. He reminds me of my ugly self. Same goes with my little girl, Angel Mitch.

I'm probably just asking too much from them, eh?

Going back to being distant, yeah, I was. The job I did requires a lot of
poker face, if you catch my drift. Ya know, putting a front both internally and externally to the company I work with as well as the people I deal with to make ends meet. I'm glad I got out of the game. All that kissing asses and covert maneuver to get things done has to stop at some point. But, I wish them well.

So personally, that affected me. I have to put this barrier between myself and everyone. A front, to be precise.It's gonna take a while to get this wall torn down completely and it will be a work in progress. I don't know what it'll take but we'll get there at some point.

One day at a time, bud.

Meanwhile, it's rest day but there's work to be done so, I'm getting on with it.

[Photo: perspectiveoftroy]

Redemption....

... that would be awesome!

I wasn't gonna swim today but did anyway. Did some 500 meters of breast stroke. 1km freestyle with fins and another with pull buoy. Both have pads on. I like having them around, the pads, fins and the pull buoy because they make my swim both easier and harder. In the end, I benefited a lot with all the lactic burn and the calorie deficit strategy I am aiming for this mission.

Why the swim was supposed to be out of the question today is the fact that I'm getting bored with it. Then, I realize there's a contest to win and I'm feeling and looking a lot better.

The effect of the weight reduction is better felt in the morning. That's when I look in the mirror and boy, do I look different??

To make it less boring today, since I can now swim continuously for a good 200 meters, that's exactly what I did. So, having to waste more time isn't the way to go but to get more laps in one go. With the pull buoy on, I can go for 500 meters non-stop. I'm still swimming the same distance a few days ago but a lot more time,
but I think this technique is more efficient and effective because you get more for less. More for cardio and endurance, but for a lesser time.

Tomorrow will be for some rehab exercises to get those rotator cuffs and elbows healthy. Will be using bands and dumbbells to get the job done and then hopefully come back stronger on Friday. Extend the distance of continuous laps to maybe 400 or more meters thereby reducing the time spent under the sun, but increase the cardio and burn more of 'em fats!

Life begins...

WOW! almost forgot I started a blog. Nope, it's not the busy-ness. I have all the time. Swimming for 2 hours a day does takes its tool on the body. But I like the result. My big tummy is almost annihilated. You will see the fruits of all the labor next week.

By the way, I did joined this kind of contest years ago with my co-employees from the company I used to work with. We organized it and put our money where our mouth is. I think it was 500 bucks for each participants. It was awesome. Ya know why? I won back-to-back! Yeah. But the road I took then was different. I dieted strictly of chicken breast and sweet potato. And, workout hard in the gym.This time, still dieted but not strictly. Just ate smaller but yummy meal. The swimming accelerated the whole deal.

It would be amazing if I can still pull it off this time around. Not so much price, really. Just a few thousand bucks and an overnight stay in Bayfront Hotel. Still, the bragging rights is definitely something. One pal of mine whose wife is joining already made some bold predictions. That she'll take home the bacon because she's done it before.. losing a lot of weight.

We'll see brother.

I think I won't be able to join this kind of contest in the future. Being overweight most of the time is really a pain in the arse. Walking up through the stairs is such an ordeal. And, It's nice to see the jeans and the belt loosening up a little bit more everyday. The chin is going single digit, the face is getting smaller, the shirts, looser.

So yeah, I'd like to keep it this way now especially that I'm not getting any younger. It would be difficult to grow old, fat and well, sickly. It's also worth noting that when you are older, it's harder to move around and exercise with such vigor.

My advice to my fellow 40ish guys and gals, get into the groove. Age is just a number. Start now. There's still plenty of time to get cracking!

The Biggest Loser in 10 Days...

Yep, it's almost here. Me and my wife decided to join the contest in the company she sells retail stuff, Natasha.

I weigh 238 pounds! i know I'm freakin' heavy, but I have lost a lot in a month and many weeks after. How is it possible? I went back to what basically works out for me - swimming.

Personally, I see swimming as my biggest tool among the many in my toolbox. Prior to that, I've been lifting weights and did a lot of cardio in the treadmill. My metabolism is quite screwed-up so that no matter how I pound the weights and the cardio, my weight barely move.

Then, on Father's Day, I accidentally inquired about promos and what have yous at Holiday Gym and voila! They actually have. I took the 4 months promo and started re-learning how to swim again.

Boy, I must tell you, it was torture in the lungs and heart. The pool is only 25 meters and I couldn't make it to the end swimming freestyle.

I had fear each time I go. Not only were triathletes swimming away for the Ironman that just happened earlier today, I was too embarrass to be seen swimming the way I do.

Each day was a challenge. But thanks to the Biggest Loser contest we joined in, I had to get to that mental page and really get to the grind.

Today, I can swim freestyle 100 meters straight! But there's more! Ha Ha! Yeah, before that, I go 500 meters warming up with breast stroke.

Next week, since we are very close to the deadline, all the laps and the hours are going to be bump up in order to burn more calories... and fats!

It's gonna be tough because I know everyone is working just as hard. I have to believe that they are working as hard as we do. It would be awesome to win though.

Will post some of the pictures later of just about anything under the sun.

Meanwhile, here are the essentials....

Good Vibes and Freedom... at last!!

Yes, the title says it, freedom at last!

I've been working for the last eighteen years straight and just last Tuesday, I finally call it a day.

and... well, it's not easy. I am gonna be forty three this month. Kind of in a midlife crisis, eh? But, change is here, they say. So, we will adapt. I mean, I will adapt.

The circumstances behind the decision is definitely something that will ruin anyone's day, so, no, never mind. It's all good vibes here.. as much as possible.

What's in store for me? I'm about to find out. If there's still fuel in my tank. I am keeping my options open. I've always enjoyed writing. Blogging, In fact. I had one before which I've kept 'secret' because other than there's a lot of revelations there, I can't speak freely because my job in the CIA's utterly confidential... hehehe

So, what to expect here? A lot.

It's gonna be a journey of me, my family and pals. What's ironic in all of these is, I'm the epitome of an anti-social person. I don't like getting pictured. I hate to socialize and mingle with other people. I prefer to be alone most of the time. And that's exactly what's holding me back! So, quitting my job and showing everything about me here is definitely a huge step for me to go out of my comfort zone.

I've always wanted to do something else other than what I'm used to doing. So brace yourself, this is gonna be quite a ride!