Dutch Master Cigars - Vitamin C for Big Boys

We'll be saying goodbye to year 2009 in a couple of days. And as most people do during this time of the season, I also have my list of new year's resolution. One of the items in my list is quitting my bad habits (big grin). I admit that I have a number of bad habits that I longed to break; but sometimes it is really hard to break these habits, especially if these habits give you pleasure and relief. Anyway, one of the bad habits I have is "Vitamin C". Hold on a second, the Vitamin C I am referring here is the little stick that I would light up whenever I feel stressed at work and depressed in life (big grin). I had to use a code, because many of my love ones does not know that I am a Vitamin C user (shhh.. that's our secret okay). I like the lights and menthol vitamin C. Its been my companion for more than 5 years now. But I only have it when I'm in the office or when I'm out with friends; I don't use them at home. I have tried several types of it, menthol, lights, red, strawberry flavor, chocolate flavor and also the thick and thin sticks (big grin). I even thought of trying the big Vitamin C like the Dutch Master cigars, hehehe.. I have seen my grandfather enjoyed them, especially while he's relaxing in front of the house. But my thoughts of trying the big Vitamin C had remained a thought. I think that's a good thing. And besides, I can't imagine myself holding that big Vitamin C. They look nice when my Grandfather is holding them. Big Vitamin Cs are for big boys (big grin).

Holiday Blues?

I don't feel good today. I'm feeling grouchy and emotional at the same time (bad combination). I kept myself busy, updating my blogs the whole morning, watched a little tv and back to my blogging again. I am trying to keep my mind away from thoughts that I don't want to think about. If only I can also keep myself away from all these thoughts, things and happenings.. I have done it a loooong time ago. I am trying to keep my cool. I am trying to accept the fact that change does not happen over night. Geez.. I just want to sleep for a long, long, long time; I don't want to think. And now, the day is about to end; tomorrow I am going back to the office.. back to work again. Maybe I'll sleep early tonight. It might help in preparing my mind.. in preparing myself for another week at work. Sigh.. sigh.. and more sigh. I think the holiday season added more stress and depression to my ever stressed and depressed life. Sigh..

Heal The World

Sharing here the lyrics of the song "Heal The World" by the late Michael Jackson. This is one of his greatest hits. May this song allows us to feel that our fellow Filipinos are now in need of help. They need our prayers. Yesterday was really a very gloomy day for the Philippines. The typhoon made the skies dark, the day gloomy, and the roads turned to rivers. A lot of people where stranded in the streets of Metro Manila. Some stayed in the malls, train stations, and in the streets, for it would be safer to stay there while waiting for the rain to stop and the flood to subside. Even those who are in their homes, whom they thought is already a safe place, were also victims of this devastating calamity.

There's A Place In Your Heart And I Know That It Is Love And This Place Could Be Much Brighter Than Tomorrow And If You Really Try You'll Find There's No Need To Cry In This Place You'll Feel There's No Hurt Or Sorrow Cuz There Are Ways To Get There If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Little Space Make A Better Place Heal The World Make It A Better Place For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me
If You Want To Know Why There's A Love That Cannot Lie Love Is Strong It Only Cares For Joyful Giving
If We Try We Shall See In This Bliss We Cannot Feel Fear Or Dread We Stop Existing And Start Living

Then It Feels That Always Love's Enough For Us Growing So Make A Better World Make A Better World...

Heal The World Make It A Better Place For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me
And The Dream We Were
Conceived In Will Reveal A Joyful Face And The World We Once Believed In Will Shine Again In Grace
Then Why Do We Keep Strangling Life Wound This Earth Crucify Its Soul
Though It's Plain To See This World Is Heavenly Be God's Glow

We Could Fly So High Let Our Spirits Never Die In My Heart I Feel You Are All My Brothers
Create A World With No Fear Together We'll Cry Happy Tears See The Nations Turn Their Swords Into Plowshares We Could Really Get There If You Cared Enough For The Living Make A Little Space To Make A Better Place...

Heal The World Make It A Better Place For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me

Heal The World Make It A Better Place For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me
Heal The World Make It A Better Place For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me

There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me

There Are People Dying If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Better Place For You And For Me

You And For Me You And For Me Make A Better Place You And For Me Make A Better Place You And For Me
Make A Better Place
You And For Me heal the world we live in You And For Me save it for our children You And For Me heal the world we live in You And For Me save it for our children You And For Me heal the world we live in
You And For Me save it for our children You And For Me heal the world we live in You And For Me
save it for our children

Reyapot Today

I was planning to go out of the house today. I was thinking of spending time with my nieces and nephew; go to the mall or watch a movie and eat. I was also thinking of calling up my friends and invite them to go out with me. It’s holiday today here in the Philippines; and it’s a long weekend for everybody. We are celebrating the 26th death anniversary of Mr. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. He fought for freedom and democracy for our country.

Anyway, none of my plans for the day materialized. I was too indolent to pick up the phone and call my college friend. I was thinking of visiting my alma mater today and buy the university’s jacket (big grin); and probably stay in the University for a while with my college friend. It has been a long time since the last time we spend time together. Another option is to call my friend from high school. We were supposed to meet last weekend, but a family emergency came up so I had to beg off (I hope she is not mad). But then I did not call her. One of my old friends called, but I was too grouchy I am not in the mood to talk (she might have noticed it and so she just said goodbye).

And now, I am in my room; staring at the ceiling. I was playing solitaire in my iPod a moment ago, but it ran out of battery. Now, I am writing down this post. Oh, before this, I was able to write a poem. A free verse (more on reyapot’s verse actually, hehehe) poem about my disturbed emotions. Yep, I am, again, a disturbed creature.

Random thoughts pouring in as I was doing this post:
“I thought of having a facial tomorrow. I need to change my face powder; I got loads of white heads on my nose..yuck!”
“I will have my nails done”
“I will buy a hair dye.. I will try red this time”
“Or maybe, I will call Meriam, and check if there is a promo at the spa center”

And my thoughts went on…

I hope I would feel better soon. There is something that has been eating me up. I just hope it won't be able to eat me whole.

What's In My Lunch Box?

Potato Chips, Chocolate Cookies, Peanut butter Cookies and a Chocolate Bar!

Looks yummy huh? They surely are yummy... and sweet.. and salty... hehehe....

These are my comfort foods. They keep me sane in the office, hehe...

The blue potato chips is now my new favorite flavor - Cheddar Cheese Potato Chips. The chocolate cookies - I love Oreo; I like Cream-O. Peanut butter Cookies - I like peanut butter. The bar of chocolate - I am addicted to Goya Dark Chocolate. Yum!

I would also recommend the following snacks; they are effective comfort foods (big grin) -

- a pack of M&M chocolate (Crispies or Plain) or Skittles

- cheese burger meal from McDonalds (large coke and large fries) + hot fudge sundae

- starbucks frap coffee

Craving for Almonds

I have been craving for almonds for the last couple of weeks, or even more, almost a month maybe. I was having a hard time looking for almonds in the grocery stores near our house. And to my frustration, I settled for buying a pack of mixed nuts instead; sorted out the nuts, got all the almonds (I only got less than 10 pcs of almonds) and gave the other nuts to my niece. It was able to satisfy a bit of my craving; and so the search for almonds continue.

I checked the grocery store near our office in Quezon City. I was able to find a pack of roasted almonds. But unfortunately, I was not able to buy it. I don't have enough cash left (pathetic). I just paid for the face powder I bought before I saw this pack of almonds.. In other words, I was not able to completely satisfy (again) my cravings.


Well that was until yesterday. Yesterday, I was at the mall with my niece and nephew. After we watched a movie, we went to the grocery store and searched for the pack of almonds I have been craving for for the longest time. And yey!!! We found one... oh, two packs actually. One is roasted and the other one is onion & garlic flavored. Yummmm...!

Lazy Monday

I did not report for work today. I woke up feeling "unwell". I slept early last night. I think at aroud 8pm, I am already in my room, lying in bed, and trying to get to sleep. But I was able to get to sleep probably around 10pm. I was not thinking of anything specific during those moments. Maybe I am not used to sleeping at that hour.

I woke up at around 630am, my usual time of waking up. Went down stairs, had a glass of water and sat by the TV. I was staring at the TV for about 10 minutes. And then I went to the bathroom, washed my face and got back to my room. I lay in bed and fall asleep (again).

My parents were out of the house early. And so when they came back, they were surprised that I was home. They asked me why I did not report for work; and I just said I am not feeling good today.

Its almost 4pm. The day will soon end. Tomorrow would be another day. I spent the whole moring sleeping, eating, watching tv, blog hopping, playing with my dog & my rabbit, and takiing care of my little baby nephew (the son of my cousin). I am not sure if I am going to report for work tomorrow. I am not sure if I am still feeling "unwell" til then. I don't know exactly what is it that got into me. I know it is something that can be prevented but somehow, I chose not to. And let it take over me. I am not sure how I am feeling now. But hopefully, I will feel better soon.

Quick Post : Tired and Sleepy

Been busy with work lately. I feel tired. But still there is a lot going on inside my head. Here are some of my random thoughts -

- open items/issues at the office that need to be addressed before the visitors come
- expensive medicines! hmp!
- training.. simulation.. info over load!
- need to go back to the doc tomorrow for my check up; can I divide myself into two? one half is at the office; one half is at the hospital talking to the doctor
- when life get you down... just keep swimming... just keep swimming.. (singing like Dorie in Finding Nemo)

- trying so hard not to miss you...

Got to go now. Sorry to my blogger friends.. I am not able to visit your blogs and drop ECs. There are a lot of things happening at the office. And I feel that next week is still going to be a busy week (sigh).

To My Dearest EntreCard Droppers

To my dearest EntreCard (EC) Droppers, I would like to apologize for not being able to visit your blogs and return EC drops. I am currently having some problems with my mini laptop (sad face). Right now, I am using my niece's computer. The unit is a little slow than my laptop; slow in opening pages and applications. It is really a test of patience whenever you use it. And patience is something that I don't have much (big grin). I have just a bit of it, and so as much as possible I want to use it wisely (another big grin). I promise to visit your sites again as soon as I fix the problem with my laptop. My friend from the office will help me fix it. I have to bring it to our Quezon City office this week ('cause I am on vacation leave, remember?). For the meantime, I will try to visit some of the sites, until I ran out of patience, hehehe... with the PC that is (tongue) :-P

-FIRST COMMENTER-

A Very Disappointing Experience

I am beginning to lose patience with Paypal. For the last three months, I have been trying to transfer funds from my paypal account to my personal bank account; and I have not been successful so far. I followed each step on how to transfer funds carefully. I even consulted my blogger friends before I started doing the transfer. But still all my attempts were unsuccessful and I am getting very disappointed.

On my first attempt, I tried transferring funds from my paypal account to my eon account. As I said, I followed each step carefully, I am aware of the fees, I am aware of the minimum amount of funds that must be transferred. And by the way, my account has been verified already. Otherwise, I won't even be receiving monies from my paid opportunities. I waited for about 3-4 days. Then I received an email from paypal with the following message -

An electronic funds transfer from your PayPal account to your bank account was rejected today for this reason:

Invalid Bank Account Information

Our system was not able to process the transaction with the bank information listed on your account. You should contact your bank regarding the bank account information required for electronic funds transfers. If you still need assistance, you may email us through our secure server at

Thanks for using PayPal, the world's #1 online payment service!
Sincerely,
PayPal

I called Union Bank immediately after receiving this email. They verified my bank information, and they can't see anything wrong with it; they suggested that I should coordinate with paypal and ask them what specific bank account information are they referring to as invalid. The bank gave me paypal's toll free number. But I discovered another unfortunate thing, the "toll free" number is NOT toll free! That's what the voice prompt said! And so I just emailed paypal using the link they gave... so far, until now, NO WORD from them yet (talk about customer service!) Btw, I was charged with fees because my transfers were rejected and unsuccessful.

I tried to check and compare the information I registered to paypal and to my eon account. Because I read from other blogs that it is important that all the information I gave to these two entities must match. After carefully updating the information, I again tried to withdraw funds from my paypal to my eon card. And AGAIN, it was REJECTED. I received the same email from them. Oh my... And I was CHARGED with FEES AGAIN.

On my third try, I added a new account. I added my personal account with China Bank. Carefully, I followed the steps in withdrawing funds. I was very hesitant actually, because I don't want to be charged with fees again. At this point, my charges reached an estimate of Php750.00 (sad face). After waiting for 4 days, the transfer finally got through. I checked my account with China Bank, the transaction was successful indeed, BUT, I only got half of the amount!! I transferred $10 from paypal to my China Bank account. Suppose to be I should have received Php468.00, but I only got half of it!!! I called up China Bank to inquire if they impose charges for transfer of funds from paypal. And they told me that they do not have fees/charges for this type of transaction. By the way, the China Bank people assigned in Bonifacio-Balintawak branch are very pleasant and helpful; unlike the people from the other entities involved in this roller-coaster-transfer-of-fund-experience (and one of them, I was not able to speak with at all!)

It was at this point that I decided to blog about this very disappointing experience. I was also informed by one of my blogger friends, that her cousin experienced the same thing when she tried to transfer funds from her paypal account to her personal bank account (sigh...)

I shared this experience to my friend JP of Something About Finance and Computers. And thanks to him, I was able to get my earnings with NO CHARGES and FEES. Well, that is because I did not use the withdrawal of funds service of paypal (it sucks... it sucks my funds..lol!) Anyway, will tell you more about the medium I used to get my funds from may paypal account to my personal bank account. For the meantime, check out JP's blog; you might be able to get a clue (wink, wink). His blog is the featured Guest Blog on side bar. Thanks again Jeyps! Cheers!

-FIRST COMMENTER-

Back to Work

My vacation days are over (for the month of April that is, hehehe... I still have a 2-week vacation leave from work scheduled on May). Actually, I reported back to work last Thursday. And on the day before that I went to the salon for (another) hair cut. I had my hair cut twice in a month's time. Yes, I am a bit depress. Oh alright! I am depress. But I can't share the reason why I am feeling bad. I am not ready (and I don't think I would be in the near future) to share that certain part of my life and show that particular side of myself. Tomorrow, I am back to work. There's a lot of open tasks that I need to work on. Got to complete them within two weeks, before I go on vacation again. And also, on the last week of the month, I might start reporting for work in our office in Quezon City. I will be permanently assigned there; and it is fine with me. I told our group head that its okay with me whether I would be assigned in our Makati office or in our Quezon City office. And I am thinking, that this is exactly what I need now... a chage of environment. Might help in making me feel good and forget about the thing that has been bothering me.

Random Thoughts.. and Emotions

I don't feel well today. Physically and emotionally.. (and mentally, hehehe...) I am not sure if this is the effect of the "therapy" I am taking for the last 3 days. My first 2 days were alright; but today is different. Well, at least I am not grouchy.

I spent the afternoon dropping ECs, using the EC generator of my friend/bro in blogsphere, Buraot. And then afterwards, I would check my EC inbox and drop ECs for those who visited my blogs and are not yet included in the EC generator of Buraot. I just want to make sure that I reciprocate the action :-) Well, I am trying. I got all the time today because its Saturday, I have no work. And last week, I was on vacation leave from work.

Hmmm... now I am thinking if this "not feeling well" state is brought about by the fact that on Monday I will be reporting back to the office? Hehehe.... could be....

But I swear, I don't feel good physically. I have muscle pains and back pains.

After the therapy session this morning, I painted my finger nails. I changed the nail polish from dark pink to light pink. I am done with my right hand. And until now, I have not started with my left hand. I am thinking of changing the nail polish to green or yellow.

Oh I forgot, I went to my cousin's house this morning too, just before I painted my nails. I bought the apparels she ordered from me (I'm a businesswoman you know, hehehe...)

I am thinking of creating a new blog. I can't decide what would be the theme this time. I want it to be interesting; and something that I like to write about. Well, I hope you will watch out for it.

Oh my, I actually got a lot of things going on inside my head. As in A LOT (Sigh)

Got to go now. I have to finish my nail painting :-)

-FIRST COMMENTER-

Random Thoughts

I was trying to prepare a post for my other blog about the charm bracelet I bought a few weeks ago. I was able to upload the pictures of my faboulous bracelet, but unfortunately, I can't seem to write the proper words to talk about it. So instead, I am writing this post which I am not sure what's it going to be about.

I am not feeling good today. I am a little grouchy...hmmm... ok.. I am grouchy. My patience is a little short. And I don't feel like talking much. I am in pain actually. My abdomen is hurting. Yes, its the time of the month. I don't usually feel this type of pain whenever its the time of the month. Not sure why I am feeling it now.

... I don't know what to write next.

I will be back to the office tomorrow. Actually, I reported for work last Friday. We have visitors for a special event in our office in Quezon City. On Monday, I am back to work again. There are a lot of things to do, as advised by my boss last Friday. And as she was enumerating them, I suddenly felt that I need a vacation again, hehehe...

Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day!!

That is what my colleague told me as we part ways last night. I did not say the same thing to her, but instead I just smiled. Honestly, I find it a little corny and baduy. I hope I didn't sound like a bitter person, because I am not! Let us just say that I don't have the heart to feel that romantic love in the air on seasons like Valentines Day.

February 14, Valentines Day. I woke up at around 4am. I fell asleep again. For some reason, I have been waking up at 4am for the last 2 weeks. I have thought of one reason why, but I can't share it; I don't want to; you might find it... strange.. or corny.. and even crazy (big grin). Anyway, I woke up again at around 8am, then I fell asleep again. Then finally, I am up at around 10 am. I went to my parents room and watched tv for a couple of hours. I got hungry so I went downstairs and prepared brunch for myself and for my niece. My parents are out of the house.. on a date? Hehe... not exactly, but close.

While I was preparing our food, I cut my finger with a knife (sad face). I cut my ring finger on my left hand. I spent the rest of the afternoon blogging and surfing the net.

Late in the afternoon today, I went to the salon to get a hair cut. I got bangs now (big grin) (blushing).

And now, its 1:30am, and I can't sleep. I am still blogging... and missing u.

photo credits: http://www.dzr-web.com/people/darren/blog/2006/02/

Dial 8McDo... "fast" food delivery...

...NOT!


Dial 8McDo... and stay hungry. Could be a better and a more appropriate title for this post.

As I understand it, this centralized delivery ordering system is suppose to make deliveries fast and easy. But with what I have experienced yesterday, I don't believe in the word "fast" in the phrase "fast food" anymore. Unless McDonalds has a different definition of fast, like 2-3 hours-waiting-fast.

I was in our office in Quezon City yesterday. Since it was raining that afternoon, my officemates and I decided to eat diner inside the office and so we called dial8 mcdo.

The first time I called, I was put on hold for 2 minutes. An automated voice prompt was saying that all their agents are busy at the moment and so I have to wait. By the way, I was using my celphone when I called. Our phone system is not programmed to make calls to special numbers such as dial8 mcdo (86236). This is why I know how many minutes I waited.

The second time I called, I waited for about 10 seconds. I immediately advised the order taker on the other line that I was using a celphone and requested him to call our land line number in the office. But he asked for my celphone number and told me that he will just call me in my celphone.

After taking my orders, I was advised that our food will be delivered within 30-45 minutes. It was 5:33pm.

6:15pm. My officemate asked me about our food delivery and reminded me of the time. Its almost an hour since we placed the order. And so I called dial8mcdo again, went through the same process - 2 minutes on hold on the first call; and was able to get through on the second try. The agent I spoke with told me that our order was already arranged and ready for delivery. He told me to just wait for it.

Another hour passed, my officemate came over to my place again and asked me what the *&^% happened to our food delivery. For the third time, I called again. The agent on the other line was telling me that she cannot find my order! I told her that it was my third time to call, and the second time I called, I was advised that my order was already arranged. She asked me to wait for a few minutes while she tries to figure out what happened to my order. Until she told me that my order's status is categorized to "new" orders. Whaaattttt????? Unbelievable! After two long hours of waiting, and now you are telling me it is still a new order!!! Talk about being fast huh??? And what is more unbelievable, the agent asked me if I can wait for 30 to 45 minutes...again!!!

In fairness to the agent that I was speaking with the third time I called, she was very apologetic and calm while I was in a state of anger..and hunger. I just told her to cancel my order and that I am going to blog about this unbelievable experience with dial8mcdo.

I was very disappointed. I like McDonalds most compared with Jollibee. But with what happened, I think I will forever remember my experience whenever I eat McDonalds food. I just hope that I won't lose my appetite when that happens.