Found this interesting tidbit from @U2.com: "... today is the 29th anniversary of the first meeting of the band that would become U2."
Why is that interesting? Because it's also Wicca's birthday! I'm sure he'll get a kick out of this trivia.
Happy birthday, Wicca.
Patintera is busy navigating the corporate world at the moment.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Friday, September 16, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: Blame It On The Rain, Yeah, Yeah!
No, I wasn't a fan of Milli Vanilli. But I do find it entertaining how despite the perspicuity of their cheap trick, the RIAA, in their most unseemly stupor, awarded this duo the Grammy for Best New Artist. I guess the voters were sold on the running man. Go figure. Anyway, I'm not about to get started on the most ridiculous Grammy winners ever--much as I'd like to. This here entry is just an ordinary summation of the comings and goings since my last post. Let's get started.
I finished reading a book (Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris) last week, something I haven't done in a long while. There are lots of excuses to why that is and I leave it up to you to decide on their validity. For one, when I crack an old favorite, I get drawn to it for weeks and read nothing else. Other times when I'm at the bookstore, everything just looks the same and when I do find something I like, it either is too expensive or I have second thoughts about spending per se. Yes, I'm indecisive like that. There's a book called The F*ck-Up by Arthur Nersesian that I've been wanting to get for a very long time but it always seems to be out of stock at Powerbooks. Then one day, I found several copies of it on their shelves so I got excited and picked one up. As I walked towards the counter, guilt crept into my head, manipulating my thoughts like a hand-tossed dough. And so I paced around for awhile weighing the issue until, finally, I put the title back and walked out empty handed. So I'm happy to report that although getting this new book was a stab in the dark, I enjoyed it immensely (I love humorist essays, more so those about one's family) and know that I'll be reading it again sometime in the future.
Also last week, I went in for another interview with Archie Rodriguez--Mr. CPK as I told you about in my last entry. But before I go on with that, let me tell you about what happened while we waited for him.
There were three of us (a guy and two girls) TL candidates picked out from some ten applicants in the group activity/screening who were waiting to be interviewed. The guy was a former chef and was Tier 2 for Dell in Client Logic; the girl was, like me, another agent from Teletech's long line of leavers. They both seemed au courant with call centers which resulted in a pretty engaging conversation with all of us exchanging inside info on habits, callers, etc.
I have to mention that the guy was a total geek and I say that with utmost respect and amusement. He went on extensively about medieval warfare and weaponry, Dungeons and Dragons, and how nice the New York "hole-in-the-wall" pizza take-out counters were.
Eventually, we were told to go in (one by one) for the interview with "ACR". I'd love to devote a thousand words to this part of that day but it really was nothing out of the ordinary.
His first words were in the form of an apology saying he'd just come from a television interview which caused him to be about 90 minutes late. He had generic questions which I've been asked innumerable times (education, leadership ideas, employment history, etc.) that I probably was only half-conscious as I sat there and moved my mouth.
I noticed he had rather plain digs: desk, computer, knick-knacks, box of Kleenex. What? No wood-paneled walls, leather furniture, plasma TV, Cuban cigars, or even a knight's armor? It was nondescript, to say the least. Even his screensaver was pretty mundane--photos of company events and his model girlfriend's fashion spread. I was probably wrong to expect what I did because, after all, this was a guy who took a temp job at Sega customer service in California when he could have gone home to the Philippines and be a hotshot executive in his family's businesses. We probably talked for a good 20 minutes or so before we shook hands and said our goodbyes.
On my way home, I remembered him saying at the beginning of the interview that he wanted to get to know me better because he thought, of all the people he observed in my group, I had the credibility and skills to handle the job. Coming from him, I thought that was an immense complement but I only uttered a subdued "thank you" lest he thinks too much of himself or that I'm grossly deprived of affirmation. Anyway, they're supposed to let me know the results some time next week.
I like it when it rains, but only when I'm at home and without any need of going outside. It's not so much about getting drenched as it is about having to walk around with my feet and shins getting all splattered with mud.
Speaking of which, everybody should agree that last night's downpour got to an alarming level. My brother and I were up all night scooping up bucketfuls of rainwater which had seeped through the cracks into our living room. It's nothing unusual for us because we do that at least once every Rainy Season but we always have to watch out for a possible repeat of what we jokingly call 'the great flood of 2000'.
By 4 am, the rain had subsided to ambon but we were still at it. Although we had removed a substantial amount of water, we still needed to mop up to thoroughly dry the floor. I had been up for nearly 24 hours by this time and working for through the night that I finally got too tired to continue and laid down to call it a night--at 6 in the morning.
People always ask me if I'm back to work yet and the answer is still 'no'. It's just that I don't want to join a company when I know I'll leave months later when the job I originally wanted finally accepts me, not a good practice. I tell them that I have pending applications at such and such places; places where I plan to grow a lengthy career. You'd think that would be a sufficient enough answer for them to drop the subject but nuh-uh. What gets me seething is these folks go on to pose the money question and even try to insinuate how I shouldn't live so blithely. Come on, just because you're working and I'm not doesn't mean I owe it to you to work, neither does it suggest that I have no direction in life. It has gotten to ridiculously imposing levels, these inquiries. I just shrug it all off. Meanwhile, I'm having a ball writing and watching Colby Miller on MTV. A little guilty pleasure never hurt.
I finished reading a book (Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris) last week, something I haven't done in a long while. There are lots of excuses to why that is and I leave it up to you to decide on their validity. For one, when I crack an old favorite, I get drawn to it for weeks and read nothing else. Other times when I'm at the bookstore, everything just looks the same and when I do find something I like, it either is too expensive or I have second thoughts about spending per se. Yes, I'm indecisive like that. There's a book called The F*ck-Up by Arthur Nersesian that I've been wanting to get for a very long time but it always seems to be out of stock at Powerbooks. Then one day, I found several copies of it on their shelves so I got excited and picked one up. As I walked towards the counter, guilt crept into my head, manipulating my thoughts like a hand-tossed dough. And so I paced around for awhile weighing the issue until, finally, I put the title back and walked out empty handed. So I'm happy to report that although getting this new book was a stab in the dark, I enjoyed it immensely (I love humorist essays, more so those about one's family) and know that I'll be reading it again sometime in the future.
Also last week, I went in for another interview with Archie Rodriguez--Mr. CPK as I told you about in my last entry. But before I go on with that, let me tell you about what happened while we waited for him.
There were three of us (a guy and two girls) TL candidates picked out from some ten applicants in the group activity/screening who were waiting to be interviewed. The guy was a former chef and was Tier 2 for Dell in Client Logic; the girl was, like me, another agent from Teletech's long line of leavers. They both seemed au courant with call centers which resulted in a pretty engaging conversation with all of us exchanging inside info on habits, callers, etc.
I have to mention that the guy was a total geek and I say that with utmost respect and amusement. He went on extensively about medieval warfare and weaponry, Dungeons and Dragons, and how nice the New York "hole-in-the-wall" pizza take-out counters were.
Eventually, we were told to go in (one by one) for the interview with "ACR". I'd love to devote a thousand words to this part of that day but it really was nothing out of the ordinary.
His first words were in the form of an apology saying he'd just come from a television interview which caused him to be about 90 minutes late. He had generic questions which I've been asked innumerable times (education, leadership ideas, employment history, etc.) that I probably was only half-conscious as I sat there and moved my mouth.
I noticed he had rather plain digs: desk, computer, knick-knacks, box of Kleenex. What? No wood-paneled walls, leather furniture, plasma TV, Cuban cigars, or even a knight's armor? It was nondescript, to say the least. Even his screensaver was pretty mundane--photos of company events and his model girlfriend's fashion spread. I was probably wrong to expect what I did because, after all, this was a guy who took a temp job at Sega customer service in California when he could have gone home to the Philippines and be a hotshot executive in his family's businesses. We probably talked for a good 20 minutes or so before we shook hands and said our goodbyes.
On my way home, I remembered him saying at the beginning of the interview that he wanted to get to know me better because he thought, of all the people he observed in my group, I had the credibility and skills to handle the job. Coming from him, I thought that was an immense complement but I only uttered a subdued "thank you" lest he thinks too much of himself or that I'm grossly deprived of affirmation. Anyway, they're supposed to let me know the results some time next week.
I like it when it rains, but only when I'm at home and without any need of going outside. It's not so much about getting drenched as it is about having to walk around with my feet and shins getting all splattered with mud.
Speaking of which, everybody should agree that last night's downpour got to an alarming level. My brother and I were up all night scooping up bucketfuls of rainwater which had seeped through the cracks into our living room. It's nothing unusual for us because we do that at least once every Rainy Season but we always have to watch out for a possible repeat of what we jokingly call 'the great flood of 2000'.
By 4 am, the rain had subsided to ambon but we were still at it. Although we had removed a substantial amount of water, we still needed to mop up to thoroughly dry the floor. I had been up for nearly 24 hours by this time and working for through the night that I finally got too tired to continue and laid down to call it a night--at 6 in the morning.
People always ask me if I'm back to work yet and the answer is still 'no'. It's just that I don't want to join a company when I know I'll leave months later when the job I originally wanted finally accepts me, not a good practice. I tell them that I have pending applications at such and such places; places where I plan to grow a lengthy career. You'd think that would be a sufficient enough answer for them to drop the subject but nuh-uh. What gets me seething is these folks go on to pose the money question and even try to insinuate how I shouldn't live so blithely. Come on, just because you're working and I'm not doesn't mean I owe it to you to work, neither does it suggest that I have no direction in life. It has gotten to ridiculously imposing levels, these inquiries. I just shrug it all off. Meanwhile, I'm having a ball writing and watching Colby Miller on MTV. A little guilty pleasure never hurt.
Friday, September 02, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: Dream A Little
It's the beginning of September, folks! Yes, I know, everyone's well aware of that, no need to shout it on mountaintops. But trust me, there is an unending list of things to sulk about, personal and otherwise, that I'd rather come full circle and be in euphoria.
So what have I been doing? What do you want to know it for? Get a life, loser.
Just kidding.
The gang didn't make it to Joey's party for various reasons, i.e. are we going or are we not? is it on or is it off?
I went to Makati last Saturday for another prospective employment activity. I know I said before that I won't go back to a call center job but this one was a start-up and I wanted to see who the players were. The guy who built the business plan and heads the whole company is the same dude who started CPK, Italianni's, and Tequila Joe's in the Philippines--at guwapo sya, Kastilang mestizo. I was impressed that he built and grew his company at such a young age; he was 26, I think, when he opened CPK. (I'm 27 now and the only investment I've made is bad credit, hah!) From the things he said, you could sense focus, intelligence, and profound pride in being Filipino. He even went on to state that he was, indeed, Pinoy even if many people think otherwise. Kasi nga, matangos ang ilong, matangkad, at balbas-sarado pa. There was no doubt in his mind, after almost a year doing research, that we can outperform other countries when it came to this industry. I thought to myself, "well, how ironic is it that the Insulares turned out to be more involved in our country's future than us natives." For his part, since he's not as endowed with wealth as he'd like to be, he gives back to the community in the form of companies and jobs which in turn feed the economy. "Never mind if some guy in the BIR steals our money," he said. "Two wrongs don't make a right." I've always believed that everyone should channel energy into performing their tasks well instead of looking up to a figurehead to get things done. It would be a huge learning experience for anyone to be part of a start-up company with that kind of optimism and direction. Then again, every business venture can brag about those qualities and only time will tell what sets this company apart from other centers out there. One day, I hope to have my own company that will thrive here in Cavite--I don't want it to be anywhere else.
Still no word from PAGCOR about the job there. Sometimes I ask myself, why would I want to work for them now of all times? The administration is on shaky ground at the moment which is possibly causing these delays in decision making. I wouldn't know, I've never worked for any government office. Carl, another K-Lite DJ and good friend, is egging me to turn in a demo for their station because they need one more jock. I have mixed feelings about it but knowing how it's the one thing I'm willing to drop everything for, I will go ahead and do that. Everything's a big you'll never know. The prospect does sound exciting especially since I already have friends there who share my musical interest. They'll never see me coming.
Time to get off this theme park.
So what have I been doing? What do you want to know it for? Get a life, loser.
Just kidding.
The gang didn't make it to Joey's party for various reasons, i.e. are we going or are we not? is it on or is it off?
I went to Makati last Saturday for another prospective employment activity. I know I said before that I won't go back to a call center job but this one was a start-up and I wanted to see who the players were. The guy who built the business plan and heads the whole company is the same dude who started CPK, Italianni's, and Tequila Joe's in the Philippines--at guwapo sya, Kastilang mestizo. I was impressed that he built and grew his company at such a young age; he was 26, I think, when he opened CPK. (I'm 27 now and the only investment I've made is bad credit, hah!) From the things he said, you could sense focus, intelligence, and profound pride in being Filipino. He even went on to state that he was, indeed, Pinoy even if many people think otherwise. Kasi nga, matangos ang ilong, matangkad, at balbas-sarado pa. There was no doubt in his mind, after almost a year doing research, that we can outperform other countries when it came to this industry. I thought to myself, "well, how ironic is it that the Insulares turned out to be more involved in our country's future than us natives." For his part, since he's not as endowed with wealth as he'd like to be, he gives back to the community in the form of companies and jobs which in turn feed the economy. "Never mind if some guy in the BIR steals our money," he said. "Two wrongs don't make a right." I've always believed that everyone should channel energy into performing their tasks well instead of looking up to a figurehead to get things done. It would be a huge learning experience for anyone to be part of a start-up company with that kind of optimism and direction. Then again, every business venture can brag about those qualities and only time will tell what sets this company apart from other centers out there. One day, I hope to have my own company that will thrive here in Cavite--I don't want it to be anywhere else.
Still no word from PAGCOR about the job there. Sometimes I ask myself, why would I want to work for them now of all times? The administration is on shaky ground at the moment which is possibly causing these delays in decision making. I wouldn't know, I've never worked for any government office. Carl, another K-Lite DJ and good friend, is egging me to turn in a demo for their station because they need one more jock. I have mixed feelings about it but knowing how it's the one thing I'm willing to drop everything for, I will go ahead and do that. Everything's a big you'll never know. The prospect does sound exciting especially since I already have friends there who share my musical interest. They'll never see me coming.
Time to get off this theme park.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: I Know Jack
About eight years ago, while rummaging through the discount pile at National, I found a book by C.S. Lewis called "Mere Christianity". He was often quoted on Sundays during the message at CCF so I already had an idea on what he mostly wrote. After reading the first few pages, I knew I had to take it home since it was priced at around Php80 only. I did not expect that it will be one my most treasured discoveries.
There has never been, in my opinion, a more sensible exposition on my faith than "Mere Christianity". It spoke to me as if both sides of my mental windshield were being wiped clean of streaks and grime. Whenever I go back and skim through the text, it almost gives me the feeling of coming home--soppy as that may be. I remember how parts of the text made so much sense that I would literally open my eyes wide in amazement; I was astonished at how I didn't see these truths before, especially when Lewis's points were clear and plain as day. From that point on, C.S. Lewis became one of my favorite writers of all time. I began searching for his work everywhere.
Reprints of "Mere Christianity" now go for Php300 and above for trade paperback editions. I suppose many more people are discovering the significance of this piece of literature. My slim copy of "Out of the Silent Planet," part one Lewis's sci-fi trilogy, set me back about Php50 when I got it in 1998. Today, you will need about five times (or more) that amount to buy the exact same edition.
This past week, I caught the trailer to "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" being shown at SM Bacoor's atrium. Obviously, I knew they were making this movie and that it's supposed to open this Christmas (January for us) but I have decided to isolate myself from all the marketing lest it takes even a whiff off the surprise and magic, if that's even possible. It would have been impossible to avoid the promotions. Anyway, I didn't pay much attention to whatever was playing on the huge TV until I saw the opening scenes with a boy counting off for a game of hide and seek. I knew what it was and, almost magnetically, I walked closer to the TV quickly, slowly being overwhelmed. It truly is a strange feeling to see a book you've read become a movie. I didn't have enough skin for my goose bumps. "This Christmas" flashed on the screen interspersed with swooping landscape scenes. My gosh, it even has the same opening spiel as "Fellowship": "This Christmas, the most incredible tale..." Now, of course, I can't wait to see the whole movie! I wonder if Lewis ever thought this would happen or if he had similar apprehensions about his work being adapted into film just as his bestfriend Tolkien had with "Lord of the Rings". I wonder what kind of discourse these two scholars are having now.
When the "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" end credits rolled, I sat in the theatre as my eyes welled up, not only for the remarkable achievement, but also (and more) for the last goodbye I bade to that experience. I suppose that coincided with the last scene at the Grey Havens, oddly enough. Jeff Buckley should be singing in your head right about now. The equally piercing Annie Lennox theme song that played helped instigate the sense of loss. There was not going to be a 'next installment'. It was all over. "Harry Potter fans should wave their swizzlesticks in glee. They'll finally have the holiday box office instead of being moved to the following Summer in order to prevent people from seeing the blatant similarities," I snickered.
I'm glad I'm wrong.
No doubt, when "Narnia" opens, it will be number one on the U.S. box office for, at the very least, four weeks. People will be making a beeline to C.S. Lewis sections in bookstores, if not already. They've reprinted several of his books and are prominently displayed in your face when you walk into Powerbooks. I can't be happier with that. Also, I learned, albeit late, that Disney will make movies of all seven books. Douglas Gresham, Jack's stepson, who visited the country some six years ago and gave a talk about the professor, is co-producing the films. The movie was shot on location in New Zealand. New Zealand! That's it. I'm moving there. I don't care if sheep outnumber people. There's really no difference.
There has never been, in my opinion, a more sensible exposition on my faith than "Mere Christianity". It spoke to me as if both sides of my mental windshield were being wiped clean of streaks and grime. Whenever I go back and skim through the text, it almost gives me the feeling of coming home--soppy as that may be. I remember how parts of the text made so much sense that I would literally open my eyes wide in amazement; I was astonished at how I didn't see these truths before, especially when Lewis's points were clear and plain as day. From that point on, C.S. Lewis became one of my favorite writers of all time. I began searching for his work everywhere.
Reprints of "Mere Christianity" now go for Php300 and above for trade paperback editions. I suppose many more people are discovering the significance of this piece of literature. My slim copy of "Out of the Silent Planet," part one Lewis's sci-fi trilogy, set me back about Php50 when I got it in 1998. Today, you will need about five times (or more) that amount to buy the exact same edition.
This past week, I caught the trailer to "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" being shown at SM Bacoor's atrium. Obviously, I knew they were making this movie and that it's supposed to open this Christmas (January for us) but I have decided to isolate myself from all the marketing lest it takes even a whiff off the surprise and magic, if that's even possible. It would have been impossible to avoid the promotions. Anyway, I didn't pay much attention to whatever was playing on the huge TV until I saw the opening scenes with a boy counting off for a game of hide and seek. I knew what it was and, almost magnetically, I walked closer to the TV quickly, slowly being overwhelmed. It truly is a strange feeling to see a book you've read become a movie. I didn't have enough skin for my goose bumps. "This Christmas" flashed on the screen interspersed with swooping landscape scenes. My gosh, it even has the same opening spiel as "Fellowship": "This Christmas, the most incredible tale..." Now, of course, I can't wait to see the whole movie! I wonder if Lewis ever thought this would happen or if he had similar apprehensions about his work being adapted into film just as his bestfriend Tolkien had with "Lord of the Rings". I wonder what kind of discourse these two scholars are having now.
When the "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" end credits rolled, I sat in the theatre as my eyes welled up, not only for the remarkable achievement, but also (and more) for the last goodbye I bade to that experience. I suppose that coincided with the last scene at the Grey Havens, oddly enough. Jeff Buckley should be singing in your head right about now. The equally piercing Annie Lennox theme song that played helped instigate the sense of loss. There was not going to be a 'next installment'. It was all over. "Harry Potter fans should wave their swizzlesticks in glee. They'll finally have the holiday box office instead of being moved to the following Summer in order to prevent people from seeing the blatant similarities," I snickered.
I'm glad I'm wrong.
No doubt, when "Narnia" opens, it will be number one on the U.S. box office for, at the very least, four weeks. People will be making a beeline to C.S. Lewis sections in bookstores, if not already. They've reprinted several of his books and are prominently displayed in your face when you walk into Powerbooks. I can't be happier with that. Also, I learned, albeit late, that Disney will make movies of all seven books. Douglas Gresham, Jack's stepson, who visited the country some six years ago and gave a talk about the professor, is co-producing the films. The movie was shot on location in New Zealand. New Zealand! That's it. I'm moving there. I don't care if sheep outnumber people. There's really no difference.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: Laughing with the Tabon Man
Your bungling idiot strikes again, this time getting my SIM card blocked while attempting to put a PIN code. Of course, I have no idea where I stashed the piece of paper containing the unblocking key--I've never needed it. Trust me, if I had the slightest idea on how remarkably inept I were to become these past few months, I would have carried it with me to the ends of the earth. Instead, I'm left with a SIM card loaded with 300 credits no one will ever make use of, just when I'm expecting important calls and texts from all over. Everytime I look at my cell, I feel like breaking down. I hope people still know how to use a regular telephone and contact me just the same.
But there still is email, right? Wrong. I've concluded that employees only use this medium now for reprimanding and forwarding jokes or inspirational (?) poppycock. Even so, I can't go through one day without checking email. I, too, get jumpy if i don't get to review messages daily. Mistulang* ako'y namundok nang isang taon kung gayon. I'm reminded of something mentioned from a not-so-long-ago TV drama called Now and Again: man has existed for millions of years without the Internet that it's pathetic how we who live in the present liken downtime to the end of the world. Just ask any of my former Earthlink tech support buddies!
All this got me thinking of the early Pinoy, the Tabon Man. He would probably shake his head at our impersonal ways, relying on electronics to fellowship with one another when a simple wave of the hand or smile would do. Either that or snicker at how we are beside ourselves when something as easily replacable as a SIM card causes us trouble. Yep, if Tabon man were to write a book about his modern day kalahi, he would call it something like "The Future's Oxymorons".
*as if, like, comparable to
But there still is email, right? Wrong. I've concluded that employees only use this medium now for reprimanding and forwarding jokes or inspirational (?) poppycock. Even so, I can't go through one day without checking email. I, too, get jumpy if i don't get to review messages daily. Mistulang* ako'y namundok nang isang taon kung gayon. I'm reminded of something mentioned from a not-so-long-ago TV drama called Now and Again: man has existed for millions of years without the Internet that it's pathetic how we who live in the present liken downtime to the end of the world. Just ask any of my former Earthlink tech support buddies!
All this got me thinking of the early Pinoy, the Tabon Man. He would probably shake his head at our impersonal ways, relying on electronics to fellowship with one another when a simple wave of the hand or smile would do. Either that or snicker at how we are beside ourselves when something as easily replacable as a SIM card causes us trouble. Yep, if Tabon man were to write a book about his modern day kalahi, he would call it something like "The Future's Oxymorons".
*as if, like, comparable to
Monday, August 22, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: When you don't care about Monday
Here I am, pounding away at the keyboard at 2 o'clock in the morning.
Joey's turning 20 on the 25th and has invited the TPI mob for a birthday bash next Saturday. A friend of his is letting us use their house in Antipolo, which sits on a hillside overlooking the city, for a whole day of tomfoolery. Word to the wise: you're either filthy rich or completely out of your mind to let the Tropang Puyat take over your house like that. But I'm not complaining. Instead, I'm gonna go believing they're indeed 'filthy rich' as it makes thrashing that crib easier. Not that we're planning to (because we're such righteous kids) but ya never know!
I'm hoping Teletech will follow through with what they told me last week. They said my check will be released this week and I couldn't have needed it any other time. Those credit card collectors have been relentless in pursuit; even threatening me with legal innuendo. Truth be told, although my credit history has been slightly erratic, that's how they make huge money off me anyway. I'm also unfazed by it because I was a collections agent myself--for Fifth Third (turd) Bank--so I know these guys just mouth off whatever spiels they were trained to use and move on to the next delinquent account. They can check my payment history and see I've been foolishly paying them on time since getting the stupid visa. Anyway, no point wallowing in self-pity.
So here's to a new week upon us. I pray we get the retribution we deserve.
Joey's turning 20 on the 25th and has invited the TPI mob for a birthday bash next Saturday. A friend of his is letting us use their house in Antipolo, which sits on a hillside overlooking the city, for a whole day of tomfoolery. Word to the wise: you're either filthy rich or completely out of your mind to let the Tropang Puyat take over your house like that. But I'm not complaining. Instead, I'm gonna go believing they're indeed 'filthy rich' as it makes thrashing that crib easier. Not that we're planning to (because we're such righteous kids) but ya never know!
I'm hoping Teletech will follow through with what they told me last week. They said my check will be released this week and I couldn't have needed it any other time. Those credit card collectors have been relentless in pursuit; even threatening me with legal innuendo. Truth be told, although my credit history has been slightly erratic, that's how they make huge money off me anyway. I'm also unfazed by it because I was a collections agent myself--for Fifth Third (turd) Bank--so I know these guys just mouth off whatever spiels they were trained to use and move on to the next delinquent account. They can check my payment history and see I've been foolishly paying them on time since getting the stupid visa. Anyway, no point wallowing in self-pity.
So here's to a new week upon us. I pray we get the retribution we deserve.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: Cabin Fever
There's no way to justify this mess anymore. I'm calling it as I see it: these people make me crazy. I gotta get out of this house, these people, this country! The thoughtless things they do and do not do around here leave me exasperated, everyday. If there was any opportunity for me to get away from them, I'd take it. Otherwise, I'm going to either end up in some shabby psych ward or become one of those taong grasa wandering along Taft Avenue with no underwear.
I know what I'll do. I'll go up north, by myself. Baguio maybe. I just know one more day spent with these barnacles is a whole year off my lifespan!
I know what I'll do. I'll go up north, by myself. Baguio maybe. I just know one more day spent with these barnacles is a whole year off my lifespan!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
RIGHT BRAIN ::: Ever the Whiner
So Jonas tells me he's thinking about auditioning for this talent search organized by a TV network. I say go get 'em! He's had his eye on that freakin' contest from the very beginning anyway. Plus, those people they pick to go on the show? Total losers. I think that if you have enough gall to be chastised on-air for your lack of talent, they'll put you in the running. Anyway, I hope he does show up and try out. Jonas has everything they could ever want or need in a teen idol. Jonas's blog is angakingpaa.blogspot.com. Do see!
In other developments, this morning I got a letter from one of the companies I interviewed with and, as expected, it was just to tell me "thanks but we've found our guy." Obviously, that's not how it was worded but you get the idea. I found it unusual that they would take the time to send out that missive. HRDs usually just email or text the bad (or great) news but this Program Director actually signed the letter which leads me to believe it was somewhat personalized. Big deal. A lot of difference that made when it seems my career is at a stand still. To tell you the truth, I wasn't even sure I really wanted that Account Executive job which, as she told me, involved mainly telemarketing. Now, there's a word I truly eschew.
So why did I bother? Primarily because Alan Ranch (good friend and a DJ from 103.5 Klite) recommended me to one of the bosses there. Second was the pay and third was the prospect of working in the daytime. I remember being daftly chipper when I walked into the PD's office -- owing largely to the fact that I didn't know the job involved selling. Spring in my step? Check! Firm handshake and bright smile? Check! Voice projection? Double check! Eventually, midway through the interview, she revealed that it was indeed a telemarketing position. Ugh! It was pretty much downhill from there. Although I was able to maintain enthusiasm and eloquence up to the end of our session, at the back of my mind was a different story. On the way home, I asked myself, "Do I really want to do this job selling heaven knows what, much less, talking to customers on the phone, again?" I already knew the answer but still kept on thinking that I owed it to myself to atleast give it a try.
And there on this morning's letter was my result.
To be honest, I'm quite relieved I didn't get the job. I don't know how long, if at all, I would have been able to remain doing that type of thing. I knew that application was doomed from the start. It's interesting how I was ahead of myself and was actually right.
In other developments, this morning I got a letter from one of the companies I interviewed with and, as expected, it was just to tell me "thanks but we've found our guy." Obviously, that's not how it was worded but you get the idea. I found it unusual that they would take the time to send out that missive. HRDs usually just email or text the bad (or great) news but this Program Director actually signed the letter which leads me to believe it was somewhat personalized. Big deal. A lot of difference that made when it seems my career is at a stand still. To tell you the truth, I wasn't even sure I really wanted that Account Executive job which, as she told me, involved mainly telemarketing. Now, there's a word I truly eschew.
So why did I bother? Primarily because Alan Ranch (good friend and a DJ from 103.5 Klite) recommended me to one of the bosses there. Second was the pay and third was the prospect of working in the daytime. I remember being daftly chipper when I walked into the PD's office -- owing largely to the fact that I didn't know the job involved selling. Spring in my step? Check! Firm handshake and bright smile? Check! Voice projection? Double check! Eventually, midway through the interview, she revealed that it was indeed a telemarketing position. Ugh! It was pretty much downhill from there. Although I was able to maintain enthusiasm and eloquence up to the end of our session, at the back of my mind was a different story. On the way home, I asked myself, "Do I really want to do this job selling heaven knows what, much less, talking to customers on the phone, again?" I already knew the answer but still kept on thinking that I owed it to myself to atleast give it a try.
And there on this morning's letter was my result.
To be honest, I'm quite relieved I didn't get the job. I don't know how long, if at all, I would have been able to remain doing that type of thing. I knew that application was doomed from the start. It's interesting how I was ahead of myself and was actually right.
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