Neat Freak

I love things that are uniform and organized. Nothing thrills me more than seeing books neatly stacked and arranged by height and color. Or spools of ribbon organized from darkest to lightest. Or pails over-flowing with taffy, split up by color. Or clear boxes each full of one particular button shape. Groupings of similar items or.. things organized in rows.. or.. or.. or... ya.. shut me up before I froth at the mouth.

I have absolutely no idea why I am so amused and delighted and absolutely tickled by this. Thought it was a strange fixation. Turns out, I'm not alone.

A friend reblogged a photo from a a tumblr site called: thingsneatlyorganized.tumblr.com.

As a friend said when she saw it, porn for the obsessive compulsive... orgasmic organization. Check it out and tell me.. are you not writhing with so much giddiness that you don't know what to do with yourself?!?!

Email Etiquette

One big part of being a design manager is liaising with clients - so I spend a lot of time fielding calls and emails. Sometimes I find myself staring at my screen for hours (ok.. exag.. maybe an hour at most) writing emails.

The most challenging ones are those where you have to relay a negative message, but still packaged professionally, and in a way that doesn't piss off your client (too much). It's not just about stringing words together, or punching out a email - its about crafting messages targeted at certain personalities that effectively communicate your objectives.

My boss is EXCELLENT at composing these types of emails. In fact, she's so good at it, that her emails sound like the clients are hearing what they think they want to be hearing - even though in reality, it's what my boss wants them to hear. Lol. Then again, I do work in an industry where communications is supposed to be our expertise, so I guess I shouldn't expect anything less from my boss.

Point of my post? I guess to share my amazement (amusement?) that something as seemingly simple as email writing is actually a potent communication tool.

Unplanned plans

A friend texted as I was commuting home from class.  My route home would pass his high rise so we decided to meet up.  Coincidentally, just as I finished making those plans, I got a call from another friend who was going to be in the area and wanted to know if I was free to meet up.

Three friends found themselves getting together for a quiet unplanned evening of random chatter and catch up.

If both had called and texted any later, I would've been home and the evening would not have happened.

I'm all for planning, in fact, I'm all about planning. One thing I never thought it would make me realize is that it definitely makes me appreciate serendipitous moments like these.

Unsolicited

Multiple deadlines looming near - some planned, some out of no where. Necessary errands building up, loitering dangerously near D-day(s). Calls, emails, commitments threatening to spill out my ears and over my head. Every hour and minute necessarily accounted for. Heart's picking up its pace. Shallow breathing...then bam! A meeting is cancelled, a rendezvous postponed. Unplanned, achingly welcomed pocket of free time that snaps open into your rigid schedule. Light and air breath into day as you're hit with a free pass to address the eternal whiny lament of: THERE ISN'T ENOUGH TIIIIMMMMMMEEEEE. You breathe...

So what do you do with this free time? A smart choice would probably be to reshuffle your tasks for the day, stretch out the pile of of things you originally had to accomplish in so many hours, into a time frame that makes you more hopeful that you'll actually finish everything you had set out to do for the day.

Or you procrastinate relax. Breathe. Take a nap. Play. Drink a cup of coffee.

What would you do?

Smart Snack

You gotta agree - this is absolutely genius, having all your favorite chips mixed together in one snack pack?! Genius I tell you, absolutely genius. 

Window Seat

The novelty of sitting by the window wore off when I was a kid. My preference now a day, especially during long-hauls, are aisle seats as it is quicker access to the bathroom.

Thanks to a crazy schedule back in the day where I'd be running on an average of 3 - 4 hours of sleep a day, I used to always be dead asleep the minute I hit the chair.

I chanced on getting a window seat on a recent trip out and was awake during take off. It was late in the evening, and I glanced outside as we pulled away from the Philippines.

What I saw was pretty darn amazing! I forgot just how awesome that parting view can be and just how breathtaking a network of twinkling lights can look from up above.

Hmmm... may need to give some thought to seat preference next time I fly

Noise Pollution

Sat upfront in a bus ride home today. I think the bus driver was new because the ticket collector/ barker dude was giving him tips as we were driving along- go this way, don't pick up passengers here, etc. One comment that surprised me was when he told the bus driver, not to honk his horn as we drove by Guadalupe because it wasn't allowed. True enough, there was a "bawal bumusina" sign posted on on electric pole. I've seen those signs around but never thought anyone would actually follow them. It was an amazing revelation... Filipino drivers following road rules?!

I personally cannot STAND Manila buses and their honking. You would think their crazy driving would be enough to call these giant road roaches, nuisances but you add their gritty smoke belching and their affinity for making noise whenever they can. Buses seem to especially love honking their horns when they are in the presence of OTHER honking buses (why not add to the noise right?) as well as sections of the road that are semi-enclosed (why not magnify an already deafening noise right?).

We drove by the bus stop along Ayala, where the noisiest and most annoying group of buses along EDSA usually hang. For the first time, I noticed not only another "Bawal Bumisina" sign, but the relative silence that filled the air. SO WEIRD. I don't know if it was because there were MMDA milling about, but it the silence of the buses was definitely music to my ears.

It'd be pretty darn lovely if buses could shut their horns up forever.

Efficiently Renewed

My drivers license has been expired for over a year now. Almost a month short of two years actually. Well, you know how it goes, the longer you put it off, the harder it is to push yourself to get it done.

Thanks to the LTO E-Patrol, I got mine renewed in a jiffy! The E-Patrol is LTO's attempt at making the lives of busy peeps, a little bit easier. It is a fully furnished and automated bus that travels to different areas, offering car registration and drivers license renewal services.

Surprisingly, I had no problems with it. I say that because I live in a country where for the most part, anything that has to do with the government DOESN'T work. The e-patrol was servicing my village that day - and in the span of 30 min, I filled out the form, did the "medical", had my mug shot, ehm i mean photo taken and received my new license. Winner!

As a side comment - I must say, what a pimped out bus! It would've been nice though if they A/C'ed the ENTIRE bus and not just the enclosed section for the people processing the papers. Poo.

Glad I got it done before my license hit two years. Apparently after that, renewing the license becomes a bit of a hassle, ie: you gotta retake the tests, etc.

Perhaps the next step for me would be to actually use the license for its primary purpose noh?

In other news, I'd like to give myself a big pat on the back for FINALLY getting one blog continously going. This is my 100th entry to date. Yay me :)

Melding

The work I do now requires a higher level of thinking than I'm accustomed to. As I'm used to work that is primarily action oriented, you can imagine the strain I've been giving my brain. Forging on none the less, because whatever doesn't kill me (in this case, my brain cells), will make me stronger right? And that I'm learning skills that I'm sure will be of great use in THE career I'm hoping for, that will realize itself soon (right universe? I know you're conspiring to give me what I want as I write this!)

Anyway, I was working on something the other day and found myself reviewing a document that spoke about a process I was all to familiar with. I had archived it with information like SOCATOA and all that other info you learn because your present situation calls for it and not because you actually need it. Who knew I'd dig up THAT old baul again?!

Growing up and into your career, you find yourself learning more skills and retaining information you think you need for your job, while "useless" information learned along the way is pushed further and further into what seems like mental oblivion. I guess that's why I found myself pleasantly amused when two unlikely worlds serendipitously merged just for that moment.

Umbrella ela ela ey ey ey

I used to not really care what kind of umbrella I used.. I mean seriously, it's JUST an umbrella right? Wrong. A quality umbrella really does make a difference!

Mom got me one of those power umbrellas that open and close up with the push of a button. Yes, I mention Mom because prior to this experience, I wouldn't have paid any more than Php 100 for one. LOL.

Now, when it's windy, my umbrella actually doesn't flip over backwards.

Nor do I get wet when I get in and out of a car because of all the crap I'm juggling or the ten million years it takes me open and close my umbrella.

This is simple serendipity at it's very essence.. joy in an umbrella. Lol.

BSP Jamboree on Mt Makiling

At the start of the year, I dropped by Mt. Makiling with a friend of mine to check out the 26th Asia Pacific Scout Jamboree. While Jamborees of this nature are apparently smaller in attendance, I was shocked to know that some 14,000 delegates from around the world had set up camp over the new year break to participate in this event. I only stayed for an hour or two so I didn't get the full effect of what 14,000 looks like, but it was fun exploring the groups and seeing all these kids milling about looking like they were having so much fun.

It's a week long event chock full of activity after activity after activity. Fun activities mind you where you learn new skills, make some friends and have some fun. Nonetheless, I'm glad it was them and not me. I love the outdoors, but only because I am quite content sleeping in a bed with a roof over my head. Lol.

I was a girl scout back in elementary school. Actually let me rephrase, I was a daisy girl scout! Daisy girl scout because brownie girl scouts who eventually become girl scout girl scouts. I remember not enjoying it so much, which is why I lasted only about a year.

But anyway, just wanted to post a few of the pictures I took while i was there...

We went up to Makiling to visit my friend's little brother & sister

who participated in the jamboree.

Love the BSP (boy scouts of the philippine) uniforms.. they wear these cool salakot hats..

.. as well as these lovely wooden carabao slides that cover the knot of their neckerchiefs!

Absolutely no idea what EXACTLY this is. I just saw it, snapped a photo of it and had to run off. I assume it's a coconut container of sorts fashioned to look like a scout from the Philppines? Lol.

I assume manong was a chaparone for the Vietnam contingent? Hee :)

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

Nice people are just.. well.. nice! I'm not talking about the "sugary-sweet-bordering-on-plastic" nice, or the "overbearingly-annoying-i-wanna-hide-from-you" nice, but the people who are just "genuinely-sincere-gosh-darn" nice!

I was making calls the other day updating clients, and it was delightful speaking to people who were pleasant and accommodating. No crabby old secretaries for me please!

There is also a custodian in our office who helps start my work morning off on the right foot. He's at work bright and early, happily mopping the floor or emptying out waste baskets and he never fails to wish every single person he meets a good morning. Seriously, outside of Snow White & Amy Adams, who else do you know whistles a happy a tune while sweeping the floor? Or while doing ANYTHING for that matter?

In a world where there are so many sullen and irritable people to deal with on a regular basis, it is great to unexpectedly engage with people who are not only helpful but who exude a sense of peace and happiness. It really makes a difference and can fortunately, be quite catching.

Movie in My Mind

I know this is kind of cheesy and very Hollywood but I can't help but feel warm and fuzzy inside every time I hear/see a saxaphone player lazily blues-ing away in the distance while walking around a cool city. Yes, you heard me, COOL city.. the air needs to be cool. Sax players and humidity don't seem to lock in my head. But feel free to prove me wrong. The closest thing I can think of that comes close (well.. it's not really close) to this experience are the blind musicians who sing along with the plucking of their electric guitars, in their sunglasses, usually sitting under an umbrella in rain or shine with passerbyers hurrying by. Ya ok... so it's not really the same kind of experience but I personally find it to be a lovely experience nonetheless. Though totally not the point of this entry!

Back to saxophone players in cool cities.. I think the first time I remember hearing was in Paris back in 2001. Since then, I've had the lovely pleasure of serendipitously coming by them in New York, Chicago and Boston.

I always feel like I'm part of some moving picture every time I hear it, part of a small movie with my own personal soundtrack. I guess the slinky sound of the saxophone, the brisk air and the beautiful surroundings combine to really tickle my senses and create an almost surreal experience for me.

Infinite Internet

sockets on the bus for gadget charging


surfing the web on the way back to NYC


Flew via United on my domestic flights during this visit to the US. Not much to say about it except paid INTERNET WAS AVAILABLE during your flight!!

And I discovered this the last time I took the boltbus (boston - new york route) but... free INTERNET IS AVAILABLE on the bus ride as well!!

Not that I should be surprised with the rapid progress of the internet and wireless accessibility now a day but seriously!! Amazing I tell you.

Wonder when the Philippines will catch up..

Bag Bliss

So back in the day (very very back in the day!) while living abroad, every trip out my parents took, my mom would return with a bag to add to her bag closet. When we moved back home years late, we discovered to my mom's horror, that a lot of her bags were ruined in the shipment due to I suppose humidity and what not. A lot of the leather started to crack and crumble.. it was truly a sad sad sight. Mom had to get rid of a good number of her stash (cue single rolling tear drop..).

I serendipitously rediscovered the left over stash she no longer uses which include brands such as Celine, Charles Jordan, Dooney and Burke, Coach, LV, Ferragamo and Gucci (cue pseudo-squeal of glee).

I don't know if it was a sign of the times, or Mom's then baduy taste (or both.. hehehe), but you see some of these bags and you're like.. "what the?!". A lot of thick heavy leather, and odd shaped bags that don't fit anything in them! Today, bags can fit everything including the kitchen sink! I can easily stash maybe 7 of these old bags into one of the bags I now use.

The good news is that a few of them (few meaning.. I can count them on one hand), even though the leather has gotten a little tough and even though they kind of reek of old smelly leather (which I'll have to wipe down with baking soda), they are still usable. Useless for everyday but I'm thinking good for travel - you know, to hold your passport, book, wallet, phone, etc.. just so it's within your reach? Thankfully most of them have that one long strap you can adjust.. so instant small messenger tote! So will be trying out a few to see how they hold up, in preparation for an upcoming trip.

These will have to do until I can afford my own :)

jack & odette

it's amazing how much the brain can retain as well as forget. what's even cooler is seeing, hearing or possibly even smelling triggers that lead back to a flood of so many memories.

i completely forgot what prompted me to look for this, but was beside myself in giddiness when i found it: SWAN LAKE. it was originally released in 1978 and later re-released twice if i'm not mistaken, with an English version and another version afterward with celebrity voices playing the part of Princess Odette and Prince Siegfried.

i watched this betamax version over and over again at my best friend's house in the earlier years of my childhood. i remember the beautiful music, the dark version of Odette (rothbarth's daughter odille) and scenes of a distrought white swan trying to get the attention of the tricked prince at the ball where he was to announce the girl he was going to marry. seeing the movie in full again on youtube brought back a flood of other memories and of course, newly formed opinions about the whole movie which i won't even get into.

the discovery of this prompted me to look for another cartoon i used to watch as well with my best friend which i had forgotten all about until i saw swan lake. jack and the beanstalk from 1974, another anime classic. i have yet to piece together some time to rewatch it in full but seeing the first few minutes and hearing the music again brought back and flood of memories.

it was interesting as well to google the two and read people's opinions about the two cartoon movies. a lot of comments out there that i agree with and made me giggle actually! writing about it now is making me want to watch it now instead of focus on the work i'm supposed to be doing! scrolling through the comments on the youtube link made me smile again. looks like i wasn't alone in my giddiness and that these two almost-forgotten classics brought a lot of great memories back to a lot of people. it's great when you realize that your memories are shared by so many others around the world. i don't know too many people in my immediate circle who actually know these movies.

i wonder if there are dvds out of these guys? would love to purchase me some copies. makes me want to go look for some of the other movies from my childhood, ie: last unicorn, jim henson's frog prince, the gnome-mobile (with the kids from mary poppins), pete's dragon & the one and only, genuine, original family band (loved the music here; with a young goldie hawn & kurt russel).

here are the first links for each movie on youtube:
jack & the beanstalk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FO52WQd4iI
swan lake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XOqC9KZnz8&feature=related

pictures attached are from the following websites:
jack & the beanstalk: http://salomesays.com/blog/2009/03/fe-fi-fo-huh/
swan lake: http://nostalgiajunkie.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/retro-anime-theatre-swan-lake/

Miraculous Money Matters

When the gold bars under my bed have melted away (damn manila summer!) and polly has flown away with all my doubloons (arrrr..), there is nothing like:

• finding a bill in a "secret" wallet compartment or stashed away in a junk drawer
  
• a generous friend
  
• having enough change (5 & 10 pesos please..) to purchase something relatively substantial & necessary
  
• someone returning money he/she previously borrowed
• surprise payment for past performances / services rendered

Sure money doesn't make the world go round (daw!), but in times of world and well.. personal financial crisis' - these serendipitous events become almost miraculous.