Don’t hate the pretty girl April 6, 2011

In this case, I don’t quite frankly.

Let me introduce the characters of this story: There’s the Friendly Team Leader, The Weird Jerk, The Pretty New Girl and Me.  Got it?  Good.

So we’re now into our second week of playing badminton at the office.  I wrote a while back that I hated the idea of playing and my personal time being eaten up by this extra curricular activity…but that was before we started playing.  Now, I’ve rightfully eaten up my words and have proclaimed to my friends that I’m enjoying myself.  It’s not as bad and as scary as I thought it would be.  Sure, I’m not exactly the star player but our Friendly Team Leader assures me that it’s all good and I’m doing  just fine.

At this point let me say that Pretty New Girl started working here 3 days ago.  I think I smiled at her once or twice when we passed each other in the hallway but we haven’t been formally introduced yet.  I was told she used to be a dancer on tv and apparently this news piqued the interest of the people here (well, the boys mostly) and they all very much anticipated her arrival.  Needless to say a lot of the boys fawned over her when she came…but I’m glad the girls were nice to her as well–and that’s being nice without any hidden agendas mind you.

According to the game schedule, my team (“The Kamote Kids”) will not have any games for April 06, wednesday…instead we would act as umpires for the other teams.  I was already thinking of asking Friendly Team Leader if I can skip badminton for that night when Weird Jerk approaches my desk (this was yesterday).  The conversation went as such:

 WJ: Will you be playing tomorrow?

ME: We don’t have a game right? But I don’t know how to umpire.

WJ: No, Team Leader and I will umpire but can you and Pretty New Girl practice?

*insert raised eyebrow here*

ME: *dumbfounded* Huh?

WJ: Because _ _ wants to play against her…

ME: *even more dumbfounded* Well, if _ _ wants to play with her, then why doesn’t he just practice with her then?

WJ: No, we all do (want to play with her)…but the practice is for the game on friday. You & Pretty New Girl will face off against  _ _’s team.

ME: *still dumbfounded but also aghast at what was transpiring* Uh yeah, sure… (at this point the whole thing has completely weirded me out)

WJ: Ok, thanks! (and then leaves)

 

Correct me if I’m wrong but I know there’s an insult in there somewhere.  I was so pissed yesterday afternoon.  I mean, fine, if you want to play with her so badly and if you want to win against the other team so badly, then by all means, the court is yours!  Why do it at my expense?!  I’m there to have fun…and probably lose a few extra pounds while I’m at it but don’t make me feel like a useless member because last time I checked, I’ve got friends who play waaaaaay better than you do @sshole!  Not even Friendly Team Leader treats me that way! (That’s why he’s named as such)

 

So did I bring my gear today?  Yes…only because Friendly Team Leader might expect me to, but honestly, my left eyebrow is still raised and it hasn’t returned to it’s normal position yet.  Oh how I despise you Weird Jerk!

I want to lay the smackdown on....

photos not my property

Valentine’s February 14, 2011

Nothing has ever happened to me on Valentine’s. I swear. I’m not married, nor do I currently have a boyfriend..so this was pretty much going to be just another day at work.  But love comes in many forms and those other forms manifested themselves to me today.

1) Rockstar Love – Actually scratch that..my Valentine’s started last saturday at the Deftones concert. Chino Moreno is simply amazing! I always thought that Brandon Boyd has the most sexiest voice in rock…oh but no, Chino can definitely give him a run for his money…and the best part? He didn’t even need to take his shirt off! (not that I mind Brandon Boyd taking his shirt off..he’s always free to do so at concerts & I’m not complaining). The fact that Chino even went through the crowd to visit us fans at the back was truly a wonderful & welcome surprise. I’ve never been to a show where that’s been done before…and because he did that puts him way up on my cool list.

Chino Moreno, surprising & delighting fans at the back!

2) Office Love – I didn’t know today was my boss’ birthday. He’s only been my boss for 9 months now and this is the first time I knew of his birthday.  After I greeted him, he said thanks and then picked up a bag from beside his desk. It was kisses chocolates wrapped in little packs (3 pieces in 1 pack). He gave me one and greeted me Happy Valentine’s. After that he also asked me to distribute the packs to everyone in the office. “Give the ladies first..and then if there’s still some left, distribute it to the guys as well.”  He brought a lot so everyone had a share. You can never go wrong with chocolates. Happy Birthday sir!

Also, an officemate gave me a Belated Christmas / Valentine’s gift today.  Awwww….

2)  Biatch Love – I received an email today from a good friend (& fellow biatch), “G”. Though the contents were very sad because of what she’s currently going through, I really felt touched with the kind words that she told me as well.  I don’t have a gazillion friends but those few that I have, I value & cherish very much. Whatever you’re going through, be strong. You’re so much more bad-ass than I am so I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’m always here. G, Fighting!

3) Kpop Love – I ordered something about a month and a half ago online from a site that specializes in korean & japanese goodies…we’re talking kpop cds, dvd concerts, koreanovelas, jdoramas..you name and it’s most likely there.  Though there were certain bumps in the road towards ordering said goods, I didn’t mind….because really, nothing was going to stop a fangirl like me from getting my hands on those precious items. I just wanted to satisfy my fangirl self.  The order was placed and paid for last January 04…and praise be to the gods, it has finally arrived today!  Sadly, as I opened the package, my heart sank as I realized that they forgot to include 1 item. The highs of the day were gone in that instant that I saw something was missing. Not even the fact that I have the original box set of He’s Beautiful could make things alright. I immediately sent an email & text to the folks behind the site and they promised to send over the missing cd asap. Grrrr….

4) TOP Love – My fellow fangirl officemate “M”, who also joined in ordering some stuff, saw how sad I was about not getting the item which I really wanted. Yes, yes, call it ridiculous but that’s just how fangirls are. As I was looking at my computer screen trying to work but really couldn’t, she approached my desk and handed me some chocolates, a friendly note & 2 photos (which I can stick on my wall) of my Kpop crush TOP from Big Bang! And the smile returned! Honestly, even though I liked the things that she gave, really it’s simple friendly gestures like these which make me really happy & proud to have friends like her. The chocolates were gone in less than 5 mins, but those photos will remain on my desk for a long while. Thank you “M”!

TOP + chocolates = perfect!

*Sigh*…It’s different for all of us  but today, for me…love is all around.  Unfortunately, I decided to listen to Morrissey/The Smiths on my way home.  Haha! Stab me in the heart why don’t you?

Badminton anyone? February 10, 2011

I work with some of the most perkiest people you’ll ever meet…and I mean that in a good way.  Our Admin. Head is forever coming up with ways to promote bonding and camaraderie amongst the members of our department.

Her latest brainchild? The first RBA Badminton Cup! (*groan*) People here will be divided into teams, will play against each other…and when the dust settles, a single team will be crowned winner. Ok, initially I didn’t think I would be a part of this…I thought it was on a “voluntary basis”.  You can imagine my surprise…and horror…when I saw my name on the list of players that was sent via email.  What the…?!

I’m not exactly a star player.  I used to play badminton with some good friends of mine…6, 7 years ago…but it was mostly for fun.  True, the competitiveness of others was sometimes a little too much to take–especially when some not so nice words are exchanged–but it rarely happens and when I look back on all those saturdays spent playing, I really did have a fun time…and I do miss it. 

Anyway, according to the email, this activity was for promoting camaraderie within the department…something to relieve the stress of the work week…so that people will not be thinking of work! work! work! all the time.  Honestly, I get along well with everyone…all I want is when the clock strikes 6 and my shift finally ends, I would like to go home and spend some quality ME time…doing the things I like.  I wasn’t too thrilled at the thought of this activity getting in the way of my joyful pursuits ie. reading and watching my koreanovelas.  Plus the fact that this would surely mean additional expenses for me–I don’t own a racket and there’s nothing remotely sporty in my closet and shoe cabinet.

Well, that was my state of mind yesterday. I was tired and I wanted to go home.  Today it’s quite different though.  I’m still tired and I want to go home (haha) but now I’m actually ok with it.  I’m looking forward to getting back on the court (somewhat).  I try and console myself that I’ll be with nice people from work…and at least I can get in some exercise, right?

Note to self: Try not to make an @ss of yourself on the court ok?                                                        Self: Ha! Good luck with that!

I'm pretty sure I'll be able to see that one right away!

photos courtesy of www.sportsfunny.com and www.geekfitters.com

Sometimes you’re (just) a number January 31, 2011

A few weeks ago we had to submit our annual Performance Appraisal Forms (PAF).  This 9 paged form is the company’s tool for evaluating it’s employees and would therefore be the basis of pretty much everything for you–salary upgrades, trainings, benefits etc.  Because we are more than 50 in the department, we were strictly advised to accomplish it and submit it on or before the given deadline.  The evaluations will be reviewed by your boss, he or she will then discuss it with you and once you have finally reached an agreement, a grade will be given and the form will be signed.–not just by your immediate boss but by the Head of the Department as well.

Last friday I was asked by my male boss (I have 2–the other boss is female) to bring something in for him during a meeting at our conference room.  As I entered and made my way towards him, I realized that the names and numbers projected on the screen were all our names and the grades that were given to us.  Each employee was being talked about.  They were not discussing me at the time but it just felt weird being there while it was all happening.

This morning I was called by our Admin. Head to her office.  She handed me back my PAF and told me to make the necessary revisions.  Apparently, my score had changed (based on the meeting I walked into last friday).  It wasn’t a bad thing–the score changing–but as I was making the revisions they had made I can’t help but recall what I had seen on the projector screen: NAME = NUMBER.  Within the confines of this giant corporation, you are a number… a statistic…a grade written at the end and bottom of a 9 paged form.

I guess I’m writing this because I’m also reminded by what a friend of mine wrote recently about how at her workplace, employees are judged by which university they graduated from…how you’re only good enough if you came from the so-called “Big 3″–or the Top 3 schools in the country.  I’m not really sure if what I’m sharing about the form has some sort of connection with her story…I’m just randomly typing away here so my apologies if there doesn’t seem to be any common denominator between them.

Don’t get me wrong…the bosses here are nice as far as I could tell, but sometimes it just gets me thinking–can they really see me?  Do they look at me and see past my job title or am I just somebody’s assistant to them?  I wonder if they ever realize that I have some sort of life outside the evil empire? (note: I’m a Star Wars fan so I’m using it as an affectionate term, ok?)  I wish they would know that I love music and books and movies. 

I know that the evaluation is necessary.  I’m not against it.  It’s just weird to me that it takes a while for me to describe myself to someone sometimes…but a few pieces of paper can readily tell my employers who I am or what I’m worth…well, at least numerically. 

Like I said, I’m randomly typing away here.  I just hope that we don’t judge so easily…or quantify absolutely.  I just hope that we accept freely…that we’ll all get a chance to shine and grow.  Lord knows being in the corporate world is tough enough as it is already.

image property of www.dilbert.com

Back from the week that was.. December 8, 2010

This week…well, even the previous weeks for that matter, have been absolute hell for me.  I was super stressed at work to the point that it was already manifesting on my body through muscle pains and a really annoying pain on my back and neck.  I was showing up for work despite being sick…always starting my day with a prayer requesting God to help me get through it without killing anyone…or fainting at the very least.

The Christmas party that I had been helping my boss organize for this Association that she belonged to is finally over.  Up until the very day of the event, when I’ve already ironed out everything, she was still breathing down my neck over things that I “may have forgotten”. Hello?! It’s not that I was the one to forget them, rather it was she who forgot to relay them to me. I wanted to scream, “Chill Out!” so many times because panicking wasn’t going to get us anywhere.  I tried to hold on to my wits and my sanity…trying not to bite her head off like what she was doing to me.

I think my sour mood was already showing because she tried to liven up everyone’s mood by telling me, “Everyone is so stressed…Fizz, smile naman jan!” I only managed a painful smirk.

As soon as the party got underway, I was sort of relieved and a bit relaxed.  Unfortunately, I was already feeling quite sick…my temperature rose a bit and I started sneezing and coughing.  I was kinda hoping that I’d get some consolation by winning something big during the raffle–crossing my fingers for the dvd player, microwave oven and something called an “induction cooker” which is one of the coolest kitchen appliances I’ve seen in a while.  Sadly, no big prize for me and I had to console myself with a messenger bag…which I exchanged for a set of post-its that our messenger got instead.

I’m really happy that the party is already over.  I’m happy that I was able to deliver despite the hardships.  I didn’t win any major prize…so I guess I’ll just have to cross my fingers for the LCD TV that’s going to be raffled off tomorrow at our office christmas party!

“The Secret”, here we go!

The wrong thing to read at work October 8, 2010

Yesterday I was doing my usual morning routine of checking out yahoo news and I stumbled upon this article:

Here’s a close up of the article’s title…

Aah yes…1 year, 1 month and 1 week into working for the evil empire I’ve started to question myself again if I’m really cut out for this kind of work.  Sure I can accomplish all the stuff that is asked of me but instead of doing it with my heart, I do it with my brain.  Most people would probably say, “It’s work…you’re supposed to use your brain right?”  True, but I’ve always wanted to do something that would also fill my heart with joy.  I’m not an effing robot you know.  Yes, the evil empire is very generous and money is abundant (what I saved here in only a few months, would take me years in my old job) and it’s all good and very much appreciated but…and this may sound very cliche…but I feel there’s something missing.  Perhaps some may think, “How can you say that when you earn so much already?!”  Like I said, I’m very thankful and grateful for the material blessings but I honestly would give it up if I were to do something that I know would truly make me happy.

I still get days here where it’s just nothing…and I’ll go about my day just thinking about surviving until the weekend comes (screaming “freedom!” ala Braveheart)…and then certain days will come when you just want to scream out, “Get me the EFF outta here!”–especially when you work too damn hard and then people still expect you to grow 10 extra arms so that you can cater to all their other insignificant / personal needs.  I know my friend (“kapatid”) and I always joke that we’re just “slaves” (“Back to the saltmines!”) but it’s not really funny when you’re living it.

I don’t have any solutions yet.  All I know is that I should be wise with  my earnings now.

Any bright ideas?

Anniversary August 3, 2010

August 03, 2010. Tuesday.

Today marks my first year anniversary of working for The Evil Empire. Please note that the “Evil Empire” reference came from my sister’s friend who used to work here. I don’t want you getting an image in your head of folks dressed up as Clones or Storm Troopers and the bosses wear all black, breathing heavily underneath their helmets… I’ve now come to think of it as my term of endearment for my company. Looking back I can still recall what I wore on my first day and the nervousness that I felt as I took each step away from my home and towards my new workplace.

It truly is an empire in every sense of the word. This place generates so much money that the value is absolutely obscene! One year on, I’m still amazed at what this company can do and how much they can affect and change the lives of others–whether one would consider it positive or negative. My friends have also noticed a particular change in me since I started working here–I’m now officially addicted to Asianovelas–particularly those from Korea & Japan.  Hmm…I wonder if they already know that I’ve started listening to K-pop as well?

As for my work, there are things here that I do that I’ve never been given the chance to do in my previous work. In a way, it’s such a good feeling when you achieve things that initially you thought you couldn’t. Grabe, kaya ko pala! Of course, the learning never stops so hopefully I’ll do an even better job in the future.

Singit lang…would you believe these people made me dance…twice!…in front of people I hardly knew…to music I definitely do not listen to?!

I really am very thankful and grateful that I’ve been given this opportunity to work here. Yes, I still miss my old friends from my previous job…but I’ve come to terms with that by realizing that they’re still my friends and they’re not going anywhere.

Now, if you’ll excuse me…I have a new drama to fuss over…Vaness Wu’s Autumn Concerto!

Stuck between a rock and a hard place June 8, 2010

The photo above says it all.  That is how I currently feel at work.  I’m caught in the middle of bosses who dislike each other.  Lord help me…I didn’t ask for this 10 months into my new work.  It’s so hard continuing to work with my ex-boss when all he gives off is negative energy.  I swear he sucks off all the positive vibes you have…and I don’t have a lot of it to begin with!  I can’t blame him though…he’s the one being kicked to the curb so all that hate and childish behavior is quite understandable and expected.

Is this really how the corporate world works?  I mean, I know it’s always been “dog eat dog” but…what happens to the innocent bystanders like me who just want to earn an honest living?

I really can’t wait for the ex-boss to leave/transfer.  The new boss–well he’s not exactly new…he’s always been here and I’m just “newly” assigned to him—is really different from the ex.  He’s soft spoken, polite, seems like a family man (married for 27 years), neat, says he’s pretty easy lang, respectful…and good lord, he even performs minister duties for his parish and during first Friday masses here at the office.  I’m not trying to paint him as a saint because we all have flaws but…he’s the kind of boss I’m guessing anybody would kill for.  I’ve heard from 2 people here already that they wish they were answering to him & not to their current superiors.  We’re not BFFs yet…nor do I wish to be…a boss is always THE boss but I pray that we can work comfortably in the near future.

I’ve been so tensionado lately—try being summoned to the dept. head’s office to discuss your ex-boss’ attitude…see if that doesn’t scare the cr@p outta you!  But I will not be defeated by this.  I shouldn’t be right?  As an employee of the evil empire (or whatever empire you’re working for), I am to do what is asked of me.  I should think of this as a blessing actually because I’ve been asked to work for and with someone who I feel is much better.

*Ganbatte fizzywoohoo! This too shall pass.  Fighting!

*japanese for “do your best”

photo not my property

My week in a nutshell: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and The..WTF?! May 29, 2010

It’s friday & this week has been filled with so many emotions & happenings it has tired me out.

First, The Good:

I started my new Koreanovela last week–Coffee Prince.  Sadly, the lead girl didn’t endear herself to me in the first 2 episodes, so I stopped.  Monday rolls around and I’ve decided to give episode 3 a go.  I’m happy to report that as of tonight, I’m already on episode 13! Love, love, love it! Lead girl and lead guy look so good together!

For those of you who don’t know, Coffee Prince is the story of Go Eun Chan, a poor girl who just happens to be mistaken for a guy all the time because of her short hair, baggy clothes and her habit of taking on any job (even the masculine kind) just so that she can support her family.  She meets Choi Han Gyul who, thinking she’s male, decides to hire her as his pretend gay lover to fend off the many women his grandmother orders him to date.  Money is money so she doesn’t refuse the offer and when he opens up his coffee shop called “Coffee Prince” (prince because he will only hire good looking males to attract the neighborhood’s largely female clientel), Go Eun Chan decides to keep up the act to secure a job as a barista/waiter.  You do know where this is going right?  Of course they fall in love and the madness ensues! (mental note: the songs they use on the show are pretty cool too!)

And then, The Bad:

RIP #2

A big blow to the rock/metal community…a big blow to Slipknot fans around the world…Paul Gray, #2, bassist for the band, was found dead in his hotel room in Iowa earlier this week.  I was shocked when Ava posted the news on my facebook wall.  Is this the end of Slipknot?  Good lord, they cancelled a European tour last year just because Joey Jordison (#1, the drummer) broke his leg!  What are they going to do now that Paul’s no longer around?

The Ugly:

My view from the floor...

Let it be known that I abhor public speaking. It was on wednesday when I was informed that I was going to participate in The Evil Empire’s Annual Stockholder’s Meeting.  I’m going to be one of those employees planted in the audience as a “stockholder” and I needed to deliver lines…using a microphone…in front of a theater full of strangers…did I mention that I was going to address The Chairman himself?!  Good grief.  Long story short, I was at work on thursday morning at 6:38am and it all went well.  We were done by 9:30am.  I got through my 2 lines just fine….though it all felt like an out of body experience.  It was all a blur.

Line #1: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Management meeting be noted and that the Audited Financial Statements for the year ending Dec. 31, 2009 be approved.

Line #2: I second the motion!

Check out the writings on my hand...and my teeny tiny kodigo!

Oh did I mention that I made a friend during the event? She’s the assistant of The Evil Empire’s Corp. Communications Dept. Head.  You might’ve seen him on tv.

Lastly…The WTF?!

On the same day as the Stockholder’s Meeting, I was informed by the Dept. Head, VYT, that my boss (the guy, CAG), will be transferred to the Finance Department effective June 01.  He will also be removed from the EXECOM (Executive Committee–that’s the top management).  I’m still going to retain my female boss, si RAF, and will be given another male boss to serve, si RLC.  The shit has finally hit the fan between VYT & CAG…they don’t get along you see.  Sus, I haven’t even worked for him for a year and this happens!  On one hand, he can be really nice, on the other hand he can be quite annoying especially when he’s cranky or is in a foul mood…but nobody’s perfect right?

I have mixed feelings on this one.  Frankly, I didn’t picture my life to be like this, 9 months into my new job.  I’m still going WTF?! actually.  Perhaps I should just view this as a new start.  A fresh change.  I’ll have a new boss, si RLC who is really good daw.  “Parang tatay” most people say.  I hope to be better at my work with this new arrangement. Lord have mercy.