Are you IN? I am OUT!

Me: the Factory Worker

(02 August 2004 - 29 April 2005)

This is it! It's happening.. It's not as if I didn't have this coming--I was mentally counting down the days, the hours, the minutes, the seconds.. but it's still different when you're actually there. Today is my last day here at the Factory. I've done all that needs to be done, signed all that needs to be signed and (practically) cleared my desk. In fact, I could just walk out of here and not look back.. It feels really weird.

While I've done this whole leaving the company bit before, this still feels new and different. I've learned so much from the people I've met in my short stay here and I know that because my experience here has done me some good, I will leave here a wiser and stronger person--at least I'd like to think so.

The Top 10 Factory lessons that I have learned:
1. To ride the train, the fx and the jeep.
2. To blog! (Thanks boi_bitch!)
3. To put together "business casual" outfits
4. To harness my entrepreneurial skills. (I'd still accept shirt, soap and scrub orders! hehe)
5. To download and hoard mp3s. (Thank you again boi_bitch! I am leaving 12GB worth of music! Lucky you--whoever you might be!)
6. To manage my time well and..
7. To look busy when the need arises. (teehee)
8. To keep my temper in check. (Ding-dong, the Witch is dead..)
9. To talk into my phone in hushed tones--no matter how I was feeling.

And..
10. To be PASAWAY! (hehe.. boi_bitch, you taught me well!)

Thank you:
1. Exchange Team-- the best (actually, the ONLY) team I've ever worked with. I'm gonna miss everyone's "quirkiness" and our pizza moments. GO TEAM!!!

2. The fabulous Manang-esque HR girls Pinkypops and Ruth. I haven't given up on pimping you! hehehe :)
3. The Factory workers I got to hang with-- (Iggy, Lou, Kat, Esther, Ems, Ms.O, Dinah..etc.) Yosi, lunch and bathroom breaks might never be the same again.
4. The Factory jammers-- that was "off the hook" (teehee) That was the FUN-EST gig I've ever played!
5. blair_bitch -- A bouquet of flowers?!! I'm impressed. In the short span of time we worked together, it's good to know that I was able to impart some of my "bibboness' skills to you. Use accordingly! Take care of the team, okay? OWN IT bebeh! hehe..
6. boi_bitch -- you are the ultimate mean girl! Thanks for sharpening my bitch/bratinella skills. I will make you proud! hehe :) Working at the Factory would not have been bearable if not for you. You're right, this does not (and should not!) end here. I'll see you around. We have many other uhh.."medication" to try out together! hehe..

Exchange Magic Circle of 6

Exchange Magic Circle of 5

HR beauties

Team lunch at Timpla

Just Jammin' at the Factory Christmas party

Manila's HR Department

I leave here today with so many stories to share and so many memories to keep. It was a short run but a great one.. (sniff sniff)

*** *** ***

In other news.. Encantadia should be out on GMA7 soon.

Support my enchanted friends! You gotta love their outfits! hehe :)

Prepare to enter and journey through the enchanting realm of Encantadia—a magical world divided into four kingdoms: Adamya, home of the Adamyans; Sapiro, land of the Sapiryans; Lireo, realm of the Diwatas; and Hathoria, domain of the Hathors. The peace and balance in Encantadia rest on the power of four precious stones—the gemstones of water, earth, wind, and fire.

While I'm not really a Kapuso fan (nor a Kapamilya one), I must admit that this looks real interesting. Okay Ka Fairy Ko meets Lord of the Rings meets King Lear meets whatever else they plan to inject into the plot--something to this effect. I just hope that the build-up is as good as the actual show. Good luck, K! I want your curly hair extensions!!! Aaarrrgggh!! Can't wait to see you as Alena warrior-princess! :)

The Emancipation of Reggie

Congratulations Mimi! You're back! :)

As a whole, Mariah Carey's new album would make a good buy (if I was the buying and not the downloading type of course, hehe) Aside from my fave bop song It's Like That and We Belong Together, I like this:

One & Only
Mariah Carey featuring Twista

I'm lookin' for my one and only
Every time I turn around
I find my heart in pieces on the ground
So so lonely
I'm lookin' for my one and only

I'm riding home in pain again baby
But that don't mean s*** to you
You're currently engaged
In an intimate conversation
With a young groupie or two
They say "players only love you
when they're playing games"
Still I gave my heart to you
I should have stayed away
Like my friends all told me to

Every time I turn around
I find my heart in pieces on the ground
So so lonely
I'm lookin' for my one and only
Every time I turn around
I find my heart in pieces on the ground
Why can't I find my one and only

See I'm looking for a man that'll rub me slow
Make me sing real high
When he goes down low
But see it ain't just a physical thing
He's gotta treat me affectionately
And I gotta know he won't betray my trust
Just like every other motherf***** does
Is this just an impossible dream baby
Too elusive to pursue
It's been such a sad and windy road for me
Just searchin' for the truth

Every time I turn around
I find my heart in pieces on the ground
So so lonelyI'm lookin' for my one and only
Every time I turn around
I find my heart in pieces on the ground
Why can't I find my one and only

I'm guessing Twista was rapping too fast for anyone to take down the lyrics so this is basically just Mariah's part. I could be a rapper you know--okay, only if I got rid of my lisp, hehe. Hey, it was my dentist's fault. My retainers reinforced it when I was younger.

Hubby was making fun of me the other night cos' I couldn't say "She sells seashells by the seashore" without my tongue all over the place and without looking retarded. Here's the full version of that tongue twister. Knock yourself out!

She sells sea shells by the sea shore.

The shells she sells are surely seashells.

So if she sells shells on the seashore,

I'm sure she sells seashore shells.

*** *** ***

In other news: They're calling it Bennifer: Part Deux (teehee)

Jennifer Garner (aka Sydney Bristow) is reportedly engaged to Ben Affleck!!! Aaaackk! But WHAT ABOUT VAUGHN?!!! Yes, I've still got Alias in my head. (Episode 15 is Vaugh-centric even) I guess she wanted the bigger fish. Oooh, I wonder if they'll think of letting Ben make an appearance on Alias, not that he'd actually pass as a Third Faction (or some random terrorist group) member. maybe he could be yet another stupid baddie that Sydney steals some secret code thing to open yet another vault of sorts to get still another weapon of mass destruction or Rambaldi artifact. (heeheehee) I just wonder if the Bennifer history is destined to repeat itself.

My Chocolate Factory

With the raging hormones brought about by the crimson wave, my sweet tooth and chocolate cravings are on overdrive. My current fave:

A must for Oreo Fans. A box of 6 Japanese Oreo Chocolate Pies look exactly like original Oreos from the US but they are bigger and coated in Japanese Milk Chocolate. The "biscuit" itself is actually a soft cake subtance with a rich dark chocolate flavour and the white "stuf" is replaced with a white marshmallow stuff. The chocolate itself contains Sake a japanese spirit. These are very delicious.

Hubby and I discovered this when we were driving back from last weekend's roadtrip. It's ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY DELICIOUS! I feel faint just thinking about biting into one right now. My doctor would probably murder me if she found out that I have been eating these things but the succeeding stomachache and the calories have definitely been well worth it!

I found some other things from the Cybercandy store that could very well satiate my cravings--without having to worry about the unwanted and unsightly bulges. If you can help me get a hold of these things, the people who feel the brunt of my PMSing would be eternally grateful! hehehe :)

MY FAVORITE!!!

To the Left.. TO the Right.. Let me see that Tootsie Roll!

Mint chocalte! MmmmmGoood!

(These I found at the Candy Store beside the Greenbelt theaters)

*** *** ***

Fifi's dad passed away yesterday morning.. but I don't really want to talk abou it because this is something that's a little too personal--something that really conjures up too many (unnecessary) thoughts and emotions. Please say a prayer for her family.

*** *** ***

At one point I know that I've been there, done that. Been here, felt this. Bet you have too..
Not that it applies now cos' things are actually peachy-keen :)

We Belong Together
Mariah Carey

I didn't mean it
When I said I didn't love you so
I should have held on tight
I never should've let you go
I did nothing
I was stupid
I was foolish
I was lying to myself
I could not fathom that I would ever
Be without your love
Never imagined I'd be
Sitting here beside myself

I didn't know you
I didn't know me
But I thought I knew everything
I never felt
The feeling that I'm feeling now
Now that I don't
Hear your voice
Or even touch or even kiss your lips
Cause I don't have a choice
What I wouldn't give
To have you lying by my side
We belong together

When you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
We belong together
Who else am I gonna lean on
When times get rough
Who's gonna talk to me
Till the sun comes up
Who's gonna take your place
Baby nobody else
We belong together

These are my confessions

Dear Visa,

I LOVE YOU!

Love,
My evil shopaholic twin sister

In a span of one week, I was able to amass quite a number of goodies on random shoping trips:

1. A pair of white strappy stilettos
2. A pair of camel strappy stilettos
3. A pink short-sleeved knitted bolero
4. A khaki long sleeved knitted bolero
5. Five tanktops
6. Five tees
7. A white bag
8. A white wallet
9. Earrings
10. A silver necklace

Retail therapy at its finest! It's no surprise that I am at my urban poorest level--especially considering I started shopping without my paycheck at hand yet. I have no idea what came over me! And because I (obviously) still have not had my fill, I plan on hitting some more stores with Kuya on Sunday. SOMEBODY STOP ME PLEASE!!! This is a sickess I tell you! (But it feels so damn goooood! hehehe)

In case anyone's interested in a personal shopper, let me know. I can hook you up with my brother. He can turn anyone (and I stake our family at this) from drab to fab AND he can work on a budget. Style doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.

*** *** ***

I had such an amazing and relaxing weekend wih Hubby. I unfortunately don't have the pictures yet so I suppose you'll have to check this out for when we actually post about it.

*** *** ***

Fifi's dad is in the hospital.. The doctor's say it might all be over in a few days..

This whole thing has struck a chord in my heart. Mainly because, although the gravity of our situation differ, we are in the same boat. Last night she said to me when we visited at the hospital, "Reg, spend time with your Dad," and she just gave me a lookl that said it all. While our relationship wasn't always peachy-keen, I can't imagine life without him. I'm not yet at a point where I have resolved all my issues with him so coming to terms with the thought of having to let go isn't something I want to deal with just yet.

In our barkada, Fifi was someone we all took care of--not in a leechy way of course. She was the sweet and innocent one and we were always there to support and guide her. Last night, I was surprised to see a strength in her that I wasn't aware she had. I know that she's scared and she's hurting but being the eldest child, I know that she's doing her best to keep it together--and she does it so gracefully. My only wish is that should the time come and I am placed in her shoes, I will have the same strength that she does now.

Though you may not know her, please say a prayer for her and her family. They need all the helpt hat they can get.

Fif, stay strong and keep your head up. I'm always be here for you and there with you..I promise..

Part of the Family

Today has got to be one of the looongest days ever! It's taking forever for the clock on my screen to say 530pm so I can get out of here (Yes, I synchronized my clock with the time-in-time-out one outside). It's FRIDAY and I'm just not in work mode.

*** *** ***

My baby brother was confined last night. Wawaaa Dimsum! He's hasn't been himself lately so my Mum opted to bring him to the vet. Apparently, he was feverish (41deg) which explains why he hasn't been eating and he's been convulsing. It was his first (7th) birthday pa naman yesterday. My Mum felt so bad leaving him there because he was trying to chase after her and was even "crying" when she was leaving. She says it broke her heart to leave him there--in a cage even! (Yes, obviously Dimdim has a better relationship with Mum than I do)

Dimsum in a word is spoiled. Plus he gets away with murder (he gnawed on my most favorite white stilettos which he skillfully pulled out of a closed shoebag on top of the table but I couldn't really get mad at him cos' I know he jsut missed having me around--that is another story altogether)! He has never been in a cage (until last night..Wawaaaa!), only sleeps in an airconditioned room--complete with pillows and blanket, has a zillion toys and eats whatever we have on the table. My Mum would even put aside some of her food (and ours) for him whenever we eat out. When he doesn't feel like eating, my Mum would feed him using her hands for fear that he might die of starvation. (Nag-hhunger strike kasi si Dim pag nagtatampo--BRAT!) He responds to Dimsum, Dimdim, Baby and because of my real younger brother Chocy, Stupid Dog. He loves to go out--we bring him to church, to Eastwood or to any dog-friendly mall that we can go to (this factors in deciding where we'll have dinner,etc.) and he makes sure he has enough space in the car (never mind if we're all squished together, as long as he can spread his legs out when he wants to--BRAT! BRAT! BRAT!)

Our love affair with Dim started in May last year. He was about a month old when Hubby brought him to the house. He meant for Dimdim to be "our son" but my Mum had other plans. On his very first day, he was upgraded from "my son" to "my brother". Nakampuchang asong ito! He was originally named Cholo (after my Dad as a joke) but my Mum could not stand hearing my Dad's name over and over so we opted for Puppy Piolo (which will transcend to Papa Piolo when he gets older) but it just didn't fit. On our way back from running some errands for Mum, I chanced upon a restaurant's sign--hence, Dimsum.

I never thought I would ever be a dog-person. Sure, we always had them around the house but I never really did care for them. I'd always say that the only dogs that I find cute are those that aren't mine. Apparently, I was proven wrong. Dimdim has the entire family wrapped around his tiny little umm, paw. He's really a part of the family and should anything happen to him.. ayayayay!

Our family will never be the same without you, Dim. Please eat and get well already so you can come home soon! We miss you! :)

sleepy Dimsum out of the box

Dimsum's first day

Stupid dog with our Bro (guess which is which)

I Surrender

you win.

Invisible War
Julia Fordham

Invisible war
Seems we're waging an invisible war
Strained maneouvres
Keeping silent score
In this invisible war
Every day I seem to lose you more
Both wishing that it was like before
In this invisible war

Talk about a fine line between love and hate
We've lost more than our direction of late
Talk about a fine line between lovers and friends
We've never been lovers and now we're not even friends
In this invisible war
Sseems we're waging an invisible war
Every day I seem to lose you more
In this invisible war

Wounded deeply the scar is here to stay
Opening up at little things I do or say
You always want things to be as before
So I make you angry and you bleed a little more

In this invisible war
Seems we're waging an invisible war
Every day I seem to lose you more
In this invisible war

Want to run away
I still love you
Got to go away
I always love you
Got to be away
Time heals all wounds
Invisible war

Birthday Shoutout!

Happy Birthday to one of the finest felines ever to grace this lonely planet!

We've been through hell and back (okay, maybe not quite back just yet...) but We're alive! We're alive! We're alive! Here's to many more buddha feasts, mixed vegetables, frou-frou food, shakers, martinis and what-nots, cigarettes and marathon kwento-sessions, tears, laughter, theme songs, punchlines, kikay-ness, impromptu adventures (and misadventures), and to a friendship that will never fade or change (regardles of the future matronly nips and tucks, hehe)! Luvya Jammy! :)

Yin and Yang

*** *** ***

Breathe No More
Evanescence

I've been looking in the mirror for so long
That I've come to believe my soul's on the other side
All the little pieces falling, shatter.
Shards of me
Too sharp to put back together
Too small to matter
But big enough to cut me into so many little pieces
If I try to touch her
And I bleed,I bleed,
And I breathe
I breathe no more

Take a breath and I try to draw from my spirits well
Yet again you refuse to drink like a stubborn child
Lie to me
Convince me that I've been sick forever
And all of this
Will make sense when I get better
But I know the difference
Between myself and my reflection
I just can't help but to wonder
Which of us do you love
So I bleed,I bleed,
And I breathe,
I breathe no more

While some people don't really have the stomach for Evanescence, I find comfort in listening to their songs (Yes, in my drama moments of course). Isa talaga akong likas na emotera. Bakit ba?!! Hehe :)

I'm counting down my days here at the Factory. If I'm lucky, only 16 more days to go. I have mixed feelings of course but I honestly can't wait to jumpstart my life, to do something different and to make the changes that should do me some good. Haaaay, time is passing me by ever so slowly. I really have a lot on my plate right now.. I'm just not too sure if I have the stomach for it..

Have a Little Faith In Me

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME
John Hiatt/Mandy Moore

When the road gets dark
And when you can no longer see
Then my love throws a spark
And have a little faith in me
When the tears you cry
Are all you can believe
Just give these loving arms a try, baby
And have a little faith, faith in me
Have a little faith in me (3x)
Have a little faith, faith in me…

And when your secret heart
Cannot speak so easily
Come here baby, from a whisper start
Have a little faith in me
And when your back’s against the wall
Just turn around and you will, you will see
I will catch your, I will catch your fall
Just have a little faith, faith in me
Have a little faith in me (3x)
Have a little faith, faith in me

I’ve been loving you for such a long, long time
Expecting nothing in return
Just for you to have a little faith in me
And see time, time is our friend
Cos’ for us there is no end
All you got to do is have a little faith in me

I will hold you up, I will hold you up
And your love gives me strength enough to
Have a little faith in me (Oh faith)
Oh darling, have a little faith in me
Ooooohh Faith

"i will never live the days without the light of you that shines on everything and makes it alive. You and i are the word fate. Four letters that mean so much yet are bound only in two people. "

I know what I want, I know what I need but I will no longer ask for it because I shouldn't have to.. I'm scared, petrified even.. I don't know if I am still capable of being as strong as I need to be to survive this, to heal and not be broken anymore.. but even so, I trust what's in my heart and I trust what you say is in yours.. I'm holding on and I'm never letting go.. I won't give up on you, unless you ask me to.. You remain my forever and my always..

My Jukebox

Although boi_bitch and katzee have already posted this in their blogs, it would be a crime not to have this song posted in my (emotera) blog. It's a geat song that's simple and easy to lsiten to. It makes for a great LSS-song, especially as opposed to last month's "You make me wanna LA LA..." Hehe :P

Sleeps With Butterflies
Tori Amos

Airplanes
Take you away again
Are you flying
Above where we live
Then I look up a glare in my eyes
Are you having regrets about last night
I'm not but I like rivers that rush in
So then I dove in
Is there trouble ahead
For you the acrobat
I won't push you unless you have a net

You say the word
You know I will find you
Or if you need some time
I don't mind
I don't hold on
To the tail of your kite
I'm not like the girls that you've known
But I believe I'm worth coming home to
Kiss away night
This girl only sleeps with butterflies
With butterflies
So go on and fly then boy

Balloons
Look good from on the ground
I fear with pins and needles around
We may fall then stumble
Upon a carousel
It could take us anywhere

You say the word
You know I will find you
Or if you need some time
I don't mind
I don't hold on
To the tail of your kite
I'm not like the girls that you've known
But I believe I'm worth coming home to
Kiss away night
This girl only sleeps with butterflies
With butterflies
With butterflies
So go on and fly boy...

*** *** ***

In other news, it's formal and final. I turned in my resignation yesterday. I can hardly believe it but it's a done deal. Next month, I will not find myself sitting here, in this office, in front of this computer. I'll be in a totally different setting, doing totally different things.. It's scary but I'm glad. It's about motherfreakin' time! It's still too early for goodbyes so I'll postpone that for another day. Suffice to say, I will surely miss the Factory and my fellow-slaves--most especially the cooky characters that made my 9-month stay here so memorable.

To the universe I must say: I hear you callin'! Here I come... :)

With the death of PJP2, I can't help but think that the balance that the universe once knew is gone. Princess Diana, Mother Teresa and now the pope plus of course the tsunamis, earthquakes, and the list goes on and on and on... The whole world mourns his death but the bigger question is: Who's next? Thanks to Angels & Demons (which I am currently re-reading), I am intrigued by the selection process for the successor, the politics, the controversy, and the secrets that the Vatican holds. (Yes, all Dan Brown books make you paranoid and lead you to believe everything is one big conspiracy, hehe)

*** *** ***

My weekend was quite eventful. Saturday afternoon was spent with 60 kids at the White Cross where we treated them to games, prizes and food. It brought a lot people together-- many I have not seen for years so it was also a great time to catch up. Though I'm not the most charitable person and I'm not the most patient with kids--especially when I'm warm and sticky all over--that experience really warmed my heart, especially when some of the kids would come out of nowhere and hug me or give me a kiss (they're aged 2-6 okay?! malicioso!) or just stay close by my side. I'm glad I was able to actually do some good for a change, hehe :)

A great dinner (which I wan't really able to partake in, BOOOO!) and dancing with my girlfriends followed. The good news: my very own Ponti blue card (is that right?!! I wasn't really paying attention when I filled up the form) = major discount! More azurri and coco lychee for me! Hurrah!

Photos to follow soon!

*** *** ***

After crashing at Gizmo and George's place, I was finally able to spend time with Hubby (yes, he moved again!). It's been such a long week for the two of us and I'm glad that we were able to reconnect and to stay connected after all of that. The past few days have been good—yes, a few minor humps and bumps but good nonetheless. I’m seeing a side of him that I haven’t seen in a long time. I still have a lot of fears and worries but I know that I will soon overcome all of these in due time. I believe that this is it for me and I know that this is it for him too.

HAPPY 16th MONTH HUBBY!
I LOVE YOU…
MORE THAN MY WORDS CAN EVER SAY…
MORE THAN MY ACTIONS CAN EVER SHOW…
YOU ARE MY FOREVER AND ALWAYS…

*** *** ***

In other news, I am taking the plunge! Eeeeeeep! :S

I won’t go into details just yet (not until everything is finalized and formalized) but suffice to say I am scared shitless. It’s a good break for me, though I am anxious of the adjustments, etc.

We had our last consultation meeting last night and as always our conversation veered elsewhere. boi_bitch had a new lesson to teach me and blair_bitch: SIMPLIFY!

Acceptance is the key. I know that life really isn’t as complicated as I make it seem to be and I also know that being the ultimate drama queen won’t make me any happier but I also know that life isn’t as simple as it seems either. I guess that while I find solace in ranting (hence this blog), I know that I can learn how to better equip myself to cope with the endless twists and turns on this rollercoaster ride.

So yes, I think I’m going to try out this new lesson. After all , anything that might keep me even a tad bit saner is worth a shot! :)