Archive for October, 2007

Expected it… but I was shocked

October 17th, 2007
{ 18 Comments }

Idel and I have been working in this current company for more than a year already. The work schedule is ok. There were times when we were very busy and there were lots of times when we’ve got nothing to do but browse the internet, and of course, blogging. Our leaders are very kind, not once did he get angry at us (of course we did nothing to disappoint them ^-^)

However, our manager emailed us and said that he needed to talk to us as soon as possible. And so, we went to dinner with him together with the other Filipino officemates. While we were busy munching, he dropped the bomb: our contract with the current company will end on November 15th!

Of course, we’ve always anticipated this time to come. But now that it’s here, I just couldn’t believe it! I may have said a thousandth times that I miss programming, but I’m gonna miss the current company. So, starting next month, Idel and I are going to don again our formal office attire for interviews. I don’t like the feeling of leaving a comfort zone… but I’m excited at the same time…

Update:
Sorry, didn’t provide details when I posted this one. But I don’t want you guys to worry. ^-^
Idel and I are employed by a staffing company (let’s call it THE SOURCE) based in Osaka. THE SOURCE does the company hunting, we attend the interview(s). In case it would take us weeks or months before we could join a software development company, THE SOURCE will still compensate us. I would really welcome a few days “break”, though. But THE SOURCE makes it a point to “assign” us a.s.a.p. because it’s their loss. We’ll actually be on an unofficial “paid” vacation, and no income for them. ^-^

My concern right now is my Nihongo! Need to dig up again those interview scripts! ^-^
Thanks everyone for the encouraging words. ^-^

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At work

Look-alike

October 15th, 2007
{ 13 Comments }

Everyone who had seen me when I was still small says that Shaynna definitely looks like me… and I think so, too. ^-^ I got the pictures from her birthday last Friday but unfortunately, a cousin, who took control of the camera, wasn’t good at keeping his hand still so most of the pictures were blurry. Now, I am waiting for the pictures they took using the analog camera, together with those they took last year. (It seems that my mother always forgets to have it developed.)

I am left with the following pictures when both of us turned one. This is also one of my rare baby pictures that are still undamaged…


So… what do you think? ^-^
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Family

Invent a name

October 15th, 2007
{ 5 Comments }

Found this one in Amor’s Blog. I know I just answered a meme but I found this very funny so, I’m answering this one, too. ^-^

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Morlock Durango (I don’t have a car so I just placed my *dream* car).
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Mango Oreo
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), S. Del (doesn’t sound cool ^-^)
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal), Yellow Horse (Doesn’t sound intimidating… )
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Masayon Linamon (Haha! Hardly a lead character name!)
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first), DelSh
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Yellow Cola
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Eufracio (O-oh… I forgot the name of my mother’s father.)
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy), Citrus Clorets
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ), Carin Caliniahan
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Sedillo Sapporo
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower). Autumn Sakura (I love this one!)
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Marang Shirtie

If you’d like to answer this one too, please let me know… so that I could also laugh with you! ^-^

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Meme

38-Questions Meme

October 15th, 2007
{ 5 Comments }

Got tagged by fortuitous… hope you’ll not fall asleep reading this (if you’re really gonna read this! LOL!):
1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? sorry, I forgot… so, is it ok if I place here an anime character? (Rouroni Kenshin/Samurai X)
2. What were you doing at 0800? getting ready for work
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? forcing my self to read a technical specifications!
4. What happened to you in 2006? went to Sydney for business trip, resigned from company #4, came here.
5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
“ayaw gud pagtuman! sunda akong gisulti!” (“Don’t do it your way! Just follow what I’m telling you!” – said this through YM to my cousin who’s so stubborn to follow my instructions in sending a video file through Google Video Uploader)
6. How many beverages did you have today? 4 types (1 cup of milk tea, 1 cup of coffee, 1 glass of cola, 4 cups of tea)
7. What color is your hairbrush? black
8. What was the last thing you paid for? coca cola from the office’s vending machine.
9. Where were you last night? at home acting as the technical support for my stubborn cousin.
10. What color is your front door? gray.
11. Where do you keep your change? in my coin purse
12. What’s the weather like today? sunny!
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? All chocolate-flavored and those with bits of cheese cake in Baskin & Robbins!
14. What excites you? going home… and anime!
15. Do you want to cut your hair? yes… I am planning to have a haircut but I’m afraid I’ll accidentally get one of those anime-like style.
16. Are you over the age of 25? yes
17. Do you talk a lot? it depends on my mood, and whom I’m talking to …
18. Do you watch the O.C.? no.
19. Do you know anyone named Steven? no.
20. Do you make up your own words? probably… without ever noticing it
21. Are you a jealous person? yes.
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Ana Mae
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Kay
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? rocroc, an ex-officemate
25. What does the last text message you received say? deleted it already ^-^.
26. Do you chew on your straw? sometimes.
27. Do you have curly hair? a little.
28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? probably home in Linamon, Lanao del Norte?
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? a boardmate back in college… I guess.
30. What was the last thing you ate? cup noodles
31. Will you get married in the future? I don’t know…
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? Fullmetal Alchemist OVA: Warriors of Shambala (actually, it’s the only movie I’ve seen in the past 2 weeks)
33. Is there anyone you like right now? yes (I always have).
34. When was the last time you did the dishes? last night.
35. Are you currently depressed? no.
36. Did you cry today? no.
37. Why did you answer and post this? got tagged and I’m very sleepy.
38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey: florence, rollchan, reyian, amor, lutchi

… whew!

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Meme

PhotoHunt: Smelly

October 12th, 2007
{ 22 Comments }

Well, you know how zoos smell no matter how hard they try to keep them clean…

Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia, April 2006

Spent about an hour going over dozens of picture CDs. I almost gave up when I found this one. Honestly, I was planning on taking a picture of the women’s toilet in a train station in Kobe, but I was afraid someone would see me do it and think that I’m another crazy Gaijin????*. If you’re planning to visit Japan, expect dirty, stinky toilets especially in minor train stations.

*Gaijin???? – colloquial term for the word “foreigner”

FYI. This picture was taken using my old Nokia phone, with 2-megapixel camera… so this one seems blurry.

UPDATE: To those who are wondering how train station toilets look like, I got crazy and took a picture this afternoon. However, this one does not stink as much as the one in the subway station I must pass through when I go to work. In there, the toilet is a bit dim and the tiles around the urinal are tainted by you know what… ^-^


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Photohunt

Anniversaries and Birthday

October 11th, 2007
{ 9 Comments }

First, it’s my blog’s first year anniversary! That’s why I did my best to at least give it a new look. ^-^ One whole year of blogging is just so amazing! It helps me get through sleepy, boring, moments at work, and it helps me a lot coping up with stress and homesickness. Above all, I found you! Yes, you, who unconditionally and patiently read what I write here. Thank you very much, my friend, for walking with me in my journey.

Idel’s Blog turns a year old today also! Congratulations Idel!

Second, but the most important of all: my daughter, Shaynna Lexine, turns 3 today! Gosh, I’m now officially a mother of a 3 year-old girl! You got it right… Shaynna was the main “catalyst” why I became a blogger. I was so depressed last year because for the second time, I didn’t get to assist her blow the candles on her cake… and it’s happening again today! Sigh…

Anyway, I wouldn’t detail my motherhood frustrations here because that would definitely take up months of blogging and I might not be able to finish it because surely, I’d be crying most of the time! Right now, I am still struggling, looking, and hoping for ways to be able to bring her with me here in Japan, or wherever God leads me to. More than 2 years of separation is very long indeed, and I hope that the right opportunity would be handed over to me and Shaynna.

From a picture sent to me a couple of months ago…

As my gift for my little girl, I’m finally publishing a blog of her own journey, entitled Shaynna Lexine. (A long-overdue gift, indeed!) However, I only managed to finish writing up to her birth day, 3 years ago. I couldn’t help but include my experiences as an expectant mother. I intend to “catch up” as soon as possible, so please visit it from time to time. ^-^

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Family, Things I love

Lost and Found

October 11th, 2007
{ 7 Comments }

I dozed off in the subway on my way home and when I woke up, it was already my stop. I quickly stood up and headed to the train door. From the corner of my eyes, I could see that some of the passengers seated near me glanced at me. I wondered why. Something told me to go back to my vacated seat and look for my teiki (??)* but I got off the train anyway.

I hurried to the train exit while rummaging through my bag… no teiki! I went to a corner and rummaged more. Still, no teiki. It’s not in my pockets either. So, I went to the train station attendant and with my survival-level Japanese, the attendant understood me. He called the final destination of that train and told me that we had to wait until the train arrives there. After a few minutes, the phone rang, and I was told that they have my teiki and that I could get it from the last station. ^-^

Most of the Japanese might be indifferent or wary especially of foreigners, but at least they’re honest! So, if you lose something here, it’s almost 100% possible that you could get it back. All you need to do is do your best to get your message across. ^-^

*teiki/?? = fixed-term commutation pass?Mine costs almost 20,000 yen (US$170)

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Ooopppssss

Missing it again…

October 10th, 2007
{ 10 Comments }

If I were in my hometown, I would have been suffering too much stomachache since August until end of this month. It’s Marang season and I just couldn’t get enough of it! It’s been 3 years since I last ate tons of Marang.

Its appearance could be mistaken as that of a jackfruit’s, but it is softer… and superior in taste!

People from Luzon, or even some parts of the Visayas are not familiar with this fruit probably because it’s difficult to handle. It may be harvested while still hard and left it to ripen, but it tastes best if harvested when it’s already ripe.

The ones I found in Cebu and Manila did not look this fresh. And I think they’re unreasonably priced! I bought once when I was in Cebu. But as I have predicted, it tasted weird.

If it’s fresh… it will look like the one in this picture. Just looking at this image is making my mouth water!
I would even choose Marang over Durian! If only I could have some sent here all the way from the Mindanao!

Pictures from: The Pilgrim’s Pots and Pans

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Food

Autumn Goody Swap

October 9th, 2007
{ 3 Comments }

This autumn… do you want to receive something from a fellow blogger? Of course, you have to send something to another blogger to keep this fun rolling. ^-^
This is open to all bloggers and I am counting myself in. If you’re interested, please go to Christine’s blog for details.Here are some autumn/Halloween questions:

What do you like best about Fall?
The trees! The color of the leaves! Plus the weather is really, really nice.

Do you have any family traditions for this time of year?
My family lives in a tropical country. But we observe these Catholic traditions: All Saints’ Day and All Soul’s Day. As for me, I’m planning to go to Kyoto to see more of those beautiful colors.

What’s your favorite Halloween chocolate?
Never experienced Halloween so I really have no idea! But, as long as it’s chocolate… I couldn’t say no to it! ^-^

Is there any Halloween treat you do not like?
It doesn’t really matter as long as it’s a treat! ^-^

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Blogging

Internet-struck

October 8th, 2007
{ 6 Comments }

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been wishing for a decent internet connection back at home in Linamon, Lanao del Norte. Each time I go home, I have to put up with the very slow, unstable, dial-up internet connection; or go to Iligan City, which is about 45 minutes away by jeepney.
Recently, Smart Telecommunications had finally extended its broadband services there and I didn’t stop bugging my parents until we got our share of broadband last Saturday. From then on, I’ve been acting as the family’s Online Technical Support Representative and as the Yahoo Messenger Test Subject!

As the Online Technical Support Representative :
Being a TSR is really a tough job and I salute all the TSRs out there. Acting as one for the past 2 days had really squeezed out what little patience I have. You see, the gadgets are already there, but are still not installed. So I had to guide them in every message that pops up and tell them whether to click the OK, NEXT, or CANCEL button. Unfortunately, the installation is unsuccessful until now so I just told them to bring it to a computer shop and thrust everything to a technician.

Yahoo Messenger Test Subject
At first, I found their reactions very funny when they first saw my webcam image. But being asked (not by my family, but by a cousin who at least know how to use the YM) to constantly turn on my webcam really pissed me off. Getting a BUZZ (from the same cousin) after every message sent and the “kumusta?“* messages every ten minutes drove me crazy! My parents had to learn how to use YM real quick or I’d strangle that boy when I get home. Well, I guess I couldn’t really blame them. I am afterall, the only one listed in their phonebook!

*kumusta? = Tagalog word for “how are you?” or “how are you doing?”

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Family

Encounter with a fellow blogger

October 7th, 2007
{ 5 Comments }

I was strolling in one of the malls here in Osaka when I noticed a familiar face. I was pretty sure I’ve visited his blog many times and that he’s definitely living outside Japan. I wondered what he’s doing here. But isn’t it cool… finally meeting a fellow blogger in person! I wanted to approach him but I couldn’t recall his name… even his blog’s name! Suddenly, he turned to me, recognition dawned on his face, then asked: “Hi! Aren’t you Shiera of Idle Moments“?

Oh crap… he recognizes me but I still couldn’t remember his name. (I’m really really poor at remembering names.) This is very embarrassing! I managed to give out the sweetest smile while racking through my brain… then I woke up! Haha! Thank God I was just in one of my rare weekend afternoon naps. I guess this is what I get from excessive blogging, eh?

But I don’t care getting more dreams related to blogging… in exchange for more great blogging friends!

By the way, I thank Rolando for giving me this award:

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Ooopppssss

PhotoHunt: Curvy

October 5th, 2007
{ 57 Comments }

Lots of curves: a curvy path and the curves from the shrines…

Spring 2007 at Toji Shrine in Kyoto

Thank you for visiting and for sharing your photos! Have a nice weekend everyone!


[Especially to those who asked last Saturday]:
Same with almost all of the pictures in this blog and my header, this was taken using my cellphone: Sharp V604SH. It’s already been phased out late last year so I got this unit for only 1 yen upon subscribing from Softbank (formerly Vodafone). Now, they even have cellphones with 5-megapixel camera! But, I still love mine. :)
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