Wednesday, April 30, 2008

crab cakes, anyone?

This anecdote was posted in my old blog a few years ago. My good friend Martyn went away for the weekend with his mates from college. When I saw him Monday, I asked how it went.

Me: "How'd the trip go? What did you do?"

Martyn: "Went fishing."

Me: "What did you catch?"

Martyn: "Crabs!"

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

wednesday potpourri

After four months, I'm back in the graveyard. For nine straight nights, I'll be covering the graveyard shift. The powers that be decided to sever ties with one of the newly hired night auditors. He's underforming and has a hard time listening to other people. Been busy doing some chores that the big boss left that's why I haven't even noticed how he's getting on. The other supers and I will be covering the lost shift alternately every week. It sucks because until we find a new guy, will be doing it for awhile.

I haven't told you this but moving to days had been one of the best career decisions I ever made. Although it's still shift work, I get to do more things on work days. Yes, the politics is unbelievable and I still haven't learned the art of sucking up but whatever.

-----------------------

My favorite inaanak, Yuan, made it to the Ateneo. Attaboy!

-----------------------

Called Nanay last week and was told that she's off to Cebu next month to attend a DMI convention. And my two sisters will be tagging along. I envy. I desperately need a break from work.

-----------------------

I'll be celebrating my two years at work tomorrow. This is the longest I've been in a job. Mind you, I only had two others before this. And yes, I still don't like it.

-----------------------

Had a haircut last Saturday. It's amazing how cutting three inches of hair can make me look 10 years younger. Okay, 5 years. No? 2 years then.

Friday, April 11, 2008

a job is hard because it's work

The boss left last Friday. He's gone for pastures new and is now the GM for a Holiday Inn in Canterbury. I will miss the guy, he's treated me well and good always and although I am sad that he left, I know he's moving on to better things. With a baby on the way, he certainly deserved that break. All the best, man!

-----------------------

My manager is not the only one who's left the company recently. The Friday before last, the Operations Manager bid farewell to the hotel as well. Before him, it was the Night Auditor. Today, the HR Manager and Maintenance Manager also said their goodbyes. When we gathered this afternoon to wish them good luck, I commented that it's becoming a Friday habit. And the others couldn't agree more.

Incidentally, one of the Team Leaders from the pub will also leave the hotel tomorrow. And a C & B Team Leader will say goodbye in two weeks.

------------------------

Two members of the team came up to me recently and told me how they enjoy doing the shift with me. Working with me, they say, is always relaxing and easy. It should be like that, I said. That's the least I could do. It's bad enough that I'm working, might as well make it as easy and smooth sailing as possible. I will still do my job, don't get me wrong. After all, it's still work and that's how I earn my keep. But you can bet I'll take it easy with less stress and no pressure as much as possible.

One of them said, I've got the right attitude and should make a good manager. Although flattered, I said never. With the manager's position available, my ex-boss's right hand and a fellow super are in a squabble for the post. And it's getting uglier by the day.

The missus asked me last week why I didn't apply. I am more than qualified, I know, and the money seems good, which probably is. But I just don't want to. Taking on a much bigger responsibility for a job than I don't even like is something I'm not prepared to do. I know it sounds childish but I'd rather stay where I am right now. As a super, I still get enough to take Ketty to fancy restaurants every once in a while and more importantly, I still have the power to fire people.

I know, sooner or later, I have to grow up and take on a bigger responsibility. Eventually, I will play a mature role. Make adult decisions not only for myself but for others as well. I will be a slave to my job. And I won't mind because it will be something that I like to do. It's the idealist in me. There are far more important things than money in this world; find something that you enjoy doing and everything will be alright. At least that's what they say. For now, let me just enjoy my extended adolescence.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

april showers

The heavens dumped at least 2 inches of snow last weekend. I know, spring should've sprung up already. I guess, mother nature had other ideas.

I like a bit of snow because I don't mind the cold. The air actually felt refreshing and everything looks ... white! Clean and pure.

Here are a few photos.




















































Friday, April 04, 2008

huli ka!

Sabi nila, and buhay ay mas masaya kung mayroong drama.

---------------

"P*tangina u! Kapal ng mukha u! Ksma u pa mismo ngsbi s akin! Ngpa2ktino me d2 tpos gnyn lng pla ggwin u s kn!"

---------------

This is a text message from a husband to his wife- who he suspects of cheating on him.

Imagine them in real life. Visualize their confrontation. Face to face. Laway sa laway. I don't know about you, but I can totally picture Michael V in character delivering these lines in a movie.

Classic.