I Moved...

Hey guys! I've moved my BLOG over to my Multiply site... Just follow this link to pick on my brain...

http://laineybaby.multiply.com

You can also check out some of my pics... Hehehe! See ya!

Life Goes On

Well, I'm back after some time. And no, I'm not depressed. Hahaha! I think I'm actually learning! Hahaha!

What's going on with me right now? I'm with a new company (yet again!).

I'm now working at GE Consumer Finance. I'm happy there & I hope it'll be my last stint here in the Philippines. Not that I'm leaving or anything. I believe in what GE stands for & the work I am doing there.

What else is new? Hmmm...

I've been keeping touch with the friends that I share with my Sis these last few days. She's leaving for the US next week & if I don't stay in touch with these people, I may never get in touch with them again... Knowing my laziness when it comes to keeping in touch. My sister is my only point of contact with them.

I'm kinda giddy right now, I don't know why... Let me tell you a secret...

You see, I have there's this person that I used to admire. A person who's such a great big celebrity hereabouts. I used to be so enamoured of this person & so blinded by this person's seemingly funny, child-like, accommodating & witty charm.

However, as I grew to know this person more, my eyes were opened to this person's aloofness & indifferent nature. I started to think, and feel, that the time & money I spent following this person was really flushed out into the toilet, so it seems.

Thus, I drifted. I never gave that person much thought. I became very bitter towards that person, that the sound of a song this person sang made my blood boil. I always thought, this person did not deserve the adulation, admiration & praise of the people who highly regard him/her.

But, everytime I chance upon seeing that person, I find that the resentment in my heart slowly melts away. What a sissy, I know.

However, I do not let my guard down anymore. I have to protect the pride that I had so painstakingly had to rebuild because of how this person had shattered it. I act cool & indifferent infront of this person & my friends. But deep inside, I'm like Ice Cream on a hot summer day.

I don't know. That's why I hate going out with our friends. This person always gets in the picture somehow.

Anyway, life must go on...

Ups & Downs

Well, what can I say? I am back, and you know what that means... I'm in one of my depressive moods again. Well, not much really. Some things make my days worthwhile.

My cousins from San Francisco, Paul & Kristine, are here in the PI & it always feels so good to have relatives around. Though we only spent about 4 days together. They went to Boracay with my Brother the whole week last week but I was able to hang out with them when they got back.

They went shopping while I drove them around. We had some good laughs at their adventures & mis-adventures in Boracay. We also went for a good massage the other night!

Kristine & I were able to talk before our bodies shut down at night (or should I say "MY body shut down?!?"). We'd exchange our deepest concerns & problems, & we'd give each other advises. To think, Kristine is only 20! She's also my Godchild through Confirmation. She also gave me this Prayer Booklet today, which really touched my heart.

We went to one of our Great-Aunts in Bulacan yesterday & we had a lot of fun. We had our bellies full & we enjoyed the books that Lolo Ponch had. We also enjoyed playing with Ate Tammy's baby, Chico. Chico's such a cute Red Poodle! He's so friendly & he loves to snuggle! We also played a few rounds of Billiards in their Pool Table.

After they leave on Thursday, it will be back to reality for me. Harsh Reality.

Well, what can I say?!? I never seem to learn. Damn! I trust people too much! I never should do that unless they're family.

Ever felt betrayed by people you think are your friends? Well, I've been there a whole lot of times and I never seem to learn from it. Dang! No details. Maybe next time. I really don't want to think about it anymore.

Let Go & Let GOD, Elaine!

Life's Simple Pleasures

I was tagged by my good friend, Tin Racho. This actually made me feel better. Not really happy, but comforted. It made me know what is real from what is not.

It’s a great thing to be able to count your blessings, even the simplest ones.

Instructions: Name ten (10) of life’s simple pleasures that you like the most, then pick ten (10) people to do the same. Try to be original and creative and not to use things that someone else has already used.

1. Family. No matter what situation I am in, I can always turn to them for comfort & support. When I need a pick-me-upper, they're always there. Whenever I need a reality check, I know my Mom will always give me a heads-up.

2. Driving. It releases my stress. If I'm depressed, I'd go for long drives to forget.

3. Dinners With BLD Friends. I love having dinner with my BLD Friends. They never fail to make me feel that God still loves me despite my unworthiness. They also make me feel loved for who I am & they do not try to change me into someone I am not. Even the most cheapest dinners seem like Fine Dining when I'm with them.

4. My Bed. I find comfort in it. When I have problems, I cry myself to sleep & I never dream about my problems. When I wake up, my pillows hug me the way I needed to be hugged.

5. Bonding With My Cousins. I think that they make the greatest friends. We can talk about everything under the sun & still stick together. It's like a mini-support group. They support you, laugh with you, cry with you, sing crap with you & love you unconditionally. One thing is also sure... Our Memories will really live on forever!!! (We have no choice! Hahaha!)

6. Lounging In The Beach. I used to be a Swimming Pool person, but I find lying in the sand more relaxing & calming. It soothes my weary soul & washes away my worries.

7. Watching the Sun rise & set. It makes me feel peaceful. I find the beauty & power of God's love every time I watch the sun rise or set. It's so powerful.

8. When A Client Thanks Me. Whenever a client thanks me for helping them out, calling me an Angel or a Savior, it feels so good. Not that I am one, but the satisfaction of knowing that you are able to help out someone in need, justifies my work.

9. BLOGGING. I know I can always depend on my BLOG. I release all my anger, happiness, frustrations, excitement & loneliness here. After I release them, I feel unburdened. It's like talking to a good friend (Which I don't have right now). After I vent out, I feel relieved. I move on. My BLOG is my outlet.

The LAST but never the LEAST...

10. GOD. I know that I should pray more than what I do. And I know that I should put him first in my life. No wonder I'm always getting hurt, betrayed & let down... It's because I never put God first. I just realized it now, when my cousin & I talked about our respective problems. God has always been patient with me, though I shrug him off a lot. I do know, however, that no matter how much I shrug Him off, He will always be there to love & hold me whenever I need Him. I can run to Him anytime. And no other Pleasure is is more Simpler than that.

I'm not gonna tag anyone specifically, 'coz I don't know who'll respond. At any rate, whoever wants to get tagged... You're it!

Just Some Trivial Stuff...

Why am I not surprised?!? Read on...

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern. A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock. A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything. No wonder you and London will get along so well.

What City Do You Belong In?

I knew it!!!

You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need varity! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along.

Are You An Extrovert or Introvert?

You Are Independent Sexy

You drive men crazy with your "playing hard to get act" Except, it's really not an act at all. You're a strong, sexy woman with her own life and interests. And that makes men even more interested in you!

What Kind of Sexy Are You?

You are a Romantic Realist

Okay, so you fall in the middle. You know that love isn't like a greeting card... Yet you can always find a greeting card to describe your feelings. You are the best of both worlds Girly yet independent, dreamy yet serious. Almost any guy can find balance with you.

Are You a Romantic or Realistic?

And here I thought guys were just intimidated by me...

You Don't Have a Boyfriend Because You are Too Shy

When a guy gets to know you, he finds a great catch Problem is... you're too shy for most guys to get to know. From meeting someone to dating, you usually have your guard up. And while you're just holding back, it makes you seem like you've got something to hide.

Why Don't You Have a Boyfriend?

You Are A Professional Girlfriend!

You are the perfect girlfriend - big surprise! Heaven knows you've had enough practice. That's why you're a total pro. If there was an Emily Post of girlfriends, it would be you. You know how to act in every situation ... to make both you and your guy happy.

What Kind of Girlfriend Are You?

You are a Career Girl!

You may not be a CEO yet, but you're well on your way to success. You take your career seriously, and you wouldn't stop working for any guy! An independent woman, you pay for your own car, clothes, and housing. And men appreciate that - at least, the ones as driven as you are.

What Kind of Girl Are You?

How true...

Men See You As Choosy

Men notice you light years before you notice them You take a selective approach to dating, and you can afford to be picky You aren't looking for a quick flirt - but a memorable encounter It may take men a while to ask you out, but it's worth the wait

How Do Men See You?

You Are Most Like Miranda!

While you've had your fair share of romance, men don't come first Guys are a distant third to your friends and career. And this independence *is* attractive to some men, in measured doses. Remember that if you imagine the best outcome, it might just happen. Romantic prediction: Someone from your past is waiting to reconnect... But you'll have to think of him differently, if you want things to work.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Great Weekend!

I just came from a really fun evening with some of my office buddies. It was really cool since we were all able to just hang loose and let our hair down.

We've been planning to have a "drinking" party for the longest time, and since this would be one of the last weekends we'd be able to spend together, we decided to make the most out of it.

Kari, our baby girl, offered to have the party at her house. We, then, subsequently offered to bring the drinks. Actually, only the girls brought the drinks! Anne brought about 4 2-Liter Sprite Bottles, Raych brought the Apple-flavored Vodka, and I brought the Tequila.

Good ole Boogie brought his beloved Jakie, whom we've heard so much about, and Raych also brought along her fiance, Richard.

The boys really brought nothing to the table except jokes and good laughs. Eugene was supposed to pay for the pizza, but Kari's parents beat him to it. Well, what the hey?!? They're like family... With Eugene falling for Kari, anyways. Lolz!

Carlo and Camille stood us up, but they have very valid reasons. Boogie also had to leave early, since he had to bring Jakie home before her Dad kills him.

Only Raych, Anne, Eugene, Richard, Kari and I were left, along with some of Kari's High School friends. We really made every minute count. We teased Kari and Eugene about 80% of the time, but we were also able to share a lot of stuff that we'd normally never talk about.

Of course, all of this happened over shots of Tequila and Vodka Sprites. Thank goodness none of us got drunk silly!

I really had fun! Now, I can't wait for our 1st official outing to Batangas right after our ISD Training the week after next!!! I'll bet it's gonna be far better!

The Philippine Government Service

Please indulge me for ranting at this time. I just had the most "haaaarrrible" day today (March 8)!

Here's what happened. I had to finalize some requirements for work today, so as not to delay my 1st Paycheck (woohoo!). The last requirement I had to acquire was the Social Secuity ID, which, after 3 years, I haven't had the chance to get.

Last week, after fixing the Police Report for my car, my Dad and I drove to the Social Security Systems (SSS) Office in Alabang, which, to our dismay was closed for a City Holiday. So I just decided to go back there after a few days.

Last Friday, I decided to try my luck. Even though I hardly had any sleep, I went to their office to find an exhaustingly looooong line queueing. Before I had to spend a minute in that friggin' line, I asked the guard where I should go to get the Social Security ID. To my utter amazement, the arrogant guards, who must've thought they're Mr. Powerful, told me, in a rather "Are You Dumb" tone, that their ID Systems were down.

So, being the more mature (and financially abled) one, I took it in stride. As a follow-up, I asked if they knew when the ID System in their office would be fixed. With eyes almost rolling, he answered that he doesn't know! His attitude and demeanor was actually very much like those stereotypical "Mean Girls" and "Jocks" you'd meet in High School. Unfortunately, he's supposed to help you out.

Anyway, I decided to try out the other SSS Offices near our home. The nearest one (after Alabang) would be in Baclaran. So there I went, braving the traffic going to Baclaran (which perpetually suffers from intense traffic), only to find out that I did not reach the friggin' cut off time! Aaaaarrrgggghhhh!

Since I really want my requirements to be done and over with, I forced myself to go back to Baclaran, for one last hurrah! They open at 8:00AM, so I decided to stay in the office until 7:00AM (I get off at 5:30AM) and wait for the time to fly.

I got to Baclaran at exactly 8:15AM, and the queue for the Information counter extended all the way to the building's facade! I had to wait for an hour just to get a form for the SS ID. Then, I had to go through another queue for the verification of my SSS Contributions and eligibility. That line cost me a good hour and a half. And the last line, the one for the Data Capturing and ID Photos, took another friggin' hour and a half! Aaaaaarrrrgggghhh!!!

I wouldn't mind, really, if only the SSS Employees were courteous and accommodating enough. But NOOOOO... They were snobby, snooty, disrespectful, discourteous, and rude. I really pity those old pensioners who braved the lines with me, only to get dissed by those people. No respect, really.

It's sad, but unfortunately, that is the reality of the Philippine Government Service here. It does not only happen in the SSS, but in ALL... I repeat, ALL, Government Agencies here. Darn them all!

I can't really wait for the chance when I can get away from this hellhole and all the bureaucratic crap they have!!! Forgive me, but its true. So sue me!

Back In The Workforce

Yes, folks! I am back in the fold!

I am now with HSBC Electronic Data Processing Philippines! I'm actually on the 2nd week of Core Training and we'll be graduating from Core on Friday. Next week, it'll be all Processing! Oooohhhh!!!

I'm with the US Credit Card Fraud Process, and it really scares me a lot. But, then again, I am enjoying the company of my newfound friends.

Imagine that! Only 2 weeks in, and I already have a clique! Our clique is actually the most controversial one in our Tranche (Batch, in other words). Some think our group is obnoxious, loud and bratty. Well... It's not that far from the truth. Hahaha!

Just kidding, of course. I think we're just severely misunderstood. (So, what else is new, Elaine?!?)

Our group is composed by 3 Guys and 5 Girls. The main man, Boogie, was a former DJ and is the life of our group. He's a little hard at hearing (intentionally, I suppose), and is quite boisterous (which we ALL love about him). Carlo, or Conty, is the youngest in the group (though it's not very evident!). He's a funny dude, but is a bit more reserved than Boogie-Man is. The last man standing would be Eugene (or Enyong! Hahaha!). He comes from one of the Philippines' Main Political Clans. He's a crazy dude, that Eugene guy! He'd be very quiet, but when he butts in... Classic!!!

Besides myself, our group has 4 other girls. Anne is the main gal. She's got a lot of stories and a lot of experience to share. She's quite the female version of Boogie. Then, there's our resident foreigner, Rachael. Well, Raych isn't actually a foreigner. She's half-German and half-Filipino. She was born elsewhere, but grew up here. She's every bit Filipino, and is quite reserved (well, at least not with us!). We also have our Soon-To-Be-Lawyer, Camille. Now, she's the smart and silent girl! She kept to herself most of these 2 weeks. She only started to hang out with us in the latter part of last week. And... Our baby... Kari. She's the cutest, most naive girl I've ever known in my life! She's such a sweetheart, and that's why we're overly protective of her.

I'm sooo enjoying my time here so far. I love the way we've bonded over the greenest of things, and over the "Cancer Breaks." Even if Boogie and I are the only ones who don't smoke, we enjoy the chit-chats over smokes.

Well, hopefully our friendship will endure, though it seems like Kari and Camille would be leaving us soon. Here's to a few weeks more in Training together!

Wieners!!!

Hong Kong Pics Part 2

At The Disney Fountain...

Mickey's At The Palm Of My Hand

Pam, Daisy Duck & Me

Me & My Pal, Goofy

With Mickey & Minnie

Trying On My Ears...

Hong Kong Pics Part 1

Here are some of our pics from our recent trip to Hong Kong... Enjoy!

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila

In The Disneyland MTR from Sunny Bay

Mickey & I Welcome You To Disneyland!

Pam & Me In Tomorrowland

Literally Carrying The World On My Shoulders