World Introvert Day

I woke up this morning and found out that January 2 is World Introvert Day! This brought a smile to my face. I love it when humans find certain days within the year to commemorate something or someone. I find it cool. And it's free of charge anyways. All you need to do is find a worthy subject, pick a date, get people invested in organizations and boom! There's a reason to celebrate and you're not alone!

This is day is special to me then since I've always been an introvert. I've taken multiple tests and even one test tagged me as extreme introvert. It's interesting cause I initially thought introverts are emo-goth-silent freaks. I may be silent and reserved, but when I talk, I do talk...a lot. But then again, I'm far from being an extrovert too. I'm never the life of parties, I enjoy observing more than facilitating, I don't enjoy too much human interaction (it stresses me out), I like to talk to myself (i hope not in a crazy way), I like to daydream, think, keep a close knit and regular set of friends and I relish "alone" times...a lot.

Also one of the misconceptions of introverts are they are immediately anti-social for no reason at all. It may just seem like that because we tend to recoil after being stuck in a strange crowd and finding ourselves interacting at a minimum. It may seem we're aloof but we just take things one step at a time in the matters of socialization. Being sociable and charming may not be our pride and gem, but that doesn't mean that we can't be social, it just takes a lot of effort from us and eventually we need to step back and recuperate. Even in worst cases, introverts are seen as bitches, difficult people to deal with and lacking a sense of activity and community. Introverts may be too independent to care about how they are branded in public. Introverts give more importance of what they think of themselves than what other people think. And if there are rising conflicts, rest assured they will not initiate a public backlash.

There is no right or wrong personality. Extroverts have certain strengths that Introverts don't have. While introverts thrive in certain industries, Extroverts may struggle. The importance is that they are humans encountering the same problems, joys and experiences while they have their own methods in dealing with it. If extroverts thrive and enjoy large crowds or interaction, introverts relax by reading a book, going to a quiet and relaxing massage place or stay at home. In some cases, they would just have to learn to adjust in each other's company. The world is not perfect to begin with. It's just important to understand the differences of personalities to avoid false judgments and misunderstandings.

I tried to find World Extrovert Day, but I can't seem to pinpoint the exact date. While introverts have a legit org, I'm having difficulty locating one for extroverts. Could it be that introverts were given more attention because they are assumed to be less understood and less admired of the two personalities? I hope not because it's certainly not true! The world is in need of introverts for balance!

Well, to all the Introverts out there! Happy Introvert day to all of us!


If you're curious to find out more about introverts or whether you're one visit: http://www.introvertday.org/ to take the test.

Day 2/356 2014

Life is good because...

I read all my emails today, replied in some and left the office on the dot at 3:30 pm with a breezy travel period with no heavy traffic at all exit points. Sweet.


After three weeks of vacation leave, I expected to be swamped with emails and devoting all my productive hours sifting through each and one of those feeling miserable and annoyed. And if there's any reason why I don't prefer super long breaks, it's the expected whiplash of work that's waiting for you, brewing and accumulated while you were gone. More days of MIA requires you to double time and catch up. Surprisingly, emails were manageable and less stupid.  By 11 am, I was done, had my lunch of Bolognese Pasta in Mozu, did some house keeping in my home drives, creating new folders for 2014 and plotted my vacation leaves for the 1st quarter. By 3:30 pm I was out the door.

Being able to work peacefully and leaving the office on time will always be a priority no matter what year. It's my life long resolution. Driving home with no heavy traffic is just a cherry on the cake though the streets still looked unusually empty for a back-to-work mode routine. Probably all the expected chaos will start this Monday. Take this day as a solid transition phase.

Day 1: Life is good because...

I just quickly decided that my daily posts for the entire year will focus and reflect on...

Life is good because...

I believe everyday is a blessing and life is always worth living no matter how many hardships we may encounter on a daily basis. Though the goodness in life is not entirely dependent on money, relationships, material things or even your smashing career.  Sometimes life is good because of simple things that give us joy, that make us learn something new and that will inevitably change us for the better.

One of my personal resolutions is to see the brighter side of things no matter how simple and shallow they are. I think it makes the day extra special and meaningful.

 ----

Day 1 of 2014

Life is good because....

...I got to blog, rest and spend my first day of the year with relatives from my father's side, my dogs and with my loved ones...and that despite going back to work tomorrow (UGH!!), it will be weekend already in two days.

And just to put an extra emphasis on work, tomorrow will be my first day after two weeks off so I'm dreading my emails and anticipating loads of assignments. But still thank you God for giving me work and at least it will be weekend in two days! Not much torture there. Yahoo!

Day 1 was off to a good start. Happy New Year!

My Thing About E-Books

I love books and it's presence became stronger last 2013. I read a lot and bought a lot even though it went against my weekly shopping budget. It's just the way it is. It's shoes and bags for some, while for me it's always a good book. 2013 was also a year I really tapped into E-books, to be the actual one downloading and searching for titles online. I must say that it was a conscious effort on my part. I now already have around 300 e-book titles in my laptop and I've found a renewed use for my IPAD by downloading around 25 books separated into categories. I've learned to use Dropbox and site search and do book shopping with only the cost of electricity and time.

But as I've always said, I still prefer printed books especially that I'm the type who loves collecting books as much as reading it. For me, the experience of E-Books against the printed books will always be different no matter how the modern one would try to emulate the other. But that's not enough reason to be so pigheaded about Ebooks. Now that I've began to read a couple, I've began to appreciate any medium as long as it serves its purpose, which is to support readers out there who need access to stories and authors of their interests.

Below are the top things I appreciate in E-Books.

Ebook Pro #1  Multiple Titles

E-Books are perfect for being mobile with multiple titles in tow. You can carry your electronic reader anywhere with easily 100 books to choose from at a flick of a finger. For voracious readers, who wouldn't want that access and convenience?

Ebook Pro # 2  Overall Cost

Admittedly it's cheap. I download from this ultimate electronic library site that supports readers by sharing new to classic novels for free. Let's face it, printed books especially those printed in only trade paperback format easily cost 500 pesos. It's pretty steep compared to downloading it almost for free. It's perfect for those who just want to test authors out of curiosity. If you hate the story, the only thing that will be robbed is your time spent. And if you're a book collector and you liked the story, you'll know if it's worth the expense of purchasing the real thing.

I've also noticed that when I started to appreciate E-Books, I was able to control my spending when it comes to books. Gone were the days when I just had to have a copy of a new release just because I need to have it. For unknown writers and new titles, I would pause and search it first on ebook online sites and have no need to rush purchasing the copy like there's no tomorrow. I can now efficiently curb and budget unnecessary book expenditures. This keeps impulsiveness in check.

Ebook Pro #3  Hassle free search and purchasing

Shopping online is convenient, organized and doesn't entail paying for gas, parking ticket and other expenses when you're in the mall.

Ebook Pro #4:  Hassle Free Reading

Reading Ebooks in my IPAD wouldn't need me to switch the lamp on or switch the lamp off or in some cases I wouldn't need to use a book light. I could adjust the brightness at my own preference.

Ebook Pro #5:  Extra Functionality

I love the search and thesaurus functionalities of EBook readers. Ever since I could remember, I would always bring a pocket dictionary and thesaurus with me. Sometimes if I encounter a hifalutin word, I write it down or list it on my phone to check on it later. With Ebooks, I don't need to carry my thesaurus and I could have a quick reference on the word definitions. I also love the highlight and notes functionality. You can undo it. It's perfect for research and book reviews.


Overall I am impressed that some ebook sites already host new releases of various authors, the exact titles I'm seeing in the best seller or new releases section in bookstores. And since it's electronic, the selection is vast and not limited by shelf space.

Though I do begin to extensively appreciate Ebooks, as a reader and a collector, I would always still prefer print over ebooks. I've noticed that reading in print gives an entirely different experience. I want to touch the paper, see the printed font, smell the ink and do the flips and marking. Printed books are also convenient that you don't need depend on battery usage. You read it whenever you want. For non-gadget freaks like me, I also don't have to worry in being clumsy while reading since books are cheaper than the ebook reader unit.

But as I've mentioned, whether you get printed copies or ebooks, it only gives access to reading in an age where information and communication are high. Both ebooks and printed books support reading and the pros and cons only matter on the reader's preference. I think it's high time to acknowledge strengths and advantages to personally decide on how to maximize reading. At the end of the day, the winners will always be the readers.

Though I do read E-Books from time to time, especially titles that are hard to find in bookstores or for titles that are virtually new and unknown, I still continue to support printed books by purchasing titles that I've been meaning to collect or for acquiring titles, which support the need for moments to experience the joys of traditional reading.

In this day and age, there is no reason to be close minded about traditional things with modern modifications. The importance for various mediums is to determine your preference and strike a balance that ultimately suits you. It's a good thing to try to be open minded for those who are still struggling. Things change and we must learn to adapt as time progresses. Because at the end of the day, you just want to read good stories.


Interesting Read: NY TIMES: How do Ebooks Change the Reading experience.

EO and Metrobank's 50% off on eye/sun glasses package

Last December 30, a day before New Year's Eve, I did the inevitable. I devoted that day for shallow business. I had a nail appointment, haircut and treatment appointment (yes, that's separate) and I figured, might as well get my eyes checked and purchase a new pair of glasses.

I need eyeglasses, I can't live without them and it's by choice. I don't do contacts cause I tried it once and I had a bad allergic reaction to it. Aside from the fact that contact lenses are just too much work for me, my eyes don't have the same eye grade so I have to buy always two different pairs per grade. No thank you. I am also not keen in doing laser because I don't want anything intrusive done to my eyes no matter how they say it's safe and it's already a matter of preference. Most importantly, having glasses placed at the bridge of my nose balances me.  I can't function well without it, like a watch on my left wrist. Psychologically I feel focused viewing images with borders brought by frames.

Well for those who are planning to get new glasses or for those just in need to change lenses,  you're in for a treat if you have a Metrobank Card! I just found out on that day that frames and lenses package is 50% in Executive Optical shops for all types of Metrobank Card holders! Sweet. 

I went to the EO branch in Glorietta and confirmed that the promo is applicable to all brands except for 2 international designer names, which I completely forgot cause I couldn't care less since they have lots of brands to choose from anyways. They do have Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, Swarovski and other high end brands.

I was about to get the Vera Wang glasses which originally costs 12,000 pesos for the frame only, but Missoni's frame won me over. The Missoni frame with transition lenses and consultation originally cost 10,500 pesos, but with the Metrobank Card promo I only shelled out 5,250 bucks. If interested, they also offer deferred payments for 3 months and 6 months.

Missoni glasses and Papo this New Year!

What a relief for those who would want to invest in good frames and lenses. And EO is known to produce your glasses within the hour after consultation and they do have available lenses all the time. I had an experience with another optical shop that same day and they told me that don't have lenses for my grade because it's too high. What a turn off, right?

I usually go to Almeda optical and EO for my eyeglasses but with EO's tie up with Metrobank Card, who can pass that up?

Promo ends at January 31, 2014. 

source: http://sulitipid.blogspot.com/2013/12/metrobank-credit-card-promo-executive.html

2014 Philippine Holidays Y'All!

You know what's the perfect side activity for today while you're munching on your left over desserts?

Planning your 2014 vacation leaves!

I don't know about you but I do come from banking operations and filing for vacation leaves takes a lot of negotiation and race to file first. And for poor workaholic folks who don't really believe in planning vacation leaves, don't just shrug it off and take for granted your privileges. We all need a good vacation in order to be productive. Google it, certain studies support it. And when I say travel, it's not limited tol staycations only. To widen our perspectives and gather new experiences, we need to move around from time to time. Without proper planning, we'll rush, spend more and absorb unnecessary stress.

So, what better way to do this January 1st? Pencil in your vacations for 2014 :)

I'm doing mine now. And I'll ensure that I'll go to Palawan, Cebu, Roxas...hopefully Batanes, the usual Boracay and at least 2  major international trips during the end of the year.

Muslim Holidays will be separately announced. 
Source: mb.com.ph

Notice that a lot of holidays fall on a mid-week. Time to file leave on those sandwich days!

And please watch out for the annual PTAA (Philippine Travel Agencies and Association) Travel Expo to be held in SMX Pasay City This February 14 - 16! This is the place to get discounted airline tickets, accommodations and overall travel package. 

Pencil in your travel plans, take note of the expo and Go Go Go! Travel like crazy!

Knocked out Dogs

Knocked out dogs. Understood. I can just imagine the stress levels were way up for these dogs since the start of New Year's Eve. Their body clocks have been altered for a day. And anyone who has ever had a dog would know how they absolutely hate anything surprising and loud. Firecrackers are a big no-no.

Dogs react variously. Some just like to hide and endure the noise silently. Other dogs like Harvey run around and get too excited. In crazy moments, they storm and fight the cause of noise. Most of the big dogs like Bruce bark, shake and breathe heavily. Sadly in extreme cases, some fearful dogs are reported to suffer from a heart attack. While some dogs learn to cope on their own, some dogs need help.

I feel terrible for them. Since they have heightened senses, the pop of firecrackers may be deafening.

Next year, I'm asking my vet for some pet valiums of pet sleeping pills if ever there is one.

Or some of the municipalities are already banning fireworks would it be feasible to wait? Kudos to Muntinlupa! When will other municipalities follow? I guess it won't happen next year, huh. Better stick to Plan A. Dog valiums.