![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
Scorching hot.
Warm wind is blowing.
The sky is clear.
But on the other part of the world, in the Philippines to be particular...
Storm is raging..
*photos from various web posts
This is sad. I wish I can help out. I'm re-tweeting all important notes. Hoping that in my own little way, I can help out. I called my family this morning. Glad they're OK. Our house is still under renovation and some of our things are now soaking wet. But still, I'm glad Mom and Dad are very much secured and safe.
Hope Ondoy will leave the country soon. Let's all pray.
Meeting Tatay
Chuck and Zoe
Iftar Party
Eid Mubarak!
Fatigue+ Stress= Hypertension
After days of merry making and staying up late (as late as 5 am), I think I was over-fatigued. I was knocked down and my blood pressure went up. I got dizzy and nape was numb. I promised myself I will go easy with Bulalo and Kare-Kare. Haha!
Back to Work
And so as Eid comes to a close, I'm back to normall work schedule... waking up at 7 and going home by 6. Tiring and demanding work it is. I'm still adjusting on the new schedule and coping on the demands of work. Lately, it's a tough road and I'm quite stressed out. I think I have to be tougher. Stress Management anyone?
Today also marks my 3rd month of my independent living. Still tough and homesickness is inevitable. I'm missing home more and I want to speed days up til I can go back home. Sigh. I have to remain firm on my decision and I guess this is part of the whole journey.
Cheers to September! Welcome October.. soon.
- Mood:
contemplative
Who loves being compared and be the point of it?
You do?
Well, I personally don't.
I avoid it.
I loathe it.
I hate it.
I think I should be more than happy that I'm lucky I was raised without these rubbish comparisons. Given that I'm an only child, I have no siblings to compared with. I am on my own. But the pressure is still there. Perfection is the goal. I am competing with myself.
But it seems that comparison is inevitable. I can't avoid it as much as I could. There are people who will just keep on comparing you to anyone else. It's part of the game.
Right now, I am facing quite a tough ordeal to fill in the shoes that was left vacant by my friend who left. It was a blessing and a
I was given only two days to turn-over all the paperworks, submission, transactions, shipments all those tasks assigned to him. Two days might be good enough for some. But not for me... a Communications grad tasked to do Engineering and Electrical stuff. It's like fish out of water. Everything is so new to me. I needed some time to absorb everything. But I was confident I can handle it. All I need is some time to warm up and learn the ropes in my own way.
So I started to gel in and learn everything little by little... or should I say absorb as much as I can. So far, I've made my boo-boos but I guess it's normal. I am giving my best shot with every transaction and submissions that I do. Bragging aside, I will give myself an A for effort that I am giving.. trying to cope up with the high demands that my work requires. But for some reasons, I just feel that my effort(s) isn't good enough. Or it's not enough at all. I hate being compared to my friend but there are some dorky creatures who just loves annoying me with their comparison. It's hard to be compared. And it's harder to conceal that you're hurt...disappointed.
Looking on the bright side of it, I'm just more challenged (as always) to prove myself and prove my worth. I'm working harder to fill in the huge shoe left to me. Give me some weeks more and you'll see. Hoping that soon enough, I won't be just "the replacement" anymore.
Bring it on.
- Mood: contemplative
The validation of all my hard work.. my decision to seek my luck. But I need more luck and endurance. I'm just too thankful and happy that my stay here in Doha is finally legalized. I'm now OFFICIALLY a resident of Doha. *cheers*
- Mood:
grateful
Facebook, for better or worse, is like being at a big party with all your friends, family, acquaintances and co-workers.
Facebook can be a great tool, and an occasional annoyance. What kind of Facebooker are you?
There are lots of fun, interesting people you're happy to talk to when they stroll up. Then there are the other people, the ones who make you cringe when you see them coming. This article is about those people.
Sure, Facebook can be a great tool for keeping up with folks who are important to you. Take the status update, the 160-character message that users post in response to the question, "What's on your mind?" An artful, witty or newsy status update is a pleasure -- a real-time, tiny window into a friend's life.
But far more posts read like navel-gazing diary entries, or worse, spam. A recent study categorized 40 percent of Twitter tweets as "pointless babble," and it wouldn't be surprising if updates on Facebook, still a fast-growing social network, break down in a similar way. 
Take a CNN quiz: What kind of Facebooker are you? »
Combine dull status updates with shameless self-promoters, "friend-padders" and that friend of a friend who sends you quizzes every day, and Facebook becomes a daily reminder of why some people can get on your nerves. 
Watch as Facebookers reveal bugbears »
Here are 12 of the most annoying types of Facebook users:
The Let-Me-Tell-You-Every-Detail-of-My-Day Bore. "I'm waking up." "I had Wheaties for breakfast." "I'm bored at work." "I'm stuck in traffic." You're kidding! How fascinating! No moment is too mundane for some people to broadcast unsolicited to the world. Just because you have 432 Facebook friends doesn't mean we all want to know when you're waiting for the bus.
The Self-Promoter. OK, so we've probably all posted at least once about some achievement. And sure, maybe your friends really do want to read the fascinating article you wrote about beet farming. But when almost EVERY update is a link to your blog, your poetry reading, your 10k results or your art show, you sound like a bragger or a self-centered careerist.
The Friend-Padder. The average Facebook user has 120 friends on the site. Schmoozers and social butterflies -- you know, the ones who make lifelong pals on the subway -- might reasonably have 300 or 400. But 1,000 "friends?" Unless you're George Clooney or just won the lottery, no one has that many. That's just showing off.
The Town Crier. "Michael Jackson is dead!!!" You heard it from me first! Me, and the 213,000 other people who all saw it on TMZ. These Matt Drudge wannabes are the reason many of us learn of breaking news not from TV or news sites but from online social networks. In their rush to trumpet the news, these people also spread rumors, half-truths and innuendo. No, Jeff Goldblum did not plunge to his death from a New Zealand cliff.
The TMIer. "Brad is heading to Walgreens to buy something for these pesky hemorrhoids." Boundaries of privacy and decorum don't seem to exist for these too-much-information updaters, who unabashedly offer up details about their sex lives, marital troubles and bodily functions. Thanks for sharing.
The Bad Grammarian. "So sad about Fara Fauset but Im so gladd its friday yippe". Yes, I know the punctuation rules are different in the digital world. And, no, no one likes a spelling-Nazi schoolmarm. But you sound like a moron.
The Sympathy-Baiter. "Barbara is feeling sad today." "Man, am I glad that's over." "Jim could really use some good news about now." Like anglers hunting for fish, these sad sacks cast out their hooks -- baited with vague tales of woe -- in the hopes of landing concerned responses. Genuine bad news is one thing, but these manipulative posts are just pleas for attention.
The Lurker. The Peeping Toms of Facebook, these voyeurs are too cautious, or maybe too lazy, to update their status or write on your wall. But once in a while, you'll be talking to them and they'll mention something you posted, so you know they're on your page, hiding in the shadows. It's just a little creepy.
The Crank. These curmudgeons, like the trolls who spew hate in blog comments, never met something they couldn't complain about. "Carl isn't really that impressed with idiots who don't realize how idiotic they are." [Actual status update.] Keep spreading the love.
The Paparazzo. Ever visit your Facebook page and discover that someone's posted a photo of you from last weekend's party -- a photo you didn't authorize and haven't even seen? You'd really rather not have to explain to your mom why you were leering like a drunken hyena and French-kissing a bottle of Jagermeister.
The Obscurist. "If not now then when?" "You'll see..." "Grist for the mill." "John is, small world." "Dave thought he was immune, but no. No, he is not." [Actual status updates, all.] Sorry, but you're not being mysterious -- just nonsensical.
We're related! I took the 'What President Are You?' quiz and found out I'm Millard Fillmore! What president are you?
- Mood:
drunk
But seriously, I wanna go back to blogger.
I think I'll have to sit and do the task of re-transferring everything here in LJ back to Blogger.
As much as I am enjoying my stay here in LJ, I think Blogger works for me better.
I'll be back.
Soon.
about anything.
I hated one-liner blogs.
I loathed Plurk.
I deleted my account.
I signed up on Twitter in June.
And I totally forgot that I had it.
'til last week.
I re-opened it.
And I'm hooked.
*Laughs*
and as the famous line goes:
FOLLOW ME.
www.twitter.com/geraldsarmiento
Now two months later, I'm glad to share that so far, I'm enjoying my new-found lifestyle. Simple yet complicated. Ironic? Yes. I'm enjoying every day that I have to wake up early and do everything for myself. Gone are the bratty days that everything is prepared before I roll up in bed. I think I've shared a couple of stories on how my day to day ordeals were (right before my laptop took a month break). Laughs. I learned those little things that I will never experience nor pick up should I stay back in my comfort zone. I became tougher. And I really promised myself that from now on, I'll be a tough cookie. OK, make it TOUGHER.
Two months to down, and I dunno how many more months to go before I go back home. 11 months perhaps? That is still uncertain. I'm still missing a good number of people from time to time (guess it's normal) but I'm dealing with it. It's like a cycle... that I get depressed err homesick. But I'm totally OK. Nothing to worry about.
I wasn't able to post photos here in my "almost haunted" blog. I'm just too pre-occupied now with work and busy with flat-chores. I'll catch up on the coming days.
I'm looking forward to more months to enjoy, more life lessons to learn and eye-openers to come.
Cheers to my 2nd month! And to the many months coming!
- Mood: cheerful
This time, I 'm a little more confident that once I make my wish list, there's a greater possibility for me to really have them. Thanks to my noble job. And since I am now considering myself an "improved" person (bashers, go ahead!), I'll be listing down the things that I NEED to have... not just I want them.
Drum roll's ready? 3...2... 1:
A Macbook or a Sony Vaio.
I'm tired of telling people how rubbish my jurassic-ish laptop is. I'm just happy it's still hanging by a finger since I still don't have the bucks for its replacement. I need to invest on a lappy that's why I wanna have either a Mac or a Vaio. I've done my scouting and I saw models of the two that are identical in price. Right now, I'm still torn on which to purchase in the next two or three months. Still have some months to decide.
A Blackberry Curve Phone
OK, this one is something more feasible and light. I've decided to purchase a Blackberry phone when I go home. But for now, gotta settle for Nokia E71 and leave this Curve thing on my wishlist til uhm... next year? Laughs. E71, I'll see you next week.
Ipod Touch (First Gen or Second... doesn't matter)
I've learned my lesson now not to rely mainly on phone as your music source. My battery suffered alot that's why I'm planning to buy (after several attempts) a music player. After my old music player died err broke, I relied on my phone for my "sleep setting" needs. Gotta have a reliable one... and WiFi is a bonus.
A Document err Office Bag
This is something that I really need. The bag that I brought here in Doha is so worn out, the leather cover on it's handles chipped off big time. I terribly need a new bag for all my documents and office things. Geez. Investments. Investments. Investments.
Trousers... Trousers and more Trousers
I wanna invest on good trousers. I need a slim fit. Hopefully Zara Man would come up with new styles this month... or even Splash. *fingers crossed*
OK, enough. Next plan, how to budget my bread so all these things won't remain on my wish list for long.
Think. Think. Think.
- Mood:
bouncy
If I'll sum up the past week that I had, it's jam-packed and work-ful.
I had my medical test early Sunday morning and luckily passed.
I went to Bani Hajer to inspect gigantic drums of cable wires under humidity and scorching heat. (I had my souvenir, severe colds from the dust I collected during inspection).
I had my blood typing and finger printing which are the last few steps for ensuring a residency permit here in Qatar. I learned that I have B positive blood type.
Got alot of paperworks and submissions to do... and luckily, I met the deadline. Whew!
We now have net connection at home. My old lappy's back so I am now connected online. Happy.
Despite a very busy week, it was so fulfilling that I surpassed all those. All the demands and stress. Claps.
Definitely, there are a lot more reasons to be happy over a handful of stressors.
I've learned to cut down my expenses with food and other miscellaneous fees because I know there are alot of important bills that I need to prioritize first. But the problem is, almost every thing that I have (gadget-wise) needs an emergency replacement.
My phone is still rubbish. There are times that I can't hear the other party when I'm engaged in a phone call (and vice-versa). Sending SMS is not a custom here. Better give a short ring.
My laptop (like what I've shared last month) died an unexpectedly. I was still hoping that some good soul (IT technician perhaps) will rescue it but sadly, our resident technician can't resolve the issue. Still no Wi-fi, still no sound, no anti-virus.. and worse, no Office available. And he proactively downgraded it to XP (from Vista). I'm totally pissed.
I know laptops are everywhere here. Alot of good Sale(s) every week. But my budget is very much limited. I'm no longer the bratty me who will ask Dad to buy me an immediate replacement. This is part of my transformation... to be more responsible.
These gadgets are investments. I don't want to settle for anything less or for those substandard replacements. I'm after the quality. But of course, I have the hefty price to pay and the long months to wait before I'll be able to purchase my "wish-item".
I'm getting tired of budgeting my very few remaining bread. Even my salary for this month is already "budgeted" for the succeeding expenses. I'm still thinking where I can cut a few pieces off so I can augment my "wish-list" budget. Definitely, I'll purchase a phone first. It's more feasible and lighter on the pocket.
As for my lappy, God knows when I will be able to save at least 4000 rials for my worthy lappy investment. *sigh*
- Mood:
distressed
This is my song for myself again.
I used to sing this to myself and it stopped.
And now, I'm singing the same song...
AGAIN.
- Mood: nostalgic
I'm happy to blog after more than a month. So many things happened and I am afraid I missed quite a number of details of it.
For the past month:
- I wasn''t able to secure a job within my one month of stay here in Doha.
- My visa expired before landing a job.
- I needed to go to Bahrain for an exit and go back in Doha in afternoon for visa renewal.
- I was detained in Bahrain International Airport for like half an hour because I was suspected to have AH1N1 virus due to fever that registered in thermal scanner.
- My laptop broke and all my important documents and blog entries were all there. And sadly, my Gossip Girl (season 1 and 2) is there. Sad. Sad.
- My phone also needs urgent replacement.
- I was able to land a job a day after I returned from Bahrain.
- I moved to my third flat. New house. Definitely a better one.
- After a week of working, I transferred to another company. This time, for good.
- After almost two months, I am experiencing homesickness. Big time. I'm missing home. I'm missing Mom. I'm missing my friends.
- I've experienced skipping meals. Sad.
This one single entry is vague, lacks coherence. I know. I'm just drafting this while I'm sipping a mug of warm milk tea.
I am back.
I am looking forward to more blog entries in the coming days.
Blue Hamburger signing on....
- Mood:
bored
I'm half-way there.
Half-way to securing my future.
or half-way going home and left still hanging.
Tomorrow will be my 15th (visa-wise) and 14th day (officially) here in Doha. Still searching for my luck.
But I wanna take a break from blogging on my sentiments on my job-hunting. For today, I will just share some "observations" during my two-weeks stay here.
- So far, I haven't seen any ant here.My food (even sweets) are openly lying on my table and I don't have to worry about those ants that might crawl over my food.
but...
there are plenty of tiny roaches.
- If in the Philippines, it's quite usual to see dog poops on the streets because of our local "Askals" (asong kalye), here in Doha, they dogs are really house pets. They are groomed and well taken care of.
but...
there are alot of stray cats here. I call them "pusakals" (pusang kalye) instead. I swear, cats are everywhere here.
- For car enthusiasts, Gulf can be your haven. A lot of luxury cars are flashing on the streets. Those cars that in the Philippines are owned ONLY by those rich socialites might just be a patrol car here in the Gulf. This is the first time that I saw those Jaguar, Porsche, Lombargini, BMW and other sports car first hand. Really.
- In relation, cars here are cheap. That's why they're like mobile phones that Qataris replace very often. maybe because petroleum prices are also cheap.
- I assume that every household here owns at least two cars. Every member of the family drives a car. And as a result, traffic are inevitable. Good thing, roads here are wide enough, it's still bearable.
- Roads in Doha are really deadly. vehicles come in lightning speed. They only mind their speed limit when there are those high-speed cameras around. OMG. Mind your safety.
- The Filipino community here constitutes to one of the major minorities here in Doha next to Indians and Nepalis. That is why, I didn't have a hard time adjusting to food. Except for pork, almost every Filipino food is available here. Even your Boy Bawang, Lucky Me Pancit Canton, Daing na Bangus, Tinapa and just this afternoon, I bought Pan de Sal. At least, I won't miss Pinoy food(s) that much.
-There is this place called Souk which is pretty much like our local Divisoria. There are alot of cheap finds there and Pinoy deli shops. I went there the other night and I was amazed how alot of Filipinos flock there and shops are even named "Kabayan groceries", "Manila shop". Very Filipino indeed.
That's it for now. I'll list down a handful more on my succeeding entries.
Vince shared a few weeks ago a line that somewhat says: "You have to embrace every change in your life and wait 'til it hugs back". I am always keeping that in mind and pay extra effort not only to embrace but to bear-hug everything. Seems like I can now feel that it hugs me back.
I am now confident I have fully adjusted to my new "less-complicated,more-demanding" lifestyle here in Doha. I am Mr. Independent. I am responsible to everything. I am loving my independence. Really. The scorching heat has become part of my everyday saga. I am now used to it. My body has adapted to the new environment. Lesser sweat. Hopefully, it'll become "no-sweat" at all. Laughs.
I became a less picky eater. I eat whatever is in my fridge or whatever is cheap and edible. As long as it fills my empty tummy and nutrients (at least), then I'm fine with it.After all, I can only opt to something fried or steamed. Still no room for stews dear.
Laundry problem was resolved. Thanks to my villa-mates that lends their washer. I have my own schedule of washing my clothes and thank God, my hands will be spared from effin laundry soap allergies.
But after all the adjustments and "hugging backs". Only one thing is missing. The vital one. A job. Yes, I'm still searching for it. Chasing for it. My bucks are running out. Gotta find a job at least til mid this month. That is the only thing missing and I'm working and praying hard for it.
After all, what will be the sense of all these adjustments when I will go back home by the 24th?
I won't go home.
I don't wanna go home... yet.
This is an excerpt from what Aylnn sent me yesterday. Nice one.
I'll take it one step at a time.
I'll exhaust and exploit every possibility. I've talked with my Dad about this matter and I'm just too thankful he understands what I'm going through. He assured me that I have nothing to worry about. No need to pressure myself that much. Just play the game and enjoy the whole experience. Whew!
Today, I tried my luck with Gulf Times and paid an advertisement again. I spent a lil too much (again) today but I hope it's all worth the bucks I shelled out.
I have prospects by tomorrow. Hope this will give me good news.
On the other hand, seems that my skin has adjusted with the ruthless heat. I stayed out quite long waiting for my car lift and I've just noticed that it didn't hurt my skin that much. Unlike my first few days where it brought burning sensation to my poor skin. Clap. Clap.
Mom sent me a message this morning, she promised to send me bottles of sunblock last week but sadly, she took it back this morning. The person whom she asked to bring my sunblock refused and instead, he'll just bring a couple of shirts more. Geez. Seems like I have no choice but to buy (expensive) sunblocks here. Bucks to spend again. Need to save up.
XOXO
After my "drama moment" this afternoon, I tried to catch some sleep. I woke up hungry so I had my dinner early. I'm almost done eating my meal when one of my room mate Kuya Danny came home from work.
He handed me big plastic bag and said: "This is for you."
My initial reaction was: "Huh?"
And he repeated, "This is for you."
I opened the bag and saw two pieces of fried chicken, a box of fries and a liter of soda.
I was so surprised my eyes grew wide. What a pleasant err yummy surprise. He said one of his friends treated them out for dinner and he bought me some chicken and fries. That was so sweet.
If there's any word or phrase that can express how thankful I am for this surprise, I will definitely use it.
Coming from a person whom I just met for more than a week, I am amazed how nice some people are.
This is one great reward and comfort meal to cheer me up and get going.
Just when I need it.
