Life Is A Gift

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Today before you think of saying an unkind word–

think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food–
think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife–
think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life–
think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children–
think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep–
think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive–
think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job–
think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another–
remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down–
put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it.

~unknown~

WOW

I am so proud of my hubby.  He's been working on an SEO project and now it has paid off.  The site www.wowusb.com has landed on the first page of Google!  Yay!  Now, the goal is to maintain its position. 

For someone who did not own (and use) a computer until he got married, my Sweetheart has really gone a long way when it comes to web technology.  I remember teasing him during the first few years of our marriage about his ignorance on the use of computers & the internet (he was born and raised in the province, & even when he studied in Baguio City, his University course did not require the use of computers then).

But for some reason, he got interested in technology.  And his interest turned into passion.  He devoted so much time studying all about it, albeit informally (self-study via web only), until he mastered it.  He can even build a computer from scratch!  I remember back in Canada when we would buy computers from garage sales at $20; then he would upgrade and sell them at $150.  That was really awesome!

I used to be his teacher and guide in the world wide web, but now it's the other way around.  I must admit, he's now the more techie one.  

From learning HTML to building computers to designing websites and now successfully doing SEO, you have indeed gone a looong way, Sweet!  I love you and I'm so very proud of you!  Keep it up!

We Belong

I have always been very proud of our Couples CG (Caring Group).   I love saying it is the best CG ever!  Why?  Here are some of the reasons:

1.  We all feel that our CG is the ‘perfect’ CG for us and that somehow we ‘attracted’ it.

2.  We feel the GENUINE care and affection of each couple member.

3.  We belong to different age group and yet we ‘click’ so much.

4.  All members are active in the service not just in the community but also in the other ministries supported by LOJ like Tahanan ng Pagmamahal, Grace to be Born, He Cares, among others.

5.  We feel that our week is not complete without a CG meeting so we have NEVER taken a CG break EVER! :)

6.  I think that we are the only CG that enjoys each other’s company so much that:

    a.  5 hours are not enough for a CG meeting;

    b. we sometimes meet 2-3x a week for other get together like shopping,  business planning or just plain bonding;

    c.  attendance is almost always complete (considering our CG consists of 10 couples).

7.  The only reason why couples leave our CG is because they become CG heads themselves; but even then, they still come and join our CG meeting whenever they get the chance because according to them, our CG really is different in a lot of ways.

8.  All our CG couple members, particularly our CG Heads, Bro. Randy & Sis. Mina Poon, embody the unique trait of the LOJ leaders:  HUMILITY.  Everyone is professional in his/her own right and everyone is a potential leader, and yet there is no hint of arrogance or the need to impose on anyone his/her opinion or stand.  Instead, we all recognize our own strengths and capabilities to make each activity successful. 

One proof is the recent culminating activity of our CG which was held in Baler, Aurora from November 2-4, 2012.  This event was well-planned & organized by everyone and thus, all our families enjoyed every moment we spent with each other.  It was indeed a very successful and meaningful trip that deepened our bond as a CG.  

[CGs are small groups of 10-15 people who meet each week to pray together & share how God's word applies in their lives.  The groups are created under the umbrella of Bro. Bo Sanchez' Light of Jesus Family].

Woe to Call Center Agents

I only meant to give a quick comment but as I was writing the same, I got carried away.  So, I thought, why not blog about it?  

It all started with the shared Note entitled "The Call of Call Center Agents", privilege speech of Rep. Raymond Palatino delivered in 2009 ( (http://www.facebook.com/notes/milet-miranda/the-call-of-call-center-agent/136830689712269).

And my supposedly short reply to my former co-worker's comment turned into this:

"Kaya hindi yan matunog (in reference to the Bill), kasi mababaw mga arguments ng author. And while his claims may be somewhat true, parang pulitika lang ang dating nya. 

I think BPO is one of the greatest things that ever happened to our country. And generally, the rules and policies seem fair, as they are the same with BPOs in 1st world countries such as Canada and the US. The main problem lies with the ones that implement those rules, like the power-trippers of the industry (and we may very well know a lot in IBM Daksh where we all worked). These people get so power drunk that they abuse their discretion to the detriment of the agents or the staff below them. 

So, I guess, it would all depend on the people running the business, and not the industry itself. You think these things happen in Canada and US? Probably. But I've got first hand experience on how things run in 3 particular call centers in Canada and US, but I NEVER, for once, felt my rights as an employee were abused. So, imagine my shock when I got hired by IBM Daksh!  This is one company that our government should definitely investigate.

And boy, was I glad that it was all over (my employment, but not the FIGHT)! 

And now, I feel so fortunate to belong to another BPO company, which, may I emphasize, follow the same protocols as other BPOs. But why, you may ask, do I feel differently here? Because, the people running the business are mostly whites! Our TLs and Managers are all Americans, and therefore, I feel like I'm back in Canada, where I could FREELY, healthily argue my points and views, and my superiors won't be offended whatsoever. Imagine doing that to Pinoy call center managers and see where it will lead you -- out on the streets, jobless and spirit-crushed -- coz they'd make sure you get all the demerits they could ever find in the books, coz they don't want to get out-smarted, although, most of them are really just plain, old stupid douchebags that got into power for whatever reason. 

And that's the ugly truth.  I may sound like I favor the whites over us, but try to find any call center agent that has never been professionally challenged, insulted or harassed by a Pinoy superior or co-worker.  

Anyways, goodluck to all call center agents. My heart's truly with y'all. But things will never change here in the country unless we eliminate all the suckers in the BPOs. 

Yet, I still don't rest my case. (wink!)"

**********************

Update:

I won my case against IBM Daksh!  Decision says 'reinstate complainant-appellant to her former position without loss of seniority rights and privileges and to pay her full backwages inclusive of allowances and benefits computed from the time she was allegedly dismissed ... until she is effectively reinstated.'

Like An Angel

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It never fails to bring tears to my eyes whenever people tell me how much I (and my family) have touched their lives. Some people can be very vocal about their gratitude that you cant help but feel like an angel. 

Like an Angel …

Wow! Even for just one tiny bit of a moment, you feel like you are pure, divine being, living a human experience.  Which I believe, we all are.  Like what my soul father, Dr. Wayne Dyer, says according to Tao.

So, I’ll just go on and be who I am.  Coz who I really am is an Angel in disguise.