Been caught up in a visual management frenzy these past couple of weeks.
Since we now have our own visual management system (aka bulletin board, VMC, kanban, etc.), I felt re-energized and motivated. I wanted to use that as a tool to really make our goals as a team visible. It is in synch with the One Minute Manager Principle, in that the goals must be clearly spelt out. I also started becoming more communicative to the team, especially when it comes to informing them of my whereabouts, my itinerary, meetings, etc. Of course, I still have a long way to go. I can feel my patience wearing thin at times, and I know that it is obvious to them as well. I have to learn how to look people straight in the eye more often. The latter has always been my thing - I sometimes tend to look anywhere but in the eyes of the person with whom I am conversing. Baby steps - like what I said, I'm getting there.
I just hope I could finish the reprieves so I can look forward to a great week. I am thinking of having everyone work the same schedule - think that would create more cohesion as a team? Let me sleep on it first. I can't wait to do my 1:1s with my staff - WAY OVERDUE. But in order to start doing that, I need to have the data prepared. So help me JC, please!!!
Something to think about
“Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.”
Paul van Dyk Live in Manila: October 19, 2011
This was his fifth time here in Manila. That's right, his fifth. This time, it is for his Evolution World Tour.
My dear friend Jane and I decided to come out of party hibernation and show up at this event. It's a birthday celebration for us both as well, albeit a belated one.
When we got there, I first thought to myself, "I didn't miss out a lot after all." Everything looked strangely familiar to me - the set, the props, the lighting, and most of all, the people. That's right, there were a lot of familiar faces that night. I'm almost certain they just kept on partying, attending events since the last time I saw them. Case in point: a friend of mine, his cousin and their group of friends were there. Didn't get a chance to say hi to them, though. I figured, it was impossible for them NOT to see me. What, with the curly hair, big glasses, and my 6'1" frame? I don't think so. But since no one bothered to approach us, I didn't exchange pleasantries with them.
That aside, how was the event? I loved it. Progressive trance is really one of my favorite types of music, and PVD is one of the best at that. My heart seemed to go up and down along with his music. Jane had a great time too - she kept on dancing nonstop! I restrained myself a bit when it came to dancing to be honest. I am still a bit shy dancing in public. Besides, I feel that I have yet to find a signature move. Hahahaha! Which reminds me: I need to check out the dancing schools in our neighborhood. Who knows, I might have had it in me all along. :-)
Here is a pic taken from the event. This was just taken from my phone, so apologies in advance if it's not that good. Nonetheless, hope you enjoy!
One of my favorite parts was when he played Home. It's one of his more recent tracks, and it became an instant classic the moment it was released. I was hoping he would play White Lies, another favorite of mine. Then again, we left until after 4 am, and I don't know until what time he played. He could've played it toward the end, which would be unfortunate for me.
I'll see if I can post a video which I shot from the event. This was when a videoclip was being shown explaining how evolution came to be, and how it fits in his whole show. I love the concept! Some might find it cheesy, but I'm biased. So sue me. Hehehe.
photo credit: http://www.paulvandyk.com/img/pvd.jpg
My dear friend Jane and I decided to come out of party hibernation and show up at this event. It's a birthday celebration for us both as well, albeit a belated one.
When we got there, I first thought to myself, "I didn't miss out a lot after all." Everything looked strangely familiar to me - the set, the props, the lighting, and most of all, the people. That's right, there were a lot of familiar faces that night. I'm almost certain they just kept on partying, attending events since the last time I saw them. Case in point: a friend of mine, his cousin and their group of friends were there. Didn't get a chance to say hi to them, though. I figured, it was impossible for them NOT to see me. What, with the curly hair, big glasses, and my 6'1" frame? I don't think so. But since no one bothered to approach us, I didn't exchange pleasantries with them.
That aside, how was the event? I loved it. Progressive trance is really one of my favorite types of music, and PVD is one of the best at that. My heart seemed to go up and down along with his music. Jane had a great time too - she kept on dancing nonstop! I restrained myself a bit when it came to dancing to be honest. I am still a bit shy dancing in public. Besides, I feel that I have yet to find a signature move. Hahahaha! Which reminds me: I need to check out the dancing schools in our neighborhood. Who knows, I might have had it in me all along. :-)
Here is a pic taken from the event. This was just taken from my phone, so apologies in advance if it's not that good. Nonetheless, hope you enjoy!
I'll see if I can post a video which I shot from the event. This was when a videoclip was being shown explaining how evolution came to be, and how it fits in his whole show. I love the concept! Some might find it cheesy, but I'm biased. So sue me. Hehehe.
Monday thoughts
"Happiness comes through taming the mind; without taming the mind there is no way to be happy."
- His Holiness The Dalai Lama (www.twitter.com/DalaiLama)
Sent from my BlackBerry®
What a day
I am talking about the events that transpired starting Wednesday afternoon. I watched The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall at 5:00 PM. Kidding. It was in Greenbelt 3, although TPOTOATRAH was the title. It was over 3 hours long. They showed the history of the musical - how Andrew Lloyd Weber came up with the idea, the success it's gained all over the world, etc. Hard to believe it's been 25 years since its first show in London.
Then came the actual musical. Amazing. The company was fantastic! The Christine they got was beautiful, plus her voice was spot on. The Phantom was creepy. He's that good. Oh how I envy these musical actors and their God-given talents! :)
After the curtain call, Andrew Lloyd Weber came on stage to say a few words. Then the original cast came on stage. Sarah Brightman, ex-wife of ALW and the first Christine, sang The Phantom of the Opera with four of the past Phantoms. Michael Crawford, the first Phantom (who won both a Tony and an Olivier for this role) came on stage too, but he didn't sing. Later on I read in Wiki that he came from another show so he wasn't able to sing.
So that was the highlight of my day, I would say.
When I got to work, I got stuck in two meetings, which lasted for 2.5 hours in all. I already knew I wasn't feeling well - I have a terrible cough and I feel I have so much phlegm inside me that's very stubborn and refuse to come out. Plus, I had very little sleep. So I opted to take a sleeping lunch instead (a term we use when we wanna spend our lunch break sleeping). When I woke up, I grabbed a bite at our cafeteria. But I knew something was wrong still. So I went to the clinic and asked if I could use the nebulizer. The nurse set it up for me, and before I knew it I was out for three hours. Good thing I informed my boss and my senior staff that I was going to the clinic.
It ain't over yet. Let me tell you how I ended up all the way in Cavite. Laters.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Then came the actual musical. Amazing. The company was fantastic! The Christine they got was beautiful, plus her voice was spot on. The Phantom was creepy. He's that good. Oh how I envy these musical actors and their God-given talents! :)
After the curtain call, Andrew Lloyd Weber came on stage to say a few words. Then the original cast came on stage. Sarah Brightman, ex-wife of ALW and the first Christine, sang The Phantom of the Opera with four of the past Phantoms. Michael Crawford, the first Phantom (who won both a Tony and an Olivier for this role) came on stage too, but he didn't sing. Later on I read in Wiki that he came from another show so he wasn't able to sing.
So that was the highlight of my day, I would say.
When I got to work, I got stuck in two meetings, which lasted for 2.5 hours in all. I already knew I wasn't feeling well - I have a terrible cough and I feel I have so much phlegm inside me that's very stubborn and refuse to come out. Plus, I had very little sleep. So I opted to take a sleeping lunch instead (a term we use when we wanna spend our lunch break sleeping). When I woke up, I grabbed a bite at our cafeteria. But I knew something was wrong still. So I went to the clinic and asked if I could use the nebulizer. The nurse set it up for me, and before I knew it I was out for three hours. Good thing I informed my boss and my senior staff that I was going to the clinic.
It ain't over yet. Let me tell you how I ended up all the way in Cavite. Laters.
Sent from my BlackBerry®
Something to think about
“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do and damned if you don't.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt (from http://goo.gl/DOOoy)
Let's put Habit 1 to the test this week, shall we?
This week will be very challenging for me. Why? Because aside from the usual tons of stuff I got to do, I have to prove to myself that I CHOOSE to be proactive. Proactive in the 7 Habits sense. I would not let things which are beyond my Circle of Influence get to me. I'd focus on the things I can control, no matter how small or little they are. I'll start with my chosen response to stimuli.
First, what are the things I need to complete this week anyway?
Finish scorecard coaching for 3Q
Start coaching for first week of October stats
Passport renewal
Bill payments
Drivers License Renewal
Change oil, tune up of suzie
Watch more flicks at the Spanish Film Fest
Watch Phantom of the Opera at Greenbelt
Pray! Especially come Wednesday - Perpetual Help
Fellowship plans with the team
Hear Mass on Friday
Consultation with pulmonologist
Training of team
Also some of the things I hope to do as well:
Get Postal ID
Join weekday choir practice
Swim at Ace Water Spa
Hit the gym
Whew! I'm no super human. It's not going to be easy to accomplish all these. But with careful and strategic planning, plus proper delegation, communication and follow-ups, I reckon it can be done.
So, back to Habit 1. What's up with that, you ask? Well, last week was a real test for me. I was made to feel like I was very incompetent at what I do. I was questioned as to why I am here (position-wise) in the first place, given that I had myriads of issues, especially when it comes to dealing with people. No matter how strong a person you are, you can't say that hearing something like that won't hurt you. I admit, it did. Whilst in retrospect, I know I could've chosen a better response, I'm just glad I didn't do anything worse. I don't wanna disclose what happened - that woudn't be part of me being proactive now, would it? But I am allowing myself to talk about it just one last time here. I choose to focus on the things I can control and influence. It wouldn't be easy, but with JC's help, I can do this.
Oh, did I mention my birthday's also coming up this week? :)
First, what are the things I need to complete this week anyway?
Finish scorecard coaching for 3Q
Start coaching for first week of October stats
Passport renewal
Bill payments
Drivers License Renewal
Change oil, tune up of suzie
Watch more flicks at the Spanish Film Fest
Watch Phantom of the Opera at Greenbelt
Pray! Especially come Wednesday - Perpetual Help
Fellowship plans with the team
Hear Mass on Friday
Consultation with pulmonologist
Training of team
Also some of the things I hope to do as well:
Get Postal ID
Join weekday choir practice
Swim at Ace Water Spa
Hit the gym
Whew! I'm no super human. It's not going to be easy to accomplish all these. But with careful and strategic planning, plus proper delegation, communication and follow-ups, I reckon it can be done.
So, back to Habit 1. What's up with that, you ask? Well, last week was a real test for me. I was made to feel like I was very incompetent at what I do. I was questioned as to why I am here (position-wise) in the first place, given that I had myriads of issues, especially when it comes to dealing with people. No matter how strong a person you are, you can't say that hearing something like that won't hurt you. I admit, it did. Whilst in retrospect, I know I could've chosen a better response, I'm just glad I didn't do anything worse. I don't wanna disclose what happened - that woudn't be part of me being proactive now, would it? But I am allowing myself to talk about it just one last time here. I choose to focus on the things I can control and influence. It wouldn't be easy, but with JC's help, I can do this.
Oh, did I mention my birthday's also coming up this week? :)
Just a few thoughts before I sign off
Watching Russell Peters now while here at work (still). He's so funny! He does accents so well, plus his facial expressions are a treat. There's truth to what he says at times, you have to admit. I like how he portrays Filipinos, especially the ones living in America. "Junjun, show Tito Ray how you play the piano. Show Tito Ray!" Classic!
I just realized, Pelicula has started and I have not seen a single flick! Boo. I have been so caught up with work this week. I have to promise myself to come home on time. I end up staying so long in the office, it's starting to take a toll on my health.
Speaking of work, I stumbled across an article in the internet - 10 Signs You're Unhappy At Work (click here for the article). A lot of the things resonated with me. Sigh. Especially the part with the physical symptoms. I haven't been this sickly since I was in grade school, it's crazy. I get stressed thinking about my health at times, which doesn't help. And what's funny (in a way) is that my health deteriorated because of stress in the first place! Hahaha.
Looking forward to this weekend - watch at the Spanish Film Fest with friends, having a nightcap with my childhood friends. The latter I am excited about more - we haven't hung out for the longest time. To be honest, I don't expect anything exciting to happen. But at least we get to hang out.
My birthday's coming up in a week. Aargh! Hehehe.
I just realized, Pelicula has started and I have not seen a single flick! Boo. I have been so caught up with work this week. I have to promise myself to come home on time. I end up staying so long in the office, it's starting to take a toll on my health.
Speaking of work, I stumbled across an article in the internet - 10 Signs You're Unhappy At Work (click here for the article). A lot of the things resonated with me. Sigh. Especially the part with the physical symptoms. I haven't been this sickly since I was in grade school, it's crazy. I get stressed thinking about my health at times, which doesn't help. And what's funny (in a way) is that my health deteriorated because of stress in the first place! Hahaha.
Looking forward to this weekend - watch at the Spanish Film Fest with friends, having a nightcap with my childhood friends. The latter I am excited about more - we haven't hung out for the longest time. To be honest, I don't expect anything exciting to happen. But at least we get to hang out.
My birthday's coming up in a week. Aargh! Hehehe.
LSS: New York City
New York City - Paul van Dyk
(feat. Ashley Tomberlin)
I watch the sky turn black to blush
Head still spinning from the rush
Of all the things I did the night before
And looking down from my hotel
These dawn-lit streets begin to fill
With memories of you and I
On a New York City night
I shake my head to clear the sounds
The traffic horns, the growing crowd
The sun awaking over central park
But still it creeps beneath my skin
All of these heartbeats in the din
With concrete dreams stirring to life
On a New York City night
And I take it with me when I leave
The crowded skyline, the energy
The sleepless city always leaves its mark
Just close my eyes and I'm back again
The neon flush upon our skin
Still wrapped in thoughts of love and wine
On a New York City night
(feat. Ashley Tomberlin)
I watch the sky turn black to blush
Head still spinning from the rush
Of all the things I did the night before
And looking down from my hotel
These dawn-lit streets begin to fill
With memories of you and I
On a New York City night
I shake my head to clear the sounds
The traffic horns, the growing crowd
The sun awaking over central park
But still it creeps beneath my skin
All of these heartbeats in the din
With concrete dreams stirring to life
On a New York City night
And I take it with me when I leave
The crowded skyline, the energy
The sleepless city always leaves its mark
Just close my eyes and I'm back again
The neon flush upon our skin
Still wrapped in thoughts of love and wine
On a New York City night
Photo credit: Kaldoon
Sometimes I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. Damn if you do, damn if you don't. To say I am tired would probably be an understatement at this point.
I know, I know - focus on my circle of influence. Things on which I have control. It does seem like an exercise in futility when we try to lament over things beyond our control. But hey, I am only human.
It just gets very frustrating at times.
I know, I know - focus on my circle of influence. Things on which I have control. It does seem like an exercise in futility when we try to lament over things beyond our control. But hey, I am only human.
It just gets very frustrating at times.
Talk about busy!
For some reason, my entry about how crazy this week will be was not saved. #boo Oh well. I now need to get ready to officially start my week, so wish me luck! Remember: circle of influence.
Calvin: I'm a genius, but I'm a misunderstood genius.
Hobbes: What's misunderstood about you?
Calvin: Nobody thinks I'm a genius.
Hobbes: What's misunderstood about you?
Calvin: Nobody thinks I'm a genius.
- Calvin & Hobbes (taken from http://goo.gl/aNc5E)
Comfort food at Italianni's
Saturday after shift, I was feeling kinda tired. I got back to work after being under house arrest for 8 working days; and the fact that I worked for twelve hours on the first day made me kinda loopy. So, I decided that I deserved a treat. I was initially thinking of going to Flapjacks, a pancake place in Greenbelt 2. But, when I got there I just discovered that they had already closed! Fail. Good thing, right beside it was Italianni's. So I decided to have my lunch there instead (this was approaching twelve noon already).
Given that I am on a limited budget (I've decided not to go over 1k - heck, I'm broke enough as it is), I was kinda torn on what to order. I decided to order the bruschetta with tomato salad and mushroom, and for the main course I went with the herb roasted chicken. For the drink, I was pleasantly suprised they had Hi-C Apple. You see, I always order that whenever I'm at a Burger King. So to see that in Italianni's, well, you just have to go with it, right?
Overall, I had a very pleasant meal. I was stuffed after consuming almost everything (there were two pieces of bruschetta left). But it was very comforting, you know? Whenever I eat there, I always end up having a good time. Perhaps we can charge it to the fact that whenever I eat there, it was with friends. And it is always a treat to have good food with friends while sharing stories and laughing. Granted, I was by myself when I went there. But still, I guess it's also the feeling that I am blessed to enjoy good food, even when alone.
Given that I am on a limited budget (I've decided not to go over 1k - heck, I'm broke enough as it is), I was kinda torn on what to order. I decided to order the bruschetta with tomato salad and mushroom, and for the main course I went with the herb roasted chicken. For the drink, I was pleasantly suprised they had Hi-C Apple. You see, I always order that whenever I'm at a Burger King. So to see that in Italianni's, well, you just have to go with it, right?
Overall, I had a very pleasant meal. I was stuffed after consuming almost everything (there were two pieces of bruschetta left). But it was very comforting, you know? Whenever I eat there, I always end up having a good time. Perhaps we can charge it to the fact that whenever I eat there, it was with friends. And it is always a treat to have good food with friends while sharing stories and laughing. Granted, I was by myself when I went there. But still, I guess it's also the feeling that I am blessed to enjoy good food, even when alone.
The classic complementary ciabatta with balsamic vinegar dip.
My drink - yummy Hi-C Apple
Italianni's Menu (at this point I was pretty bored while waiting for my food)
Condiments
Finally, the bruschetta arrives!
Herb Roasted Chicken
Here, I poured the gravy over the chicken.
All gone! Yum!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)