T&I: Blessed For Success

Not everyone we influence will think the same way we do. We have to help them not only to believe that they can succeed, but also we have to show them that we want them to succeed…. So, how….

Expect it: People can sense the underlying attitude no matter what we say or do. Let them know you are expecting them to succeed.

Verbalize it: People need to hear it. Tell them to that you believe in them and want them to succeed. Become a positive prophet of their success.

Reinforce it: People need encouragement. Seeing that you care to know their progress will let them realize that is also important to you.

Pave the way: Give them opportunity to show their best. Give them challenge to harness their worth. Give the boost and helping hand.

Once people recognize and understand that you genuinely want them succeed and are committed to helping them, they will begin to believe that they can accomplish what you give to them.

The Holiday (A Recap)

December had passed just like a breeze, leaving me dizzy, disorganized and “bitin.” There is a feeling that I could have done more or differently… but then, I realized that every moments that passed during this holiday were all blessed, memorable and joyous! So, I have to recap it here in my “time capsule:”

1. We gave a surprise simple birthday bash for our old friend, John-john. We know he was so happy, just as he thought we have already “forgotten” him.
2. A get-together with SVS Partners for Ron’s birthday, at Casa Milan (the famous house of Lorna T at “Dahil May Isang Ikaw”). Always a great night to spend with close friends!
3. The SGV friends gathered in Judith’s condo for a simple, laugh-filled dinner!
4. Lean’s confirmation… his entry to Eucharistic world!
5. Dinner date with my very good friend, Verna, at Glorietta. We had oyster and beer and a goooood conversation!
6. The Christmas Party of Audit Pipol is such a hit! We had a fabulous time with their presentations and games! They really took effort to prepare.
7. The Audit Pipol surprised me again with a birthday program. As much I feel uncomfortable with solo spotlight, I enjoyed it much! Thank you!
8. The “Star Awards” for Audit Pipol… that garnered a good review!
9. Seri Asia’s soft opening at Alpha Land. Another inspiring (and daring) business move by our friend Flor. Congatulations!
10. The DAY…. my big day! What full-packed day! So here’s the way to celebrate a birthday! a. Charity-gift-giving (Project K for K); b. Lunch with my PG Auditors; c. Swimming at Ace Water Spa with kids; d. Xmas party with SVS Pipol! (wheeew!)… See photos here!
11. Great time bowling with Kuya Ricky, Dad and kids!
12. Kuya Lito and family arrived on the 22th (seeing them again after 10 years is such a blessed, exciting moment!)
13. Another Project K for K with my cousins, nieces & nephews… we brought joy to 150 kids with our toy gifts.
14. The sunset jump shots— super-duper goofying time in the farm doing wacky pics!
15. The Christmas EVE! The long-awaited family raffle, bingo and gift-giving! with TV and digital camera as grand prizes, it actually went to me and Kuya Lito, so we have raffled it off again! Wow Moments!
16. The Christmas morning! Being together again (the complete family) after so many years is just seem so “unreal”
17. Christmas shopping spree with Mama at Puregold Shaw! thank you Boss!
18. The Outing! The great family reunion and overnight outing at St Agatha Resort at Guiguinto! Really bonding moments! It was Papi’s Bday too!
19. Night-out at Buslo’s with Kuyas and Ates and Tito and Dad and Cousins… Where did they go after… What? “Petals?”
20. We went to Malabon and “namasko” and the family ate at Shakey’s on the 31st.
21. Boat ride with Chuko and Deanne and cousins! another highlight of the holiday!
22. The new year preparation, highlighted by a set-up movie theater! I’ve also made a “These Are the Days” music video clip for family affairs.
23. Relaxed moments (after a day at work on the 2nd) with my 2 Kuyas. Bonding moment with Te Leli and Deanne while swimming at Cool Waves on the 3rd. Chuko’s bonding with the dogs and cats!
24. Took leave (on first office day of the year!) and went home to Marilao, where Kuya Lito and family had dinner. The cousins were having fun and bonding moments.
25. The BYE day! On the 6th, we had a despedida dinner for Kuya Lito at Gerry’s Grill at MOA… and off they went to airport… not much to say, it was just a “teary” moment…!
26. Double BYE day! when we went back to Racks MOA to have dinner with Kuya Ricky who will be leaving also on the 9th… not much to say, but another “frowning” moment!

Hey, this should not be ended-up with “sad’ moments! We were just sad because we really had a GREAT time during their stay and this holiday, and it should have more… more… more! The HOLIDAY was really Fabulous, Blessed, and Memorable! We were all Happy in its truest sense!

See also the Holiday Photos A-Z
Check out also aann’s recap of holiday — yes we were together most of the time — experiencing the same great moments!)

T&I: See How Can It Be Different….

.I have sent this article to my staff as our guide for our annual audit planning and goal-setting…. Thank you for the link provided by the “Your Successful 101″….

It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to making new GOALS. The enticing prospect of a blank year ahead invites us to think about what we would like to be different in our lives, how we want to improve ourselves and the work we do. And yet so often, the good intentions of GOAL-SETTING of early January have dwindled down to just IDEAS as we go along the way, sometimes not to be brought out again until next year. And we are left with the same feeling of frustration that another year has passed and nothing has changed.

What happens? One common reason is that we quickly go back to our ‘normal’ lives and the usual routines and along with our usual habits!

Sound familiar?

So how can it be different?

I hope the following TIPS will make it different for this year:

1. Be clear about what you want – BE specific about what you do want. For example, if you have written “lose weight”, write down how much you want to lose and by when
2. Write it Down – Writing down why you want something will give you a handy reminder to go back to when you’re feeling un motivated.
3. Be specific about what you will do – It’s very hard to be in action around a vague list of “will do more of…” and “will do less of…”. If you gave your list to someone else would they know exactly what you were doing when?
4. Know what stops you – There will be times when it feels hard to be in action. Being honest with yourself about what will stop you now will let you plan for these situations rather than ending your resolutions.
5. Create support structures – Put support structures in place now that will keep you on track. Maximize team effort for team goals. Try buddy system, or use “tracker” or require team to do regular feedback.
6. Be in action – Sometimes the only thing that is required is to just do it! For no other reason that you said you would.
7. Embrace imperfection – Sometimes things will not go to plan. It happens. Don’t let it throw you off track completely. Make adjustments, come up with new ways of doing things, create a new plan for the imperfect world you live in. It’s perfect.
8. When failing isn’t failing – Feeling that you’ve failed at something can be a real kick in the teeth and the end to achieving goals. So think of failing differently. Failing means you are doing something different, possibly something new. Failing isn’t failing, it’s just not having done it yet. Fail Forward!
9. Reward yourself – Don’t hold out until the “big prize”. Create reward points along the way. Reward yourself for being in action. Be kind to yourself and use the carrot, or lots of carrots, and not the stick!
10. Enjoy! – Most importantly, your new year’s resolution (goals) are about being happier, more fulfilled, enjoying your life and work. If it is a punishment list put it in the bin right now!

See also my collection of “Tips & Insights” here

The Audit Star Awards!

I have commended some of our promising auditors who showed efforts beyond what were expected, and I made a powerpoint presentation shown in our Christmas Party.

That was only “short-listed” into 6 auditors, but I can actually think of many award categories and match them to too many auditors. As I can also think of an Auditor and can attribute him/her with several winning categories….. I know that this rare awarding ceremony will stir some emotions (both negative and positive) to all of almost 100 auditors there, but I plunged into it believing (actually hoping) that everybody will get inspired from these bunch of Star Awardees.

I know they will agree with me on the commendation of these 6 auditors and share with them their joy of accepting the “star awards.” I know that there are lot of people, especially their mentors, who are very proud for them. I want to congratulate them, too!

In the end, I really commend everyone, as this batch of auditors is just a bunch of great, deserving, persevering auditors!

see this:
2009 awarding2

These Are the Days….

My greatest appreciation to my staff and colleagues at Audit Department. Life and work wouldn’t have been so engaging, rewarding and “easy” without the enthusiasm, commitment, motivation of these people. I have learned a lot from this bunch and I hope that I was able to inspire them too. Our moments of working, planning, achieving and playing together deserves this video clip I made:

These are the Days, by Natalie Merchant.

101 Minus 8th and 9th – About Finances

Goal No. 79: Invest more on Mutual Fund
Have been thinking about a lot of things and one of them is about savings for the future. I have learned a lot (or I mean I put it in my hard brain again what I knew all along) about finances and future. I resolved that I have to have a constant thoughts about saving rather than spending. If I don’t usually flinch in spending for something, I should adopt the same attitude about putting them in safe saving. “Safe’ means I should not be able to retrieve it easily and without undue and dire reason. So, I am into Mutual Fund thing. I made sure that every month or everytime there’s unexpected receipt (like Lola Baby’s gift to Aliya and insurance proceeds), I put it into Mutual Fund. I have now also developed the habit of looking at the value of my investment everyday. Well, glad to say, that it is truly growing.

(Hey, it is also in mutual fund where I put the committed $20 or P500 saving for every goal accomplished here in 101)

Goal No. 84: Decide on the Old Insurance Plan (to Keep or Withdraw)
I made costly mistake by not being so conscious about the investments I made in the past. And now I have to decide whether to straigthen this up and continue with the policy or to recoup what’s left and cut further losses. I made honest assessment about my future intentions and capability if I will choose to continue it, and I have to be realistic… this will again become my least priority. So, I decided to withdraw whatever cash surrender value left from it (after deducting the interest accrued from the unpaid premium). I just console myself that if I will further delay my decision, the cash value will further diminish. So, I pulled it out and will put it in Mutual Fund.

Done October 22, 2009

Tough Season at Work… Wheew!

Just want to share some ups and downs and “tamblings” and “boljacks” and some few triumphs at workplace… It’s been a stressful 2 weeks… but then again, at the end of the day, I have to “leave” it behind for a while to enjoy the rest of my day/night… (Carnegie said something about “compartmentalize”).
hired 7 audit staff this week (and 4 staff from last week)… this will definitely change the course of their lives… because I have put my “butterfly effect” on them…
but really having a hard time keeping up with our hiring (due to new stores and resignation and EOC and leaves – am I complaining?)
Helped opened 3 PG stores this week… having been the “silent force” behind stores’ technical training, we have managed to keep the training schedule running on “auto-pilot” mode… thanks to the competency of our trained trainers.
been worried about “deterioration” of auditors’ know-how, or am I just over-expecting (but then, I really need to revitalize our own training program)
a major project may not see-the-light-day because of mis-coordination (just when we have already done 90% of work)
working on another major vital project, but I have a heavy foreboding feeling about it because of the dementors…. (but I know this should not deter me… or else they will just gain power over my potronus charm)
have released one major policy, as in… (this have been in drawing board for 3 years)
keeping up with the releases of other policies and procedures.
learned the lesson of not jumping too fast on proposing procedures, and relying on store managers’ assertion that the transaction of which the procedures are needed was already approved by the Boss.
seen exemplary performances of some auditors. we really just have to keep them motivated and challenged!
Been “bad” again for feeling so “bad” for the “incompetency” of tooot-toot….
got an approval on a new set of training program set until next month
on the right track (I hope)… so far, so good (I pray)….

Tips & Insights: It’s Not About Position… But Credibility…

Tips and Insights:

Our influence has less to do with our position or title than it does with the life we live. It’s not about POSITION, but production. It is not the education we get but the empowerment we give, that makes a DIFFERENCE to OTHERS.

The key word is CREDIBILITY. We gain credibility when our life matches our talk and when both add value to others.

How are you doing when it comes to credibility? To find out, answer the following vital questions….

Consistency: Are you the same person no matter who is with you?
Choices: Do you make decisions based on how they benefit you or others?
Credit: Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts when YOU succeed?
Character: Do you work harder at your image or your integrity?
Credibility: Have you recognized that credibility is a victory, not a gift?

- From Maxwell Bible

Tips & Insights: Good Ideas

I missed last week’s “tips and insights” for my staff, coz I’ve been carried away by the tragedy that struck not only Manila but also Indonesia and Somoa and the anticipation of another typhoon… (haaaaY!)
Anyway, I have here some few insights for them….

Are Your Good Ideas Being Acted On….

There are many benefits to being the “In-charge” or the “boss,” but one of the major drawbacks is that your subordinates may not always in synch with you. In an effort to seem agreeable, they may say “yes” when they are thinking “no.” Or they may naively assume that since you are “smart” enough to be the “boss,” so your ideas are always going to be good ones, and they just let you be the one to think….
Sure, your ideas were important in starting your project. But it was your tenacity that made it happen. Trust your experience, but acknowledge that some of the ideas you get now may need a little fine-tuning, and inputs and challenge from your team members.
Don’t let anyone tell you how “smart” you are and let you do the “job” all by yourself. Surround yourself with the best people and ENCOURAGE them to treat your ideas as you treat theirs — with enough respect to CHALLENGE them.
If your key people are not regularly challenging your ideas — if they tend to defer to you — take responsibility for having turned them into cheerleaders. Sit them down. Ask for their support in the future. Then discuss how the group could best evaluate new ideas.
…. Better yet, derive IDEAS from them and DO the fine-tuning together.

— From Michael Masterson’s Article and Katrina’s Journal

see also collection of tips and insights

Tips & Insights : Say No to Status Quo

Status quo is Latin for “the mess we’re in.”

Leaders see what is, but they also have the vision for what could be.
They are never content with things as they are.
To be leading, by definition, is to be in front, breaking new grounds, conquering new worlds, moving away from status quo.

Dissatisfaction with the status quo does not mean having negative attitude or grumbling.
It has to do with a willingness to be different.. to take the risks.
A person who refuses to risk change fails to grow.

Raymond Smith of the Bell Atlantic Corp once remarked: “Taking the safe road, doing you job, and not making any waves may not get you fired (right away, at least), but it is sure won’t do much for your career or your company over a long haul. Management is not dumb. We know that administrators are easy to find and cheap to keep. Leaders — risk takers– are in short supply. And ones with vision is pure gold.”

Risks seems dangerous to many people because they are comfortable with the old problems versus what it takes to come up with new solutions.

The difference is attitude.

–from John C. Maxwell’s collection

Today I came to know how little I know….

Today I attended a seminar required for my CPA license. I was not very enthusiastic to attend because I thought that I already knew the topic (i conduct seminar myself too, plus I read a lot) and this is just a “protocol”…

But I thought wrong… I realized how little I knew about the current business practices in general and the industry trends. And I learned a lot today…

Samples are:
1. That Wilkins earned big bucks by selling its Company at the right time…
2. That ‘lenovo’ is THE IBM
3. That most big companies’ major investors are their own retirement fund or foundation
4. Something about Z-score and Fiscal Fitness and Moog (i will have to learn this more)
5. A big company here pays their director Php10m for just 9 meetings.
6. That text books are for good times! Bad times are better tested through experience.
7. How Yellow Page lost.
and a lot more about risk management…. Plus, our instructor was very good and funny!

I resolved to make myself to welcome new learnings and knowledge, go out some more, have alliances, get mentors, attend seminars…. rather than confining myself in my table (as if i-know-it-all) …

I remembered my former SGV boss when he said (something to this effect), “keep up with the learning! If you think you know much, well that is not enough! Why? because if you will not keep up, you’ll eventually shrink because the body of knowledge is getting bigger and growing fast”!

Goal #48 – Learn New Things Everyday!

Things I Learned Today!

Don’t rush to please others without thinking about its cost to another.
I should guard myself against people who can “use” me for their seemingly good intent (but it’s not)
I should not make it easy for my dementor to antagonize me. I can make them confused, annoyed, and affected, too, without losing”me” in the process.
Take the chance to know your applicants, they have feelings too, (and life-story!)
Having foresight and vision is a very useful attribute of a leader.
Procedures need not be changed (at all times) if there are just lapses here and there…. Address the lapses, rather than resolving it by changing the process.
i learned the word “otorhinolaryngology” (and i can now recite it properly!)

Don’t be a Know-it-all Jerk

Avoid Seeming Like an Arrogant, Know-it-all Jerk.

Humility is a great virtue that any other virtues are rooted on this. Humility is sometimes construed as weakness or lack of self-confidence. But actually, if one is sincere to be humble, then one has more strong sense of self and can take “pride” of oneself. Humility is having consideration for others, appreciation for their views, curiosity about their lives, openness to failure, respect to others and willingness to be interested and be amused:

Here are some tips for showing humility:

1. Offer meaningful compliments: “You have a good memory,” “You obviously know a lot about this subject.”
2. Give credit to others: “The team did all the work,” “Jose came up with this idea.” Being generous with giving credit does NOT minimize your own contribution.
3. Ask questions and allow others to supply information. I’ve even seen some good leaders ask questions to which they knew the answers, merely to allow others the chance to demonstrate what they know.
4. You don’t know all the answers! —- And if you think so, then you are just as ignorant….
5. Admit error! It’s SO HARD to say “You were right, I was wrong” or “This was my fault,” but so important. Also, it’s a key to leadership. If you take responsibility for failure, it’s most likely you’ll be given responsibility for decisions.
6. Remember other people’s names and the details of their lives. It’s quite gratifying and shows sincerity.
7. Remember your limits. You’re just one person. You’re not infallible. It actually IS possible that you’re wrong.
8. Laugh at yourself. Tease. Few things are as winning as people who are willing to poke fun at their own mishaps, and be jolly with others.
9. Refuse to take offense. It’s their problem not yours! “Pride” takes offense but “humility” shrugs it off.
10. Be courteous to others, no matter who they are.

“The final test of a gentleman is his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him.”

(great tips sourced from “the happiness project”, “katrina’s life’s journal”)

Just a Great Week!

It’s because I was anticipating everything great will happen this week, then it did!

It’s because I have changed my mindset to focus on things that I should do more (or less), to be aware of how I will spend the day and having the feeling of excitement and enthusiasm as I tackle the goals I set. This past week, I’ve been into goal-setting, list-making, and just acting (taking over the habit of procrastination). And it feels great! Having achieved something is very encouraging that makes me move forward further!

I became more aware of the gift of time and how are we powerful to spend it (or waste it – our choice)!

Here are the sample of my week’s “triumphs”

finally held the general assembly for SVS
it goes with the preparation for the presentation material and setting up policies
had a great spa treat from a friend
inspired the PG staff thru email tips
cheered-up friends in hotspot situations
having great, great time with papi, with lots of laughter and fun!
started to do things I dreaded most or ignored
issued number of policies and procedures
sent letter of intent for the retail business
been offered with transfer of her franchise to us
ideas, ideas, ideas for business
started contacting business partners in retail
got the approval for new PCs for my staff
treat of pancit (noodles) from my staff
have started developing my exercise routine
more playtime with kids
had bonding moments with mama and daddy
received help when most needed and least expected
etc. etc. etc.

But Must….

Seven Tips for Getting Yourself To Do Something You Dread To Do (but must)!

How many times do you feel miserable because of some undesirable (but important) tasks you need to face or tackle (or having to decide – again – to put it off)? I guess we are on the same shoes….

For example, right now I have so many policies and procedures in different stages of completion (or non-completion), and some are gathering “dusts.” Don’t get me wrong, I love reading and writing and editing and giving “life” to a process by making it official. But admittedly, I felt overwhelmed by the various sub-tasks involved, various approval process, and the prospect of getting unpleasant comments, and worst, no comment at all. But I believe how noble is this work. So I must jump in with gusto and scramble through as well as I can.

So, bear me with in sharing this to you. These techniques (gathered/compiled from various sources) will help us toward the finish line of hitting “send”.

1. Ask for help. Some of our hesitations came when we got to the point of “nowhere to go.” Why is this so hard? I have no idea. But whenever I ask for help, or tackle the subject (just to clear my mind, sometimes), I’m amazed at how much it helps.

2. Remember: most decisions/tasks don’t require extensive research. I often get paralyzed by my inability to make a decision (fast), or by delaying making decisions because of the “perceived” complexity. But by reminding myself that often, one choice just isn’t that much different from another choice, I can move on.

3. How do you eat an elephant? … One bite at a time…. If you feel yourself dismayed at the prospect of the chain of awful tasks that you have to accomplish, just take one step (or one bite) today. Tackle one part. Later, take the next “bite”. Invest some time, rather than wasting time for the “inspiration to come.” I realized that the forward motion is encouraging, and before long, I find myself speeding toward completion.

4. Do it first thing in the morning. The night before, vow to yourself to do the dreaded task. And the next day, at the first possible moment – as soon as you walk into work, or whenever – just do it. Don’t allow yourself to reflect or procrastinate.

5. Be creative in dealing interruption. How often have you finally steeled yourself to start some difficult project, only to be interrupted the minute you get going? This makes a hard task much harder. Interruptions are part of the job. But it doesn’t mean that we’ll be forever doomed not to finish the task because of these “interruptions.” Carve out some time to work (usually on the 1st hour of the day) Or ask colleague to cover for you on menial tasks (ex. answering queries).

6. Every Noble Work Seems At First Impossible. It’s not always as hard as you perceived it is. Most of the time we are just overwhelmed by the “perceived” enormity of the task, fear undermined the objective and nobility. Nobody may have done it before, but it doesn’t mean it cannot be done.

7. Visualize. See yourself finishing the task. Imagine the outcome of the project. Visualize pressing the “send” button. The end product usually motivates us to move forward. Novelty and challenge, as uncomfortable as they can be, DO bring happiness. The chore that feels onerous today may give you a huge boost of satisfaction tomorrow, when it’s behind you. Keep that in mind.

(thanks to my sources, “the happiness-project” and og mandino, and their sources as well)…

101 Goals in 1001 Days

This is just a partial list of 101 things to do in 1001 days (not in particular order)… This is inspired by the “Day Zero Project”
The complete list is now in my page….

1. Stop procrastinating*
2. Create great collage artworks
3. Develop exercise routine
4. Work on my design portfolio
5. Save, thrift, spend less *
6. Publish Audit Manual
7. Publish company policies and procedures
8. Mentor staff (at least 2 staff weekly) *
9. Send tips thru email that will help motivate staff
10. Expand sales this season (of our retail business)
11. Register and organize my charitable foundation
12. Gather more sponsors for xmas gift-giving
13. Teach kids religion, arts and history *
14. Finish our anniversary scrapbook
15. Make my front garden beautiful
16. Make Jolo’s attic room livable and exciting
17. Make credit card debt and spending at the minimum
18. Keeps on investing in mutual fund *
19. Compile favorite salad and pasta recipes (able to do it without looking at it)
20. Have a “vacation fund”
21. Volunteer to a rural charity works
22. Visit London
23. Drive (learn to drive confidently)
24. A blog for my arts and designs
25. Sign in for organ donation
26. Donate blood
27. Ride a wild roller coaster with Jolo (need to do within 2 years or else Jolo will not be interested anymore)
28. Buy a professional camera for myself
29. Ride a horse
30. Learn and master at least 3 magic tricks

The complete ORGANIZED list is now on my page (click here)! This great and encouraging….

Today… I Set My Goals… Again….

And it starts with, “stop procrastinating!”

I have just starting on my “online” commitment of my goals and things to do in life. I found the following sites useful:
“http://www.happiness-project.com”
“http://www.43things.com”
“http://www.dayzeroproject.com”

As I listed down my goals and set (I mean “re-set”) my things-to-do…. I realized that most of them have already been “committed” before, or were already listed in my wish listssss. So, I been wondering, if I haven’t came around doing (or finishing) them, then what was I doing all this time?? What’s keeping me busy?? Then, it’s obvious that I’m more on things that doesn’t necessarily those that “matters”.

And again, that boils down to my habit of procrastinating!

But anyway, I been doing something lately to keep me back in my tracks because “years are too short” to accomplish them. So far, I’ve started “My Life’s List” (see pages), to keep me reminded of my ultimate goals. But I have to break them down to more attainable goals on short-term basis (see my “101 things to do in 1001 days” – but still in progress), and I have to track my progress.

I’ve been consciously “fighting” procrastination recently and I have small triumphs! Just a sample, for the past week I’ve finally obtained the signatures/approval of long-overdue memo and Company policies I’ve been working on (some I almost gave up finishing!). Those accomplishments inspires me to revive and finish what I have started on, knowing that those things are noble and deserve the chance to be published!

My goals are not “earth-shuttering” but if I keep myself on track, I will be able to enrich my family, deepen my relationship, develop myself, and lead and inspire others better.

Way to go…

This Week’s Inventory of Blessings

Witnessed history-in-the-making during Cory’s wake and burial
Chance to teach Jolo a part of Filipino history
Was helped by cousin Pentz buy tiles for mother
finally bought the tiles for mother (she’s been requesting a month ago)
busted ref (a reason to buy anew one – been in a plan anyway… )
had a spa treat again from sis Flor
opportunity to sell real estate big time! if only…..
got the ultra-courage to talk to boss about personal stuff (and on his 1st day of coming to office after a long vacation – which usually a bad timing!)
tackled/issued overdue memo and manual
Starbucks with co-managers
new store opening at Tagaytay
date with Papi at Tagaytay stomach ache all day
resigning staff, complaining staff
surprised Jolo with new camera stand, and Lean with 2 choco waffles (his favorite)
Aliya walks around the house, giggles, laughs a lot
with SVS partners, finalized our Mission, Vision, Core Values.. (finally after 8 years…)
eating a lot lately…

Thursday to Unwind

started early and no need to rush to office, i will be fetched by a company service
bubble-bath time with aliya in the morning
to Dau, had lunch with Store Manager and HR Manager
got bank penalty because of a forgotten 775 check… i’ve been very careful na nga e….
got help from ever-reliable aann for internet banking and iya for bank matters
to Clark, and bought b1t1 chocolates.
to Baliwag, and had a nice talk with store managers
still have doubts if my action re my staff misbehavior (then resignation) was right? he spent 14 years in the company
discussed immediate audit plans with assts, we seldom talk that way in the office
my side tummy is aching…
got home early
bubble-bath time with aliya (again) and lean!
lean is semi bald! he look older
still working on my lists and new set of smilebox photos

Wipe the Sweat and Take a Bow!

aliya’s first time on her high-chair;
able to work on 5 long-pending procedures;
lifted up the spirit of sad staff;
no laptop at home (not working that I have it fixed)!
read a lot of Og Mandino’s stuff and felt inspired again
longganisa putok (my favorite)!
demented again by the power of its “proxy” — that’s how strong is its power;
felt the demented feelings of those people touched by this powerful dementor;
i’m becoming one myself… waaahhhh…
at least i’m aware and i was able to cast my patronus charm on myself!
able to rise up from the challenges of the day! wheeww (wiping the sweat)!
bow for a stressful day but a job well done (but still not yet finished entirely—bukas uli)!