A week(end) of everything…but work

 

This must be the longest week I ever had. This week felt like it was a 24 X 7 plus 1. I don’t exactly know if so many things have happened or it’s just so much time has slipped by. It must have been the latter but then again it could have been the former. Either way, it’s a shame that both of it have been mostly done in front of the IBM’s flat LCD and inside the cold gray cube.

That’s the problem when there is imbalance between time and tasks. It is during these conditions that nothing gets done productive. Condition 1: Having less (or the feeling of it) time but with multiple tasks is confusing or worse, panicking. Condition 2: While having more time but with little or no task on queue at all is just pathetic. If you ask me, I prefer Condition 1.

Since being idle nowadays is as predictable as sunset, this is when having an initiative and a bit of creativeness sets one person one step ahead of the other. It would also help to do at least a short time planning just to preserve self-worth on a daily basis. And that is just what I’ve done so far…so far.

The good thing is that in spite of lull in workloads, the resources at work still remains abundant – which is both a good and a bad thing. It’s like staring at an apple in the Garden of Eden while wondering if God will ever snooze – the temptation to cross the fine line is always there. For starters, the internet connection is always on (and to mention that it’s way faster than outside) and the printers are functional and readily full of papers. Now if that doesn’t get your mind immediately full of wild ideas, then something is wrong with you. I know that google-heads are green with envy by now.

It is during these times when good judgment and some work ethics come handy. In my case I try to kill time by taking online trainings that will contribute to my upskilling. I likewise try to be involved in activities that the company offers. But let me make it clear that I’m not saying that others aren’t doing the right thing or mine is better than theirs because each has its own definition of getting busy.

Skillsoft Books24X7

I have never appreciated the availability of this site more than now. Although I’ve used it years before for my researches and book references when I continued my schooling, since weeks ago I started using it again. And this week my usage got more frequent than ever.

My search for MBA tags brought me to results other than books. I find that there are online courses, learning guides and assessments available. What made it even more interesting was that I’ve read and learned about lots of good stuffs with regards to writing. I’m excited to share it soon as this was once my problem when I made my thesis – or I just didn’t have enough time to research then. Now I got what I wished for. Ti abi.

Financial readiness seminar

I can’t exactly remember when I attended this one but I was once again among those inside the packed training room. It was estimated that there were at least 300 attendees who listened to the Colayco foundation’s Executive Director Mr. Bengco speak about finances. He spoke a lot of things which half I dismissed and half I noted. Part of the things I got so interested and got me musing is when the foil about ways to get rich was shown. It contained only five. The crowd’s excitement of knowing what the five ways are immediately died down when most of us realized that the first four isn’t just possible.

1. Inherit it
2. Marry it
3. Steal it
4. Win it
5. Earn it

So earn it will be.

A reminder of a bedtime story

The long week got longer than it should be after I was once again reminded of a bedtime story – The Rabbit and the Turtle. I’m assuming by now that anyone old enough and anyone reading this blog knew about this tale.

It happened during our company’s Smashing Couples badminton match. After I saw the line up where my partner and I were included, I had high hopes that we do have the chance to at least reach the finals. And what inspired me more was when I learned who will be our first match. “We’ve beaten these guys before, we can do it again”, I confidently said to my team mate.

The high ego was short lived. After piling up some points ahead on the first set our opponents consistently capitalized on our unforced errors and soon enough confidence was on their side. The first set reached deuce but the next set was crushing to the rabbits.

I came out of the badminton tournament with the line, “and the moral of the story is…” echoing in my mind. Damn turtles. Hahaha. Just kidding.

Congrats Richmond and Arlene.

Everything that flies and crashes

To enthusiasts, this is another anticipated week for the flying community. And even if I won’t be able to attend the 13^th Philippine Hot Air Balloonfest – for several reasons – I know that hundreds of people are either already at Clark or just on their way while enjoying the SCTEX drive.

Unfortunately, while everyone at Clark enjoys the breathtaking sight of balloons, skydivers, airplane exhibitions and everything that flies, two places abroad experienced separate plane crashes. One was in Buffalo, New York that claimed 50 lives when a commuter plane went down, initially due to icing, to one of the houses. Another plane crash landed at a London airport which thankfully just had minor injuries to its passengers.

It’s a pity but it seems like Capt. Sully’s heroic Hudson River landing a couple of weeks ago was negated in a way by two succeeding crashes. It could really be disappointing if further investigation on these accidents will point to the root cause of poor maintenance. And it could even be more disappointing if it was due to recession. It’s a stretch, but hey, it’s not that unlikely.

 

Happy weekends, still, everyone.

 

 

Mood: 3/10 Honks!