Company layoffs is kind of normal nowadays since global crisis hits every country on the globe. It is so stressful to know who stays and who goes may come down to things we can't control -- seniority, for instance, or full-time vs. part-time status, or the number of people in a given job category. But there are a few variables that can be controlled, and they can make a big difference in how valuable you are as an employee: Dedication, visibility, and special skills.

Here are five tips for keeping up with the things you can still control.

1.) Designate one day per week when you will come in early. Get there before the boss does; if you can manage it, get there before everyone else does, too. It doesn't have to be the same day each week, and it doesn't have to be by much, but that little extra bit of facetime can go a long way toward keeping you on the office radar and reminding people that you are, indeed, dedicated to the company.

2.) Designate one day per week when you will stay late. Later than your boss, later than everyone else, if you can, for the same reason stated above. Facetime, facetime, facetime.

3.) Look busy. A New York Times article about looking busy struck a chord with me, not because I'm lacking in things to do around the office, but because I hadn't thought about it before. I work at a computer -- I'd have to try hard not to look busy -- but if you're not at a desk job, then make sure you look like you have plenty to do, even if that means refolding the shirt display eleventy billion times a week.

4.) Be busy. Take on extra work if you can. I've noticed that, over the past few months, my mindset has changed from "They don't pay me enough to deal with that" to "Well, they pay me." A friend of mine whose husband was just laid off explained it this way: We've gone from a sense of entitlement -- not "I deserve a bonus because I'm great" but "I've worked here for 15 years, I ought to be able to work part time if I need to" -- to having to buckle down and compete with everyone all over again. Your company is going to want to wring every last bit of effort out of you in exchange for that paycheck; it's a lot more palatable if you beat them to it.

5.) Expand your skill set. Think of it this way: If you were just entering the workforce, you'd consider an unpaid internship, right, just to get the experience? Try to choose something you haven't done often before and, when the project is complete, add it to your resume, and show your boss that you have skills above and beyond the ones they hired you for.

In what other language do people drive in a parkway and park in a driveway?

Why does night fall but never break and day break but never fall?

Why is it that when we transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when we transport something by ship, it's called cargo?

Why are people who ride motorcycles called bikers and people who ride bikes called cyclists?

In what other language do they call the third hand on the clock the second hand?

Why is it called a TV set when you get only one?

Why - in our crazy language - can your nose run and your feet smell?

Sometimes you have to believe that all English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane:

If olive oil is made of olives, what do they make baby oil from?

If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian consume?

A writer is someone who writes, and a stinger is something that stings.
But fingers don't fing and grocers don't groce.

If the plural of tooth is teeth, shouldn't the plural of booth be beeth?

If the teacher taught, why isn't it also true that the preacher praught?

If harmless actions are the opposite of harmful actions, why are shameless and shameful behavior the same?

English is a language in which you can turn a light on and you can turn a light off and you can turn a light out, but you can't turn a light in;

In which the sun comes up and goes down, but prices go up and come down.

In which your nose can simultaneously burn up and burn down and your car can slow up and slow down, in which you can fill in a form by filling out a form and in which your alarm clock goes off by going on.

English is a crazy language. What is it that when the sun or the moon or the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible; and why when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I shall end it?

1.) Men are like Laxatives . They irritate the crap out of you.

2.) Men are like. Bananas . The older they get, the less firm they are.

3.) Men are like Weather . Nothing can be done to change them.

4.) Men are like Blenders You need One, but you're not quite sure why.

5.) Men are like Chocolate Bars .. Sweet, smooth, & they usually head right for your hips.

6.) Men are like Commercials . You can't believe a word they say.

7.) Men are like ..... Government Bonds ..... They take soooooooo long to mature.

8.) Men are like .... Mascara . They usually run at the first sign of emotion.

9.) Men are like Popcorn . They satisfy you, but only for a little while.

10.) Men are like Snowstorms . You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

11.) Men are like Snowstorms . You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

12.) Men are like Lava Lamps . Fun to look at, but not very bright.

13.) Men are like Parking Spots All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.

1. People have taken year-end inventories.

The end of the year is a time to reflect. You reflect back on what has happened in your life. You reflect back on the people you've dated during the past year, or the lack of dates you had. You might think back on some of your dating "near misses" or the people with whom you just didn't connect.

During this time of year, many people are more vulnerable than usual because they do not want to spend the holidays alone. Due to this vulnerability, people will open up more if you try to engage them in conversation. As it gets closer to winter, and especially during the holidays, people tend to be more willing to date people they otherwise wouldn't during the rest of the year. You have so many more potential connections right next to you every day of the holiday season. So keep this in mind about how people are feeling this time of year, and start being a little more friendly.

2. Christmas shopping.

The holiday shopping season seems to begin before we've even taken our pumpkins off the porch, which means that there are a lot of days to go out Christmas shopping. You can go Christmas shopping every single day (whether you are actually looking for presents or not) during the holiday season. This is really the one time of year when you can wander around in stores in which you would normally not feel comfortable.

One of my favorite things to do to meet someone during the holidays is to go Christmas shopping and ask for opinions. If you are a man, you can head into the women's department and bop around getting opinions on a present for your sister. If you are a woman, go to the men's department and ask for opinions on a gift for your brother. You can start a conversation with virtually anyone by pointing out an item and saying, "Excuse me, I am shopping for my boss (or brother, sister, or mother). What is your opinion on this?" It is a natural and easy way to talk to someone new.

3. No one wants to spend New Year's Eve alone.

We have all been to New Year's Eve parties where we've had to endure the 5-4-3-2-1 countdown without someone to kiss at midnight. It's not fun.

“No one likes to spend New Year's Eve alone. For this reason, there are a lot of people looking to connect with someone in time for New Year's. For this reason, there are a lot of people looking to connect with someone in time for New Year's. So how can you meet all these people? Well, the holiday season offers a number of really fun (and easy) ways to approach someone -- and to make yourself very approachable.

You can walk around wearing a little Santa cap to spread some holiday cheer. Or walk your dog with reindeer antlers on its head. One fun thing I had the guys do at one of my boot camps was to play the "naughty or nice" game with women. This entailed them wearing Santa caps and carrying around stockings filled with candy canes. They would walk up to women (and women could do this with men) and say, "I'll give you a candy cane if you tell me whether you've been naughty or nice and why." There are a million fun little ways to use holiday props to meet people, and with all the holiday hustle and bustle people often appreciate a little bit of fun.

4. Unlimited holiday events.

Going to holiday-related public events is another way to have fun and possibly meet your potential soul mate. Shops often will stay open late on a Friday night, and towns will have things like Christmas walks and open houses on store-filled streets. It's amazing how many people you can engage just by wishing them a merry Christmas or Happy Holidays -- and end up in a great conversation.

5. Plan your own events.

The holiday season is also the perfect time to create your own fun activities. For example, throw a Secret Santa party where you invite singles and tell them to bring a gift for someone else who is single. Or have a holiday party where you ask your guests to bring someone to the party whom no one else has met.

One of my friends wrote this article and I decided to post it here since it really did touch my heart and somehow enlightened me reading it. This article is all about the reality in working abroad. Actually, he is working abroad most of his life. Here it is:

So it Goes!

by: pao

There seems to be a common denominator for all the cultures of the world. No matter how you have been good in doing your work, just make one mistake, and all the good work you have done will be trashed away.

People tend to magnify mistakes and error, and if you are a foreigner, expect the locals to multiply it tenfold. Knowing this, it adds to the pressure of being as tagged as the “Bagong Bayani” of the Philippines. You have to very cautious of your every move. For you know, you are only secured with your work as long as you perform correctly. Well, can’t blame the Employers, that’s the very main reason why they have hired foreigners, it is easier to manage, just like a toilet paper, once it served its purpose, just flush it down with all your shit. They just can’t do that with their fellowmen, or their courting lawsuits.

This thing reinforces my idea of loyalty, that is to my stomach. I have already developed the radar of knowing a sinking ship, and the ability to jump to a better ship once there is an opportunity. For me, they have already served their purpose ^_^.

How I wish I could apply the same principle to my personal life. But no matter how I try! I always fail. Somehow I realized that yes! I will fail, for work and one’s personal self operates on different level.

For work, you know there are no strings attached, its just work, a means to get money to spend to live. There will be a good Employer but it do helps that you know that they are hiring you because of your services, and once that services is not needed anymore, then you are a goner. Simple as that. Easy to accept.

Personal relationship does not operate that way. Whether it started with a firm ground rules, you are just not so sure how would it turn out. And then life goes on!

A comedy adventure set in the land of the Emperor Penguins in the heart of Antarctica. These penguins sing, and each needs their own special song to attract a soul mate. Our hero Mumble (ELIJAH WOOD), son of Memphis (HUGH JACKMAN) and Norma Jean (NICOLE KIDMAN) is the worst singer in the world... but he can tap-dance something fierce! And the rest... go watch it in the big screen.

The cast was well chosen indeed! The penguins are so damn cute! ahhhhh! especially the baby penguins. Those blue eyes on frodo (oopss!) on mumble...so cute!!!! Okey, to those who don't believe me, check out :
HappyFeetMovie. And to those who are still thinking of watching the movie.. what are you guys still contemplating about? Get your butts to the nearest cinemas and watch it, but hey no more Happy Feet in the cinemas anymore, so get yourself a DVD copy. Though the storyline is a bit too long, but it's meant to be for a purpose. It's meant to be realistic, with a message for conservation, apart from being JUST a feel-good animation movie. A round of applause to George Miller for a great production!!! And check out the cast:

* mumble: elijah wood -frodo fr LOTR
* gloria: brittany murphy (can't remember the movies she's in)
* noah the elder : hugo weaving -brilliant actor! V fr V for Vendetta, Elrond fr LOTR (javard, thought you would have guessed this!) and agent smith fr Matrix trilogy
* memphis: hugh jackman- wolverine fr x-men
* norma jean: nicole kidman-satine fr moulin rouge (do you need an intro for who nicole kidman is?????)
* lovelace AND ramon (i love this penguin!!!) : robin williams - another truly amazing actor-mrs doubtfire fr mrs doubtfire; the professor fr dead poets society, etc, etc.
* trey the elephant seal: the late steve irwin- crocodile hunter and an Ozzie hero.

Truly amazing supporting cast AND brilliant soundtrack. A round of applause to all of you. Please note that the info i've given for each of the actors are the amazing characters they've brought to life in other amazing movies, according to yours truly. ;)

My favourite penguin is Ramon ("size can be daunting, but i love you"..hik---please say these words with a latino accent) he is soo optimistic, even when faced with his greatest fear (which he kept hidden fr his other amigos-heights--see the connection?) i hope that i can see life with more optimism like him... ("you can do this, you just need to trick yourself"---again with the same latino accent) :)

The special part while watching this movie is that I was with this person who is so special in my life, woo hoo. I miss that person, hoping one day we could watch a movie again. Care to buy tickets for us? ......

The rooftop of the building was filled of people last December 16,2006 at around 6pm because we just had our first Christmas party. It was fun- the foods, gifts, people who attended, the programs, games, and we even had fireworks display. It was an awesome night not only for free foods, gifts or prizes from games but also for the employees to have fun and have a break. It was also a remarkable night for me and my long lost friend since we had a sincere talked for the past 3 months (i guess!). We had a personal misunderstanding about some issues. But issues ended when that party came. I guess everything has an end. Whatever hard feelings that is in our hearts will be melted as the spirit of Christmas is approaching. It is time for giving, forgiving, and loving one another.

I was kind of drunk after the party but doesnt ended there. Me and some of my office mates went to a bar were there's a part 2 in enjoying ourselves. The last stop was at Park Cafe with a hot coffee. I believe, I arrived home at 10 in the morning - it only means I was awake for 16 hours. Wish I could turn back the hands of time but well, I cannot. Each and everyone of us should not celebrate Christmas in December 25 only but think of it as an everyday affair. And you'll see...

To let go isn't to forget, not to think about, or ignore. It doesn't leave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret. Letting go isn't about winning or losing. It's not about pride and it's not about how you appear, and it's not obsessing or dwelling on the past. Letting go isn't blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and doesn't leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness. It's not about giving in or giving up. Letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat. To let go is to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on. It is having an open mind confidence in the future. Letting go is learning and experiencing and growing. To let go is to be thankful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow. It's about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will have soon gain. Letting go is having the courage to accept change, and the strength to keep moving. Letting go is growing up. It is realizing that the heart can sometimes be the most potent remedy. To let go is to open a door, and to clear a path and set yourself free."

More quotes available at: Quotes 2 Life

Tik tak tik tak, its almost 9pm and I was still in bed. I hurriedly woke up and prepared myself to work. I even didnt take my dinner but I did take a bath to have a fresh look. When I was ready, I swiftly walked to the terminal of the jeepney just like a walkathon contestant in an Olympic. My home is far from the city proper so i must be hurry. I was worried at that time for I will be late again in my work. The company did give me a warning about tardiness before and I want to change that bad habit of mine and to prove to the company the worth that i have. While waiting for the jeepney, I constantly looked up to my cellphone what time it is. There were silence in the place, only chirping of the insects i could hear. Obviously there were no jeepney passing by nor jeepney that is standby to pick up passengers. That makes me more worried. Atlast, a light where shining at the road and hoping it was a jeepney. Sad to say it wasnt a passenger jeepney but a private car. To my surprised, it stopped right infront of me and someone called my attention, "Miss, where you going? Come on hitch a ride". Did he call me Miss? Hmmmm, i heard it right, my hearing sense is not that old compared to my age, winks! But no second thoughts i said yes to the offer and i hurriedly hopped in to there car. I took the chance because i was thinking what will be my punishment this time if i will be late. So, its now or never, all or nothing, whatever! haha... I was wondering why they called me Miss. Do i look like a girl? Well, maybe because of my long hair. I let my hair grow for almost a year and 3 months now. Im kinda lazy to go to a nearest barber shop or a salon. Perhaps, budget is also one factor, haha, kinda stingy though. When i arrived, i stepped out of the car and said thank you to the 2 guys in a manly voice. To there surprise, they thought im a girl and not a guy and one of the reasons why they let me hitch a ride. Lucky me. Whatever the reasons they have, I dont care as long as I hitched a ride for free, thats a blessing in disguise from God. Thanks to the two cute guys, because of them I wasnt late. I told my officemates about it and they laughed. They even gave me "what if" stories, what if i was rape, lol or those two were criminals or bank robbers, etc... The experience I had only implies that we should grab any opportunity that comes along the way, seize it before its gone.

- Its one of the few places where you can eat a lot of junk foods with your friends and dont mind.

- Its a great place to cuddle your boyfriend/girlfriend for two hours.

- Its a good place to kill time, with the aircon, nice seats, and a good show with an intermission.

- In case you forgot, movies are made for big screen, winks!

I was kind of busy these couple of days thats why I wasnt able to update my personal blog. But here I am now trying to fill up those days of silence.

John Lao, which is my friend, encouraged me to have a credit card since he is working in a bank. He will try to help me have one. I did fill up a form and passed it to him. Someone will call me after three weeks to confirm if all of my requirements are meet and true. As of now, I am so excited and busy looking in the net what to buy using my soon to be credit card. I was visiting clothes sites, shoes, and cellphones since I dont have a nice phone. I also visited sony.com for digital cameras since i love photography and pictures are memories of the past, to the fact that we cant turn back the hands of time. Past has an important role in our life, to reminisce and smile back through the years we have had whether bad or good. But right now, I am more focus on deciding what brand and model of a cellphone I want to buy. Heres my list: Nokia 6260, Nokia 6600, Nokia 6680, Nokia N70, and Motorola V3i. Edgar, my officemate, is a sort of expert when it comes to tech gadgets helped me decide on what to buy. He even have this blog Web Links to give me suggestions to my concerns.

Its funny when I am so excited the things arent in my hands yet. Im not sure if I am qualified to have a credit card. But whatever the bank's decision, its one hell of an experience having a burst of excitement. Whats the fuss, Its worth the wait. Hope so i can have my first credit card. Im crossing my fingers now, winks!

For more details about features of cellphone mentioned please visit http://www.nokia.com.ph for Nokia brands and also visit http://www.gsmarena.com for Motorola brands. Enjoy!!!

It has been a month since I wasnt able to update my blog for some reasons perhaps. One of it is because I was so busy with my work. It was when Sticky Media Solutions Inc. (where i work) announced that I'm one of the candidates for Project Manager. I cant barely believe I was one of them. It is a new project by John Nesmith, that is all about travel sites. It has 15 sites for linking campaign which needs sevaral linkbacks order of each site not to mention quality and relevance. According to our EVP (Executive Vice-President), this would be the highest paying project ever undertaken by a contract in our company. The said project needs one Project Manager and 2 Outsource Link Specialist. We were 4 candidates, so therefore there will be one candidate that will be eliminated from the team and that makes me worried since most of the candidates are well equipped with knowledge when it comes to SEO or search engine optimization and besides they are senior to me. All i did is to review all the knowledge i have learned and research on other informations which i lack.

On the day of the examination, I was so tense. But i prayed that even I wont make it as a Project Manager atleast I wont be eliminated and be part of the team as one of the members. Besides, i believe I am not ready for the position. I still needs more experience while i believe in the saying "greater power needs greater responsibility". Im not greedy of the hierarchy of positions because I do believe everything has its own time and reasons. The administration conducted a series of examinations and interviews. I gave my best shot. In fact, I topped one of the examinations since it has two parts. And i believe I did well also in the interview portion. But in the end, unfortunately, I didnt make it as the Project Manager, instead I became one of the members. It is an honor for me to be part of the team, it only means Im good and the company do trust my abilities. I had my raise in my salary, woo hoo. So far, this is the best achievement I ever have in my enitre career life. Somehow, right now, where doing great in that project and hoping to excel more and be excellent in every dealings that i do.

"The price of greatness is responsibility" by Winston Churchill

You say you love me, but sometimes you don't show it. In the beginning, you couldn't do enough for me. Now, you seen to take me for granted. Some days I even wonder if I mean anything to you all.

Maybe when I am gone, you'll appreciate me and all the things I do for you. I'm responsible for getting the food on your table, for your clean shirt, for the welfare of your family... a thousand and one things you want and need. Why, if it weren’t for me, you wouldn't have a cell phone.

I've kept quiet and waited to see how long it would take for you to realize how much you really need.

Cherish me, take care of me and I’ll continue to take good care of you. Who I am? I am your JOB.

Sticky Media Solutions Inc., a company who outsource information technology and business process – copy and content writing, web design, programming and systems development, where I work as an Outsource Link Specialist held its seminar last Saturday, July 8, 2006 at around 3pm. Again, I am late, but only 20 minutes and I guess the admin staff understand since I am on the graveyard shift. When I arrived, Mr. Garrido, one of our bosses was delivering the vision and mission of the company. It was a dramatic entrance wherein all of my officemates starred at me and smiled, wondering why I was late. I learned a lot from the said activity. After that, we all went to the office since the seminar was held at Café Verandah of the Cagayan River View Hotel. I waited about 50 minutes for Jamel (a friend of mine) because we decided to watch a movie, make some grocery and have a dinner. But since he didn’t come around, I went to the mall alone and bought ingredients for spaghetti. My one and only nephew, Vincent had his birthday last July 9. He just turned 4 years old. His birthday was held in our house prior to the request of my mother and my father. I only have 30 minutes left in the grocery since it will be close at 9pm. I was so pressured. Go go go Wayne. When I was at the counter, I saw one of my officemates (Clyde); I called him and asked who's with him? Why is he here? Why he didn't tell me he will be at the mall at that time so that he could accompany me than waiting for my other friend (Jamel) who has no word of honor. Well, he has a problem. As a friend, I comforted him and gave some advices, which is my role and obligation as his friend. I am my friend’s councilor, when they have problems they open it up to me. When my friends are having misunderstanding with each other, I put myself in-between and not be bias of who’s who to blame and fault. After having a grocery, I went back to the office and work. At around 12mn, Wheng, Clyde's friend who happens to be my friend too texted me that he is in our city and wants to have some fun. I told Clyde about it but he is not in the mood to go hangout and besides he is not feeling well. So I made an excuse to my boss and met Wheng. I decided to hang out with him for 2 hours then I will go back to work, just to hang out, have fun, and entertain my friend who lives in a nearby city. We ate; we went to a bar and have some beer. At last, I have been to this place I am so curious about. Thanks to Wheng. Well, we just visited a bar with strippers, winks. Tik, tak, tik, tak, It was past 2 am, I wanted to go back to the office but I am having fun, hehe. So I decided to extend my time. That was my first experience and you know first is the most enjoyable, memorable, and unforgettable. The bar closes at 3am but Wayne and Wheng are still having fun and not contented with the night. So we decided to go somewhere else and enjoy the moment. We went to Park Cafe, open almost 24 hours situated in the heart of Cagayan de Oro City. It has a cozy ambiance, cool people, hospitable staffs, and good food. We talked almost everything from family, friends, work, and love life, winks. And were tired afterwards. I drank 5 bottles of beer. We walked for a long distance just talking, hehe. We laugh, shout, and even cried (just kidding), well, we also have serious topics discussed. I went back to the office 30 minutes before my off time. When I arrived at the office Clyde was sleeping. When he woke up, I told him everything, the fun me and Wheng had. He wished he was there but he is no feeling well at that time and decided to take a rest at the office (sorry Clyde, better luck next time, lol).

I was home at around 7:45 am. When arrived, I saw my nephew wide-awake. Maybe he is waiting for the spaghetti and me. I greeted him and kissed him. We do play most of the time when he visits us. My nephew is having fun playing with me; maybe I still have this kid in me. Aside from that, I’m the youngest in the family so maybe I am longing for a small brother, hehehe. I love my nephew so much. He is so cute, very innocent, an angel in disguise for me. Whenever I have a problem he will just come near me and talk nonsense things that make me smile. At around 9am people are getting busy preparing for the foods and cleaning the house since some of my aunts will be coming over. While they are busy, I went to my bed to sleep. When I woke up, my aunts where there 4 of them. We don’t have much visitor since the foods served were limited. So I ate, I was so full and play with my nephew. In a while I felt sleepy again, so I sleep, winks. Sleeping is my favorite hobby. When I woke up, the place was so dark and silence was surrounding the place. Without knowing it was 3 in the morning, hahaha, as what I have said I love sleeping. So slumber land again, winks! Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my nephew VINCENT! Wish you become a better person when you grow old. Always remember that one of the most powerful forces in the world is the will of the man who believes in himself, who dares to aim high, to go confidently after the things he wants from life.

Have you heard this song? Well, I kind of like it, maybe it's like i can relate to it. Visit: http://www.tristancafe.com/music/flash/foreverblue.html, enjoy singing!

FOREVER BLUE

------------------
by: Jed Madela
from the album: Songs Rediscovered (Repackaged)

Used to like the sound of the rain
And feel your arms around me
Together we go insane,
But I wake up to where I should be
I've longed for the wind,
They touch me through my feelings
And you'll never know till they begin,
What you want is really what it means

CHORUS:
Don't wanna be forever blue
'Cause I deserve some love that's true
Finding it the hard way
And wishing for it everyday
I guess I was wrong to want you, yeah
'Cause I'm afraid, I'm afraid, I'm afraid
To be forever blue

Gonna find some other guy for me
This time it will be just like the wind
Coming at the time it must be
And blowing to where I should be
I've longed for the wind,
They touch me through my feelings
And you'll never know till they begin,
What you want is really what it means

CHORUS:
Don't wanna be forever blue
'Cause I deserve some love that's true
Finding it the hard way
And wishing for it everyday
I guess I was wrong to want you, yeah
'Cause I'm afraid, I'm afraid, yeah, I'm afraid
To be forever blue

BRIDGE:
Don't wanna be alone
I need someone to hold on to
And share my dreams with a love
A love that's always true

CHORUS:
Don't wanna be forever blue
'Cause I deserve some love that's true
Finding it the hard way
And wishing for it everyday
I guess I was wrong to want you, yeah
'Cause I'm afraid, I'm afraid, I'm afraid
To be forever blue

Friendship, this word has been taken for grant far too many times. When most of us think or speak of friendship, we rob of its rich emotional value. This is partly because we use language loosely. We say that so-and-so is "a friend of mine" when what we mean is that he or she is an acquaintance or an associate or a companion. Aristotle defined friends as "a single soul dwelling in two bodies". Friendship has been exalted by philosopher’s way back as the highest form of relationship people can create. Imagine two people from entirely different worlds, being joined in intimacy and mutual benevolence, independent of sexual or family love. This wonderful gift, as poets would call it, cuts through all boundaries- societal, biological, familial or cultural. Friendship is not institutionalized. Its something two people really create. That’s what makes it more interesting.

What makes a true friend? You laugh and cry together, bail each other out and prop each other up. You cant always put it into words, but you can put it into deeds. Indeed, having a friend gives us such a wonderful feeling. Its almost impossible not to love someone who makes us feel cherished and special. There’s something very therapeutic about a close friendship - revealing yourself to and being understood and accepted by another person. At one time or two, our friends might not have come up to our expectations. But friendship is a matter of give and take in everyway, including all allowances that must be made for each other's lapses. We are obliged by the nature or our relationship to accept our friends as they are, flaws and all. This is good since it teaches us the valuable lesson that even we are not perfect. If a friend with whom we share so many characteristics have many faults, it follows that we must have a few of our own. Loyalty is also one virtue everybody looks for a friend. You can only tell if a person is a real friend if he or she stands by you in times of distress. A true friend sees you through when others see that you are through. One controversial test of loyalty is reputation. Say a friend is charged with a disgraceful crime: Would you insist his innocence at the risk of your reputation in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary? Say he is convicted: Would you continue to uphold your friendship no matter what people might say? NO one can keep a friendship alive without practicing consideration. But how do caring friends do that for each other?

Wayne's 5 points that he believes are the glue that holds close friendship together:

1.) DONT BE ENVIOUS.
- We affirm our friends by taking pleasure in there achievements by sharing their joy, by expressing delight in the good things that happen to them, rather than downplaying their good fortune, being envious or not responding.

2.) EXPRESS THAT LOVE
- Friends need to express, in words and deeds, their affection for each other - often as possible.

3.) RESPECT EACH OTHER
- This is one of the most important things in any form of relationship. You accept a friend's opinions, you may disagree on really important things and you may even argue. But you don’t devalue your friend, or his/her beliefs. You accept his/her ideas and feelings whether you like it or not. Respect also takes the form of sitting patiently with a friend who needs to cry, without saying "that's enough" or "snap out of it".

4.) VALUE YOUR FRIEND
- This means listening to friend or doing things for him or her even when you have other things to do. It’s giving up something for the other person, so the person feels valued.

5.) OFFER EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
- It means listening to a friend's conflicts and dilemmas and being willing to make suggestions, but not being annoyed if he or she doesn't solve his or her problems or take your advice. An emotional supportive friend would say: "I know it’s a difficult decision, and you'll decide when you’re ready. This is what I think I'd do if I were you, but I respect whatever decision you make".

The only way to have a friend is to be one. To be a friend in the classical sense is not easy. There are sacrifices to be made in attempting to raise our friendships to their highest potential state. But the fortunate part of it is that friendship is one of the few human pursuits that make sacrifice a pleasure.

Nokia 6630 for cellphone

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P150 for digital camera

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Apple iPod U2 Special Edition for iPod

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Sony Vaio for laptop computer

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So, just choose here which one you'll give me as a gift, winks!

Why is it I’m always hurt when it comes to love? Am I cursed? What have I done? When will this end? I believed I’ve been good in my past relationships. Why is it that when I love, people wont love me in return nor love me the same love I showed to them? Is it really true that when "Loving someone can give us the greatest joy we can ever know but it can also hurt us more than we can ever believe. If we love someone we should be ready to experience not only happiness but heartache as well. That's the reward and risk that it takes. Unless we are willing to experience it, we will never really know what it's like to love and be loved?" Damn, please not all the time. I need a break. All I need is a real LOVE, a love that makes me inspired, a no worry life. I want a special someone who I can call my own and be proud with confidence and security. God, is that person alive or unborn yet? Am I asking too much? Just want a REAL LOVE. And am I ugly? I don’t see my parents as ugly or my siblings. No one is ugly, beauty lies from within. I have qualities for sure people can admire. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right person. I always tell myself not to look for love but we all need love, I long for it. Love for parents and friends are different my dear readers. Sigh! Hope that person will come into my life as soon as possible. If you’re there please don’t make me wait. Maybe, the problem behind is me being old-fashioned. My close friends always told me to use my mind in love, but I am so stubborn making me hurt always in the end. Sex is just sex, come on! You can find sex anywhere and anytime, as what other people say, trust me. But sex with love? I don’t think so. So is it my fault to be old-fashioned? Should I stop being conservative to find my special someone? And be open-minded of what our world is having now? Help, anyone? But if I am really destined to be like this, well, God, I have to accept since You are the author of my life. Hence, I will never close my door whoever knocks upon it. God helps those who help themselves, right?

To those people who hurt me, FUCK YOU! You all don’t deserve my love. Anyway, I don’t want to hold grudges since its useless. It will only destruct my happy life. Past is past. Besides, I’ve learned a lot from you all and been part of my life. Thanks for the memories; for sure it will be keep, as I grow old. "In life, dont think about the pain we went thru, but the lesson it taught, not how much we cried and hurt , but how we SMILED and LOVED". Smile Wayne, smile!

It has been 3 consecutive Saturdays that I am playing badminton. Wow! I made it and I love it, it's one of my accomplishments now in my life. Badminton for me is not only for physical fitness, quality time for friends or enjoyment but also for diversion of the problem a person has. I still remember my first play, I felt terribly in pain. After the play, I could feel my muscles in sore, winks. I was late at that time so I didn’t had a chance for a warm-up and do some stretching. After the game, I had a work and I couldn’t lift my tumbler to drink water because my hands are trembling, hehehe. I was so slow in computer works especially my report. It became worst on the second day (Sunday), Its like I was attacked violently by a mob. I could not sit down properly since my butt and my hips are in deep pain. I hold things like armchair, tables just for me to stand up. And gawd, I could not walk properly since I could feel my legs in sore. That was terribly bad; I could tell myself if this is sport well goodbye then, winks. But after 4 days all is well. I don’t want to play badminton again but I envied my officemates preparing for the next play. You know as what I have wrote earlier, for me, badminton is not only for physical fitness, for fun, but also for DIVERSION. Maybe my body at that time was adjusting to it first. So, I did join. On the second Saturday, all is well, never felt any pain. See? My body adjusted already to the intense movements of that sport. But had a blister on my left foot since I did not wear socks, all were dirty, ha ha.

Last Saturday was the 3rd session of playing badminton. I was so disappointed when not all of my officemates were there especially my badminton buddy who has the same level of mine, you know who you are, hehe. Most of them who are there are pro when it comes to playing badminton. I was so hesitant to play; I want to go home, huhuhu. I was just sitting down at one of the benches there watching good-looking people, bleh! But damn, one of my bosses called my attention to play doubles, whew. I was so worried I could spoil the game, huhuhu again. But I was wrong I’m not a pro but I did well there. At least there's an improvement. Hope so, hehe.

Anyway, I will continue playing badminton. It makes me sweat in a safe way (don’t think dirty thoughts, hehehe). I also have a plan to buy a bicycle since I love cycling. I love to travel to places I don’t know, meet a lot of people, different walks of life. I tried that kind of life before when I was a marketing assistant at Philip Morris Intl. We do travel almost everyday to have a survey in rural areas, quite fun! I missed that job. Right now, I will priorities my sports activities and save some money to buy some equipment rather than buying my ever since dream tech stuff - cell phone, digital camera, iPod, and a personal computer. I still have lots to do, I love photography and want to go places and take some shoots. I love music too that’s why I crave for iPod and well who needs not a personal computer anyway? I love to learn more stuff about web designing. I have lots lots of things to be done in my life, I love my life and I enjoy it. Wow! What a dream, lots of dream. Keep on dreaming Mr. Wayne, its free. Best things in life are those for free, agree?

A sport consists of a physical and mentally competitive activity carried out with a recreational purpose for competition, for self-enjoyment, to attain excellence, for the development of a skill, or some combination of these. A sport has physical activity, side-by-side competition, self-motivation and a scoring system. The difference of purpose is what characterizes sport, combined with the notion of individual (or team) skill or prowess. Badminton is one of the sports people are addicted to nowadays.

Just recently I am into sports - badminton. It was then when my officemates invited me to play with them. At first I was so hesitant to join since I am not into sports. I'd rather choose outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, and traveling. And besides, I don’t have the equipment for it, but they promised to provide it all for me. So when I got home, I opened the 80 year old, antique, creepy drawers with molds and cobwebs, winks. In it are my sports attire includes my jogging pants, shirts, shoes, headbands, and some weird stuffs, he he. It was hidden there since I stopped getting into sports when I started to work. Before, I love volleyball, cycling, soccer but not a pro just for fun and for sweat drippings. It has been years since I forgotten sports. So at that time, I was so excited. I fitted those sporting apparel of mine that age like my old-loose gartered underwear, ha ha. I let my mother washed what I chose. Then I slept, since I work at night from 10pm - 6am and the activity will be at 5pm. I woke up early at around 1:30pm, gees! Maybe because I am so excited. Then, I am ready. I looked around and go back and forth at the mirror; I looked fine (kind of conceited!). It was my first time to wear shorts and go outside home since I do have chicken legs, please don’t laugh, grrrr! I didn’t wear my jogging pants since its color faded away, not appreciative to look at and add the smell of the mothballs, yikes! My family was stunned especially my father about how I looked like. His son is into sports now and not a geek anymore. Is this the start of a new beginning? How soon is now? Anyway, I leave home with a smile, confidence, and excitement. But gawd! When I arrived at the city proper (since I live very far from the city), traffic was everywhere; it makes my fresh aura into a flower just visited by a bee - dull and gawky. I heard a lot of text messages from my cell phone, "Where are you Mr. Wayne?”, "Are you coming or not?", "We're having fun here now", "If you will not come, expect a total silent treatment from us", huhuhuhu. And that makes me pressured. So what I did I go out from the traffic and walk some miles (just kidding!). In a near distance, where traffic is not acknowledged and registered, winks, I took a taxi even though I don’t have much money. Hey, what the hell, I'm excited, right?

At last, I arrived at the Shuttle Square - it is a big sports complex with lots of court for badminton. It was my first time to get there. Without the taxi driver's mastery of the place, I can't go there by myself. The driver's name is Brad, huh! Brad Pitt? ha ha... What's worst about there is that I don’t know where to get inside...another huhuhu. I went to this corner with lots of people but knowing there not in their sports attire so this is not the entrance, oh my gawd! But I asked one person there; of course I chose the cutest among the rest, bleeeh! And knowing the place I was in is a complex for cock fighting, damn! Do I look like a rooster? hmmmm... And I was piss, lol. People stared at me, gosh, what kind of place is this. Then they told me where to get inside in the sports complex for badminton. Another worst thing, it wasn’t a clear instruction... well never mind telling you what I did, hehehe...ok, ok, ok, I just knocked to this big gate of the complex where no one answered me, damn! ha ha. I looked so stupid. When a woman approached me and asked me what I am doing (I am so embarrassed, I swear), then I rapidly told her everything, madam blah blah blah and there goes some lump in my throat, winks. Then she directed me the right entrance. So I went there and this is it because I saw my officemate very sweaty and a smile as wide as a bridge. When I got there, everything of those worst moments vanished into my mind. I hurriedly borrowed a racket and play badminton without having a warm-up or stretching. So that's another story of what happened next - the cramps, stiff neck, and muscle pain all over my body.

So that’s my first badminton experience for 25 years of my life. Well, thanks to my officemates who forced me to join. I love it so much and decided to do it every Saturday afternoon before my duty with them also of course since we don’t do it for competition but for fun and physical fitness. Well, they are same like me, geek too and beginners, winks but I’m the worst of all, ha ha. "Birds of the same feathers are the same birds", hehehe. And thanks also to Mr. Taxi driver who’s name is Brad and the woman who I didn’t get her name, let's say she's Angelina.