What to Do When Lies Become Truths and Impressions Towards You at Work?

Have you ever had someone say things about you which aren't even true?  It's only natural that we face this everyday.  The hardest situation is when those lies become truths to the people that have been told.
Especially your boss.

I work remotely.
No office, no transportation worries, no putting up with a fake disposition to anybody.
All I need is a stable internet connection and a decent computer.

The deal with remote-based jobs
To alot of people I've shared about the nature of my job, the first replies I usually get are, "Wow that's so nice!  Wish I had a job just like that!"

They all think about not having to get out of bed too early, not having to worry about hours wasted in traffic, more time for themselves and stuff.  In short, the 'convenience'

Do take note that this 'convenience' comes with a heavy price as well.  It is a whole new lifestyle to adapt to that requires more discipline to get things done.

For the first few months, yes, you'll feel free from all the morning routine crap you go through before reaching your workplace.  Hallelujah !

Then your mind starts to feel 'caged' for seeing the same environment day and night til the next workday.

You have no physical contact with coworkers to talk or hangout with after hours.

Depression and paranoia can sink in confusing you into thinking, am I in the right career?

At some point, you will even find yourself sick from using the computer even if it's for entertainment.

The danger
While there are some forms of convenience.
Most of the time, you only have yourself to rely on to do your job.
You resolve technical issues + shoulder maintenance cost (if any should arise to get the job done) instead of relying on your IT department
You go through online training instead of the usual training and team building opportunities most companies have.

The perks
You manage your own time but still keep in line with the project's timeline.
Stay close to the people you live with at home.
Work from any location- your home, your friend's home, or even your local coffee shop.

And this "just in case I'm in the coffee shop impression" is what has concerned me.

When impressions become truths
Apparently, my boss still has an impression that I run off to the coffee shop quite frequently even today for it was casually mentioned in a voice call.

Not that I am overly upset or anything.  I just do not know how to classify my reaction but let's just say that it's not a good feeling when people have an impression that's not even half true.

I guess what I am truly bothered about is how others can stir stories and tell them as if they were facts of my work life.

It can be natural to feel upset or feel the need to fend for yourself.

But I chose to feel 'okay' about it.

Feel Okay? What do you mean! someone just said stuff about you which isn't true.  Shouldn't you go confront them or something?

When I mean 'okay'.  I chose not to feel bitter and keep the faith.
It reminded me of what Joel Osteen has talked about in his podcast #518, explaining Psalm 27
"Challenges may come your way, but you are not worried about it.  You know it can't touch you.  No weapon formed against you can prosper"


"People may be talking, trying to make you look bad but you don't give any thought about it.  You know your future is too great to be distracted.  You know they don't control your destiny but God does.  So you just keep on, being your best, walking in integrity"


Some verses for dealing with work:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" 
Colossians 3:23

"We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it"
1 Corinthians 4:12


Hope this helps you break free from feeling discouraged with your everyday work life.

*Update: Friday, November 11
I'm in shock and in awe.  My boss gave me an unexpected bonus!  Thank you God, you are so true to your word.

I'm so touched

Global Pinoy Bazaar at Rockwell Tent

Rain or shine, events must go on!  (as long as there's no sign of hurricanes)
One rainy Saturday, we visited Rockwell Tent to check out the Global Pinoy Bazaar where they feature export quality products proudly made in the Philippines.

Thanks to my very awesome friend Joy Wong for the tickets

The tent was quite packed with stalls featuring goods like clothing, bags, accessories, souvenirs, interior decorations, cosmetics, and food!
I'm not really an impulse shopper but I do love the experience of seeing something new, creative and life changing stuff.
Here are some scenes from the bazaar:

Clothes, bags, and accessories lane

The only lantern stall in the bazaar

Philippine handicrats - like the ones you see in SM's Kultura stores

Busy chefs in the food section

Some products for sale:

artsy serving cutlery

handmade soaps

Zenyu Eco Spa - My Halloween Treat

This year's halloween seemed like a week's vacation!  Well almost.
Oct 31, 2011 which falls on a Monday, was proclaimed a special non-working public holiday throughout the Philippines.  Citizens get to enjoy a 4-day long weekend!
While the sound of 'long weekend' overjoys just about anybody.
In my world, it just means longer sleep hours, availability to do partially neglected house chores, and if I'm lucky-gatherings! whether with family or with friends.  A vacation some place will be super too!

A date with Dr. Fish
Tonight me and my family decided to try out Zenyu Eco Spa located inside Hotel H2O.  But not before having an Asian dinner at Makan Sutra.  err wait a minute, either they've changed the name or the owner gave up.

My first visit in January 2010

Now, Oct 2011 - What it changed into:

Restaurant operations changed from self-service casual style dining to a fancier restaurant with waiters serving you instead.  The food quality and authenticity suffered quite a bit but I guess it's somewhat acceptable.

Revisiting Manila Ocean Park
After the meals, we walked around discovering what else is new in Manila Ocean Park.  I'm quite pleased they finally removed the "tiangge stalls" that greeted you on the entrance for they looked quite messy.  Renovations have been made to make the park achieve a "world-class" experience.  Ticket counters are now with LCD Screens, flooring and lighting have been changed, and the entrance path finally looks neat.  I really hope they maintain this educational and recreational place.   PH needs more places that develop and inspire culture than just big giant malls all over.

Zenyu Eco Spa - Here fishy fishy
So we finally headed back to the spa to experience their featured fish spa, negative ion hotbed treatment and  massage.
You can check out some of the photos on their website, of course I can't take a picture of myself =p haha.

What to expect:

• First, they'd give you soft rubber slippers with spikes in the soles like those foot therapy slippers.
• You can keep your valuables inside their electronic safe.  All you need to remember is assign a 4 number pin code.
• You also have a personal locker to store your clothing.  They will provide a large bath towel, a 2 piece robe (top and pants), and a disposable underwear! which is used during your negative ion hot bed treatment and massage.

The fish spa is within the locker room premises.  Male and female are separated.  I dipped my whole body in the water and the fish started nibbling my hands and feet.  I couldn't help but laugh so much for they really tickle.  Your feet will definitely feel much smoother than an ordinary footscrub afterwards.

Ah the wonders of nature.  A must try experience!

For the showers, they provide an all-natural, soy based multi-purpose solution which can be used for bath or cleaning dishes.  It doesn't foam so it can be weird using it as a handwash or for your shower.

Another experience that I liked was the negative ion hot bed therapy where you lie down and feel the heat on your whole back.  A soothing experience for anyone who has chronic neck and back pains.  A perfect preparation before a relaxing massage.

You end the experience with an hour massage.  While the fish spa and the hotbed therapy is a must try, the massage is quite average and doesn't really give you the relief that you'd expect from having a proper massage.

In my opinion, the therapists at The Spa, Makati and Gold's Gym, Wilson were way much better than the therapists at Zenyu Eco Spa.  I had commented on their Facebook Page and got this reply.

defensive much?

My family and I had the same feedback about their therapists.  Massage was indeed better elsewhere.  

I'm not saying the service is horrible either.  It was just average and probably not the massage you would expect for that price.  I might not go back for a massage there, but the ion hotbed therapy will do.

Drifting through Apocalypse

Have you ever had apocalyptic dreams? (or should they be called nightmares?)
I have, one too many.  From tsunamis and hurricanes that destroy cities and my least favorite of all, zombie invasion.

Last night I had another series of apocalyptic visions and familiar faces.  This time, instead of seeing destruction from afar, I'm now in the middle of it.

Vision 1:
Night time.
Place seemed like an old ruin with fire torches along the pillars.
This is the closest picture I could find (without the chairs)

There were people gathered around, observing the stars.  I've never seen so many stars, each white dot seemingly getting bigger as you stare at them for awhile.  Then the view changes, a big block was floating in the air towards the viewers.  It was as if someone had mind-lifted one of the pillars outside and brought it over the watching crowd.
Slowly, slowly it moved closer.  Everyone puzzled, stunned and unsure what to do.
Until everyone screamed for the pillar was being pulled towards us.  Me specifically.
I saw the pillar falling, aiming for me.  I couldn't move.
Everything became black upon its fall.

Vision 2:
Mid afternoon.  Heavy, and I do mean heavy rainfall.
I was in a white wooden house, with green lacy curtains on accordion windows.
There were a number of rooms and beds laying around.  I was under the impression we had just evacuated our homes due to flood.  I saw my relatives and cousins in the same house.  There were other people coming in who seem to know my relatives and were also taking refuge in that white house.
On impulse, I called 2 friends from overseas telling them to leave their homes for it was going to collapse any minute.  Apparently, they already knew about it and took refuge in a tent.
Then featured on the television, buildings tilted and collapsed as if someone had pushed the building.

Vision 3
Sadly, my brain deleted this and I couldn't really remember details of it lol.

There are some that regard dreams and nightmares as something to be prevented and I've been given lots of how-to's.  The most bizarre of all was to remove mirrors around the room and didn't follow until now (sorry my good friend xD)
I'm quite fascinated by dreams and why you get those kind of dreams based on what you go through in your daily life.
Do dreams have symbols or meaning?
For fun, here's what I found for this recent dream:

Apocalypse 
To dream of the apocalypse signifies an emotional and dramatic change taken place within yourself. The dream may also indicate the end of one kind of lifestyle and the beginning of another.

Ruins 
To�see ruins in your dream suggest that you are neglecting aspects of your life or that it is falling apart. You feel you are self-destructing. It is time to get on the right path.

Rain 
To see and hear rain falling symbolizes forgiveness and grace. Falling rain is also a metaphor for tears, crying and sadness. 

Building 

To see a building in ruins or damaged indicates that your approach toward a situation or relationship is all wrong. You need to change. Your own self-image may have suffered and taken some blow.

To dream that a building collapses indicates that you are losing sight of your ambitions and goals. Your pursuit for material gains is failing.

Have you ever had apocalyptic dreams? What was your worst nightmare?

The Weary Clown

The show has come to a close
Thanks for your presence and applause.

This clown has washed off his face in relief,
For he no longer needs to uphold that happy belief.

Noises that seemed like a joyous celebration,
Now replaced by silence and dejection.

As the lights went out and everyone tucked in tight,
The sigh begins, "How will I pretend all over again tomorrow night"

Conversation with Mom in the Locker Room

Mother
To see your mother in your dream represents the nurturing aspect of your own character. Mothers offer shelter, comfort, life, guidance and protection. Some people may have problems freeing themselves from their mothers and are thus seeking their own individuality and development.
To dream that you are having a conversation with your mother denotes a matter that has preoccupied your mind and you are not sure how to deal with it in your waking life. It indicates unresolved problems that need to be worked out with your mother.


Locker Room
To dream that you are in a locker room suggests that you need time to cool off and calm down. You are involved in some tough competition or are trying to overcome. Perhaps you are trying to pursue a love interest.�



From dreammoods.com

Quality Time with a Typhoon - Pedring (Nesat)

Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) was a smashing hit on its tour to the Philippines last Sept 27, 2011.
Trees, billboards and power lines fainted upon its presence playing pancake wars with unsuspecting passersby and stuck vehicles.


Power couldn't resist to make a statement to her fans and when the storm started, millions of households had their candles and cigarette lighters lit up to sing together a confused tune against the howling winds.

Cold, dim and no power, suddenly the life you know paused and you are left thinking, "so what now?"

Over the last 2 years I have been working remotely from home or more popularly known as 'home-based' or 'work at home' Internet job.

One fine workday Tuesday, Pedring decided to get the attention and paralyzed my office ceasing any online related activity.

It also made me realize that apart from work, I spend too much time on the computer even for the seemingly fun stuff such as Facebook, Games and Chat.

I took one long nap that day. Catching up all the sleep hours lost due to insomnia. A vicious cycle I'm striving to break.
Most of the time, I can't seem to stop my brain from thinking about different random things.

I also started reading a sales copywriting book to pass the downtime.

Non pill solutions to insomnia would be great! Know any? Do let me know. Fast!

The Dengue Encounter that touched my heart

Never have dengue.
It is one nasty experience.

You can't eat
You can't move
You don't have the mood for anything but sleep.
You wish the chills, aches and especially the worst itch sensation that happens underneath your skin would go away so you can sleep peacefully.
You keep fearing if your blood platelets would drop beyond normal, requiring you to undergo blood transfusion... and to find that out, you would have to endure all the nurses poking your veins and extracting your already decreasing blood every 12 hours.

I had survived dengue (again)
I probably wouldn't forget my confine date this year, 9-11-11.
Ten years after the 9-11 tragedy.
Twelve years after my first dengue encounter.
I went back to the same hospital at Cardinal Santos.
Amazingly, they still had my old record and which doctor diagnosed me.

In the beginning,
It was just an ordinary day.
It all started with one Wednesday morning when I decided to take a power nap. I know you must be wondering why take a nap in the morning? I wondered too.
Little did I know, I would wake up feeling aches all over and chills. I struggled to complete my tasks for the day for all I wanted to do was lie down and hope this uncomfortable feeling would pass.

*Thursday-the start of a chilly nightmare
It was hard to move with all the aching joints especially the back. The day was sunny yet I felt really chilly and at the same time sweating all over. I kept requesting for a hot compress using an organic pillow for my back ache was unbearable. We also realized our thermometers were missing for people in my household rarely got fevers.
I just assumed to myself it must be really high for me to feel chilly on a sunny day.

*Friday, Saturday
Now armed with a thermometer, realized temperatures stuck at 40•C or decimals shy from it. I was red all over, like a crab, they all say.
I didn't want to eat nor move and just sleep, hoping to get better.

*Sunday - the missed family gathering and the night of confinement.
Upon hearing the news of my high fever and rash-like symptoms, friends and relatives recommended me to have a blood exam for dengue since it's an outbreak (again).
Very reluctantly, I dragged myself to get ready for every move was a painful torture accompanied by excessive sweat and dizziness.

Turns out, I was really dengue positive after all and got myself confined that night.

The next night, I was transferred to another room for I had a roommate. My younger brother also contracted dengue.

We also found out that one of our neighbors was also confined in the same hospital.

Sounds unbelievable and funny doesn't it?

There's more-
The neighbor told us that two more neighbors got confined at a different hospital.

And there goes the plot for Contagion 2.

Kidding aside,
Despite the suffering and medical bills, I find my confinement to be a renewing and very touching experience.

Are you crazy? Why?

During my confinement, I didn't really feel any fear no matter what happens. Deep down I always told myself that I know in my heart that God knows what's best for me and remembering that promise was enough to calm me each time my mind would start to think about all the possible consequences.

God revealed to me all the real people who showed true care and concern. Each visit, each wish and message of concern from friends, colleagues and family truly touched my heart.

You start to think about life priorities more seriously and swear to take care of your health more. Don't stop to dream dreams that matter and chase them.

*This post was written from an iPod touch while trying to sleep*

(Damn I feel my insomnia creeping back lol.)

Til then, live with good care.

P.S. I got discharged on Sept 16, and my bro on Sept 17. My hand still feels the pain from the IV, and my arm still has bruise marks from the blood extractions. Rashes been fading everyday though a faint color can still be seen.
Recovering by sleeping, eating, praying, reading, and reconnecting since then.

But what the heck, glad it's all over.
Never want to see this sight again