Donut Chronicles Part 2

Hookay... I have been stuck here in Phoenix for the holidays because I had to work last Dec 26 and I will have work on Jan 2. Sucks! I think I have blogged about my recent contract extension with the Client B. They extended my contract until March 2009. Woohoo! Anyways, I guess there's someone else happier when he found out that I will be extended... yup... the 49yr old guy here in the office. Hahaha.

Awhile ago, while I was busy doing my KT session materials, someone comes over to my cube.

Him: Hey homie. Want some donuts? *leans forward and shows me a box of donuts from some coffeeshop*
Me: What's that flavor? *pointing at a caramel-looking glazed donut*
Him: I'm not so sure. Looks like caramel.
Me: Oh ok. *gets a table napkin and starts getting the donut*
Him: You smell good... whatever perfume you're wearing.
Me: Thank you! *smiles from ear to ear*

Hahahaha. I know I smell good. I always smell good. He did not have to smell me and tell me that I do smell good. Hahaha. This old guy talaga... if he wants to ask me out on a date, I would go. Hay torpe!

One Of Those Weekend Getaways

As always, I had an awesome weekend in Vegas. We almost postponed our trip because of the recent snow storm there but good thing the weather cooperated the last few days before the weekend we left Phoenix. Although there were still snow in the area where we stayed at last weekend which was somewhere west of the strip.

Hookay... there's too much great things that happened last weekend.
- attended the CLP dedication of sfc in LV
- attended their Christmas party
- attended a birthday party at a suite in Planet Hollywood hotel... the suite was awesome!
- quality time with the special friend
- I got another contract extension for my client here in Phoenix!!!!!! *is it too obvious that I am so happy with this?!*
- got my pinoy goodies from Jollibee, Chowking, Red Ribbon and Goldilocks

Well obviously, the highlight of my weekend was the time I spent with the special friend. We were like highschool kids sneaking out of our friends sight to hold hands, kiss each other or hug each other. Yay! I know!!! We're too old for those cheezy things but it's just that we don't want other people to see us too sweet to each other when we don't have any formal commitment to each other. I mean, it's not really officially "us" but we both know that we like each other so much and we like doing the "more than friends" and "intimate" stuff. Hayyy... For the record, he was the one who sneaked into my room those two nights we stayed at a friend's house even if the rest of our friends were just a wall away. The adrenalin rush of getting caught added to the excitement. Haha.

Still daydreaming about last weekend... Hayyyyy....

Too Close For Comfort

Was lurking around the www and thought of checking out who's been viewing my multiply site. Alrighty! I saw HH's name on the list! Yeah... he's been frequenting my site and that is sort of creepy since we're supposed to keep our distance from each other. And so I decided to check out his multiply photos and blog out of curiosity. Then I found this...

It was painful for me to talk to her, i'm really trying hard to move on, but there is this thing, this force that keeps pulling me back to her, i knew i had enough, 6 memorable years, also full of wonders and hardships, everybody was expecting that we would eventually end up in each others arms, sadly that didn't happen, maybe because it wasn't really meant to be us from the very beginning, i hate it, i want to change it all, but this is the hard fact that i have to face and accept, moving on is the best and the right thing to do.

all i have to do now is to let it all go, especially my fears, i can do it, i know i could...no..i know i can, its human nature to become strong, i can do it.

Awww... I guess I should not visit his multiply ever. Out of sight, out of mind. I hope he does the same to me.

Free Usage of High Resolution Images

Looking for high resolution and properly copyrighted photos for your website? Acobox has a huge selection of high resolution photos that you can use on your website. All you have to do is sign-up on their website and register your blog or any site that will use the stock photos and you're free to use the images. Acobox is protected by Hotlink License which means that you can only hotlink to the images that are in Acobox but you are not allowed to copy, download, distribute, republish, modify or remix the images for derivative work. But who needs to do all those stuff when Acobox can host these high resolution images for you for free? What's great about this image hosting website is that you don't have to worry about resizing the images because they already provide you with choices on which size is best for your blog pictures. You don't have to maintain an image library since Acobox already does it for you. All images are already optimized for web usage. Acobox also provides you with the HTML code on how to hotlink to the image that you chose. All you have to do is copy and paste to your website or blog. That easy!

While browsing through the extensive image library of Acobox, I have found a photo of the Louvre Museum in Paris. I have only seen Louvre from the outside because we did not have much time when we visited Paris. I am so going back to this museum and probably spend a day going through the art pieces in there. Next year, it's going to be Paris!

On Moving On

Sometimes you have to move on whatever the feelings... -Angela (Bones Season 4 Episode 6).

I am watching Bones rerun as I type this. HH and I had a chat yesterday afternoon. It was more of the no holds barred kind of conversation which I am so glad that we did. He's still not over me and somehow he still does not want to move on. Awww... I just told him that I want him to move on and to find that person who can make him happy and will not hurt him. Well his happiness still matters to me. I really wish him all the best.

On a lighter note...

HH: saw some of our old photos
HH: i said to myself "damn lisa's hot"
HH: "but she's hotter now"

At least someone thinks I am hot. Hahaha. Wala lang... just wanted to share. =)

Unlock Your iPhone

Here in the U.S., iPhones are distributed by AT&T which means that only AT&T subscribers are able to use an iPhone. I guess there are also open-line iphones in the market but it is more expensive than let's say getting it bundled with your plan. I was really thinking about getting an iPhone 3G couple of months back but I had second thoughts in getting it because if the phone is locked to AT&T, I wouldn't be able to use another provider's sim whenever I travel abroad. I would not dare use my AT&T roaming line in other countries because calls and sms messages are too expensive. The option that I had before was to wait for the unlocked version of the iPhone 3G but I was pretty sure that the phone unit alone will cost big bucks. I've done my research and at that time, it was difficult to find solutions on how to unlock an iphone.

Finally, an iPhone unlocking software has been developed and is now available in the market. This software guarantees to unlock and activate all versions of your iPhone. The great thing about this software is that you can unlock iphone in minutes, with minimum fuss and does not require extreme technical skills. This easy to use tool also has the ability to upgrade your iPhone firmware at no extra cost. All you need to do is sign up for the product and you will receive your software tool immediately. No need to wait and spend for shipping costs. They also provide 24-7 customer support if you need assistance. So, for all iPhone users around the world, check out this iPhone unlocking tool.

Consultant for Hire

Seventeen days to go... although the calendar says it's only 17 days to go before I leave this client's office, my workload and the tasks I have to finish don't seem like they're ending soon. Hayyy... So many things to do, so little time.

Can't wait for this weekend. I'm going back to Vegas for a quick getaway. Yep, I'm seeing the special friend again. Well, I know that we are more than friends and he treats me like a girlfriend except without commitment. My friends tell me that I am crazy for allowing myself to be in this situation but I think this is the most convenient set-up for me nowadays. I enjoy the benefits of being a girlfriend minus the obligation and responsibilities of a girlfriend. I just hope this does not backfire in the future.

Hoookay... I am honestly considering moving to Vegas. Hmmm... I need honest opinions.

Open Proxy Detection Tool

An IP address is a numerical identification for devices in a computer network. It is a means for the computer network to communicate with each other by routing data packets. The IP2Proxy IP-COUNTRY Anonymous Proxy List is a software that provides information about the identity of your website visitors' geographical location through its huge lookup database containing country, region, city, latitude, longitude, zip code, etc. using IP addresses without invading your user's privacy. The benefit of having this software is that you are able to detect visitors Anonymous Proxy whom are known to be the most common culprits for credit card fraud, spammers, scammers, hackers and content thieves. Security is one of the most important non-functional requirements of a software application. Being a developer myself, I value the privacy of the data that are being stored and passed over the internet network whenever my application is being used. IP2Location provides a means to detect anomalous usage and access to your software application through proper identification using an IP address. I think this is a good investment for companies who expose a lot of their valuable and highly confidential information through the internet. One thing that I have learned in software development is that you should never be complacent with internet security and you should by all means provide as much security to your application and to the users of your application.

Crunch Time

It's literally crunch time at client B these coming weeks. First, because it's end of the year and there are a lot of open projects that need to be completed before the year ends. Second, it's an official no renewal and no more extension for my current contract with client B. This means that in less than 3 weeks, I will officially be on bench!!! Woohoo! Hookay... before I get too excited, let me tell you that it still pains me to leave client B because it's a year-old comfort zone for me and somehow, I already fell in love with the team that I work with. Hayyy... just thinking about how uncertain my 2009 will be gives me a headache. I can't plan anything after january 2 because I am not sure who will be my next client and where will my next project be. This job sucks! Really! This is the reason why having a healthy social life and a flourishing love life is quite impossible for people like me. Hayyy.. Sucks big time!

Anyway, I was talking to an officemate currently assigned in CA for a project and I told him that I am only considering 3 states if they would want me to move because of a project... Arizona, California and Las Vegas. That's it! If they want me to take a project outside of those states, I will demand coming back home to AZ every month. Did I say this job really sucks? Haha.

It's the Thought That Counts

A very close friend and I were at Fedex Kinko's last night to have some missalettes photocopied for a couple friend who's getting married few days from now. While waiting at the counter, I started going through some Christmas cards displayed near the counter.

Me: You think if I send these cards next week, will it still make it before Christmas?
Friend: Yes. Are you planning to give Christmas cards this year?
Me: Yeah.
Friend: As Christmas gifts?
Me: Yeah. *in a serious voice*
Friend: Are you serious? Since when did you start being "kuripot"?
Me: Well, this is cheaper than sending them brownies and wines.
Friend: Naghihirap ka na ba? *Are you poor now?* I think you have to take the client B job.
Me: Is it that obvious now? You think so?
Friend: Yeah Lis, just take the client B job. You surely need money. I would appreciate a new tower with Blu-ray or a PS3 next Christmas ha.
Me: *started laughing*

I have crazy friends. Haha.

Free Flash Games

Back in Manila, when we were building a team of developers, I was part of the recruitment team who did interviews to applicants. I remember there was a time that we would ask the applicant if he plays online games. Our intention for asking such interview question is that we believe that online gaming is a good reflection of what kind of team player he is or if he's not. Besides the fact that during that time, we were still at the peak of our DOTA (a Warcraft 3 game) addiction, it was also the time when we noticed that most of our team members who play with us are the same people whom we can depend on when we assign team tasks to be completed. I don't know if it's just us but I guess online gaming builds a certain sense of responsibility for each other wether you are playing a game or getting the work done.

It's been years since I have retired from my Warcraft addiction but I still do play online arcade games once in a while. PlayItOnTheWeb.com has hundreds of free flash games that you can play online. May it be Super Mario World, or Frogger, or Naruto, I am sure there is an arcade game that will surely get you addicted to gaming. You can even select from single and multi-player modes. Visit their website now and check out the newest free online games.

The Could-have-been-a-retirement-job

Hookay... I just wanted to share what my crazy life's been going through lately.

The kick-ass job... I have finally decided to let it pass. Yeah, yeah... I am stupidly crazy for letting this "semi-retirement" job go. There are several reasons that I guess most of you would not understand why I had to let go of this job. I thought about it over and over and I am not fully convinced that I should risk everything, my life, my career, my future plans, my long-term goals. With this job offer, there's just too much variables that I cannot control and not even the company sponsoring me could minimize or guarantee. At this point in my life, I should at least have something to hold on to that is sure, guaranteed and would surely yield something good. Not that I have stopped seizing the day nor making the most out of my life... I am still that kind of person, trust me. It's just that I am trying to be logically smart about this choice and I cannot risk my current company's and my client's business relationship with each other. I believe in Karma.

Now, let's just put that "could-have-been-a-retirement-job" under my belt just like the first one that I let pass. I know there's more to this life that God wants me to do. Things happen for a reason and this occasion is just one of those times that He wants to reaffirm me that I am always blessed and my prayers are answered. Maybe not exactly what I was praying for but it is definitely what I deserve and what He wants me to have.

This life's just been awesomely great and I can never be thankful enough to Him.

Cheap Eyeglasses

One of my mom's pet peeve is the quality of prescription eyeglasses available in the Philippine market. I think during the past year, she bought like three glasses because each one broke and had given up on her. No matter how cheap or how expensive the frames are, they still had a short life-span which is just a couple of months. I am not sure if it was just her or the quality of the eyeglass frames are too be blamed. Anyway, since I am the one paying for the bills of those eyeglasses, I guess I should be the one to be more ecstatic to find out about optical4less affordable prescription eyeglasses. Optical4less offers a complete line of prescription eyeglasses with free anti-reflective coating. They also sell tinted sunglasses, bifocal reading glasses, progressive reading eyeglasses and photochromic sunglasses. These stylish, fashionable and very trendy eyeglasses are sure to fit your taste and style. From titanium frames, rhinestone eyeglasses, plastic eyewear, to rimless frames, etc., there's so much styles to choose from. You can even avail of their free international shipping if you buy 2 pairs or more. I am sure that these $15 prescription glasses will be very cost-effective for me. I can even get my mom 2 pairs so I can avail of the free shipping! Awesome testimonials from other highly satisfied clients are on their website so please do check them out so you can be convinced that this is a great deal that you should not allow to pass.

Awesome Pacman Fight

I know that im too buzzzed to go on partying tonight here in Sacramento so i'm sticking to mobile blogging until i sober up a bit. Pacquiao did an awesome fight tonight. The best about his win was i won our mini bet at my auntie's home. Woohoo! I won gas money for next week. Yehey! Ok fine! I am still el cheapo and I really didn't like to gamble but this is just family fun thing.

Anyways, about this party... It's cool though I'm really hella tired from all the walking we did awhile ago. And then this guy who's a cousin of our family friend whom im partying with keeps on bugging me. Ay naku! Annoying! He's not my type really. Ngyahahaha.

The thing with being single and people knowing that you're single is that they sort of try to pair you up with everybody who's single. Yeah, this happens to me a lot especially lately. I have a lot of friends and family here in the US who are married and whenever I attend parties like these, I almost always end up getting pushed to date or just marry this so and so guy for citizenship. You know the feeling of being pimped? Yeah, I'm so there! Like duh?! Do i look desperate now? Kainis ha! Modesty aside, I know I am capable of getting my greencard without having the need to marry. I am still entitled to make choices you know. I will not settle! Period. Hmmm... I hope I will not have to eat these words in the future. haha.

Yes?

Sometimes when God answers prayers, he answers them with more questions.

Living this consultant life has made it difficult for me to make short-term and long-term plans because everything is bounded by what I'll be doing and where I will be at that certain point in time. For the past months I have been praying for a little certainty in my life. My contract here in client B is ending on January 2 and this month is a very critical month for me since they will decide if they're giving me an extension or not. A part of me wants to continue working here because I've already built that certain comfort level after doing the same thing over and over the past year. *yep, it's been a year!* But a part of me also wanted to move on to a new project and client so that I can learn and experience something new. As a consultant, it is essential that I keep up-to-date with the latest technologies so the best way to acquire this is through exposure to different clients.

Couple of days ago, I got an unofficial news that my contract won't be renewed.


I was hoping for another project extension, maybe 2-3 more months here in Phoenix.
Funny that when God answered my prayers, instead of giving me an extension, I got a new job offer. Yes, client B is trying to pirate me. They knew I was on bond with my current employer but they're willing to pay that off. They knew I will have problems with my current visa but they are willing to sponsor me and get me a valid working visa so I can work for them. And yes, they will pay for all the legal and processing costs just to get me onboard. Of course I asked about the salary, benefits, etc. and I am glad that they are not giving me a salary-cut! Yup! The compesation package is greater than what I am making/getting now. And best of all, I will not be bonded to them or be required to render certain number of years if I accept the offer. God's been good to me.

All I have to do is say YES and client B will start working on the legalities of this offer. Just one word and everything that I have thought of how my life will be in the next 2 years will drastically change.

Now, the question is, am I convinced that I can leave my first love which is consulting? Yes, I can always go back to consulting if I get bored with the new job but that changes the timeline that I have mapped for myself. Hayyy... I need opinions. Let me borrow a famous line from my boss, "I will not be emotional about this". But then, who wouldn't be if it is a life changing decision and giving up something that you've held on to for the last quarter of your life.