New Pix on my Multiply account

Well, not really new photos… I am archiving the My Pictures folder in my laptop so I decided to upload them to Multiply before I move them out.

Here’s the first series: 

• 2007 Navitaire Basketball League
• 20080112 Taal with our QA Director
• 20080223-25 Anda
• 20080503 Pampanga Tripping

The Early Bird Catches The Early Plane

Last Friday, our female co-workers requested that we accompany them to the airport for their trip the following day. Although we are usually gentlemen *ahem* we were a little reluctant because their flight was at around seven in the morning. This meant that we had to be at the airport at around five… and it is almost close to impossible for my two housemates to wake up that early on a weekend. Still, our gentlemen instincts took over and we ended up saying “Yes”

At first, they wanted us to pick them up at five but, being the pessimistic guy, I told them that we need to be there a little earlier in case “something crazy” comes up. It took us awhile to get their stuff loaded into our cars. Boy, did they go on some shopping sprees… As we were leaving, I motioned for them to go ahead of us since they still have to return the rental car. 

I drove around the airport thrice before I asked Franz (who was in his sleeping clothes) to get out and start looking for them… and I still had to drive two more times before I finally saw them. Apparently, there were some issues with the paperwork of the car rental. I dropped off their luggage and asked my housemates to accompany the ladies to their respective airline counters (since they had different routes) and that I would go around one more time. 

Three more rounds and still no sign of my housemates. I knew something was up. Finally, I saw them… but still with one of our ladies. At first I thought that her flight was canceled but apparently, she had some issues with her luggage (thanks to those shopping sprees I bet). The airline was asking her to pay a whooping $600 for excess weight. Whoa! I pulled up the car but since this was a no stop zone, we just starting grabbing things out of her luggage and throwing them into the trunk. 

This time, I told them that I’d give them a good fifteen minutes before I circle back. I found myself a gas station and grabbed a bottle of Starbucks Mocha because I was just so sleepy. I picked them up, who had a couple more items in their hands (from the luggage), and we finally left the airport at almost seven. 

All I can say is, good thing we decided to shave off those couple of minutes… Whew!

Note: Apologies for the corny title. =P

The Geek

I had nothing better to do so I decided to take pictures of my different machines and setups…

1. We did not have a decent office laptop during the first few weeks so I had to use my personal laptop to work with folks from Manila. Mike was also kind enough to allow me to take home one of the LCD monitors during the weekends to help me work better.

2. When I finally got the laptop, a cool HP 6910, I decided to make my personal one a download and chatting machine instead. =) Here’s a snapshot of how I our living room was setup when my roomies went out-of-town for the weekend.

3. I saw an unused docking station in the office so I grabbed it for my own use. It’s just so much more convenient when I can just come in, place it on the dock and I’m all ready to go. I wish I could have this setup at home too. Even more, how I wish I could have one like this in the Manila office.

4. My work haven in Austin. I just love working when it’s all quiet and peaceful. Plus I love the headset on our phone… it is just so convenient to be attending a meeting and being able to have both hands free. Another thing I wish I could have in the Manila office.

Pictures are on my Multiply account.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

DeadHeads

Deadheading refers to crewmembers, including flight attendants and pilots, who are being repositioned as part of their assigned trip. That is, they’re flying as passengers while on duty.” – From USA Today

Now, what does this have to do with this blog entry? Absolutely Nothing!

As the category might have given away, this is not even about airlines but about basketball, particularly our company’s first ever basketball league. The plan came about a year ago after we competed in the commercial division of a summer league. The cut the story short, one of our officemates called a meeting a couple of weeks ago and then there we were last night, playing our very first game.

So, what does deadheading have to do with this? Again, absolutely nothing.

Well, ok fine, it is somewhat related because we decided to call our team, DeadHeads. Since our team’s “expertise” is on Airline Operations, we felt it was appropriate to use this Airline Operations term.

Come to think of it, it actually matches our team philosophy. Just as the crewmembers are open to being repositioned, our players are flexible in their role in the team. We have no legitimate superstar but we all knew that we all have to help in the little things in order for our team to win.

This attitude definitely made my life as coach easier. I had the luxury of playing around with the lineup. I would often have a different mix inside. I could use a lineup with two natural point guards, a line up without a legitimate center or even one with 4 guards and a power forward. I believe that this kept our opponents on their toes, never knowing what we would throw at them, and in the end it worked as we won our very first game.

Hope to see some of you there next time around.

Note: I will be posting the schedule of games here in case anyone is interested!

Cheers!

The BIG THREE O

Hmmm… I did not know what to expect as I was approaching another milestone in my short life. Will I suddenly feel old? Will I start to reminisce the things that I did as a youth? Will I suddenly feel depressed for not having achieved goals that I have set for myself?

But, when the day came, I felt nothing. No, it was not a “nothing” that is equated to some deep, philosophical emptiness. It was just another ordinary day. I went to work as usual. Talked and exchanged SMS and email with the GG as usual. Accompanied her home as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary.

What does this mean? I guess, it means that I am content with life. Sure, I do have problems just like everyone else, be that at work or personal life, but, all in all, I am happy.

By the way, I just want to give a shout out to my GG for her wonderful gift, an HP iPAQ 512 Voice Messenger (although it came 2 weeks in advance). Thanks, Yey! Also,  a shoutout to my dear officemates at Navitaire who game me this wacky gift. Thanks, folks!