Another Certification Achieved

I really worked hard for this one. I have reviewed a number of documents and watched training videos. During the actual exam, my hands were sweating from the difficult questions. But when I submitted the exam and saw the Pass word flashed before the screen, I almost shouted "Yay!" inside the exam center with other people taking other certification exams. I am proud of getting this one. I am the first from our company to be certified.


Here is my Salesforce Consultant certification:




For the next challenge, I am going to take the release-specific exam for maintaing my Salesforce Certified Admin status sometime this month.

Back On The Wagon

It has been almost three months that I stopped working out. I do have the occasional weekend swim but that was not enough to keep myself fit and retain the bulk that I built for some time. I am happy that I am starting to get back to my workout groove. My work shift had to return to night shift so I have the extra time now to go to the gym.

What is interesting with my workout routine now is I can incorporate swimming as my cool down exercise. I am a bit hesitant at first because of the concept that a tried body should be rested first before taking a bath for the fear of muscle disorders as you get old. But since there are no proven facts about this, I decided to take the plunge. Pun intended.

Another new thing about my routine is the gym place itself. I have availed the initial month of gym membership in the condo where I stayed. First month is unlimited use so I am trying to make most out of it.

I know that once I get back to regular work shift, I will be putting my exercise route on hold. For now, I won't be thinking about it and just focus on making myself fit again.

New Blog Project

In line with listing my projects in this blog, I just want to post that I have created another blog site. This blog is about things that I learned daily. It may be a new word, new concept, new thing, anything that you can think of. Click on the link below to redirect you to that blog titled "One Thing To Know Today".

http://onethingtoknowtoday.blogspot.com/

I hopefully can regiously post something to it everyday even if I can busy with a lot of work or swamped with a number of problems. Maybe it would be a place for me to escape reality even for a few minutes. Hehehe, the drama.

Off The Wagon

I have reviewed by previous blogs, particularly this one. I was supposed to continue with my healthy lifestyle when I return to the normal work shift. That did not happen. I fell off the wagon, so to speak. I have been binging, not watching what I eat and I haven't done any resistance training for a long time.

What should I do now? How do I start again? Well first step, try to do more exericses. I haven't been in a gym for two months already. The only exercises that I get are from my weekly swims. Those are not enough. I need to think other alternatives that I can do. Next step is to eat healthy. I am reading up again on articles that can motivate me to control my cravings. One article said that I should not use the goal to have a six pack abs as my sole movitation. I should try to associate other health benefits that I can, like prevent migraines (which I am having a lot lately) and heartburns, as part of my goals. This would help me to stick to my commitments.

Now that I admit to myself that I am not doing a job in maintaining. Time to do something. I should blog what steps that I will be taking to get back to my goals. Starting today...

The Date Has Been Set

September 10-11, 2010. That is the scheduled date when I will be taking my consultancy certification exam. *Insert one big deep sigh here* Need to review again my notes. I know that I will do good on this exam and have the title as the first certified consultant in my company.

Got to keep my eye on the prize.

Swimming Practice

It has been two to three months since I went to the gym. I am already feeling the withdrawal effects. As an alternative, I am able to go swimming during the weekends. That is my only exercise that I get for the week and it is not enough. I still feel sluggish.

With the weekly swimming routine, I can now able to practice my swimming techniques. So far I am now able to cross the pool doing breaststroke. I was able to get the rhythm. Now I am up for the challenge of doing laps with butterfly strokes. I can reach 3/4 of the pool before running out of breath. I think I would eventually be able to find the proper rhythm just like with the breaststroke.

The lessons are now paying off. :)

Trainer Checked

I think I have list as one of my goals in life is to train a group of people. I have no spcifics about it, whether what the training will be about and who will attend it. Suddenly, this goal was realized.

Our company just hired 12 people, a bunch of junior business analysts and developers, freah from colleges. There was already a trainer assigned to do the tasks for the whole week but suddenly needed for a project. With no other resource available, you can say that this opportunity just fell on my lap. Since I was not working on any project so I got the job.

I was not prepared at all to do the training. I only relied on my current knowledge about the topic and just went with it. I do wish that I was better prepared for the job. I wish that I was an effective trainer. I am still glad though that I was able to do the task however the outcome will be. It is still something to be proud of.

I think I deserve one good pat on the shoulder. :D

Joined the Real Estate Trade

Got to buy a new kind of stock this week. Unfortunately, the price of the stock slids down for two days already. I do hope that it would later pick up or just stay as it is. It is tempting to trade it back but I should be patient. The strategy is to keep investing to even out the costs.

Stocks Added

Yes, got started again with my stock investment. It has been a year since my first foray into the stock market. Unfortunately, I should have stuck out with the monthly order. Well enough of that, what had passed, has passed. What's important is to get back in the game.

Two points for my stock investment project. I should be able to add another order by next month.

I am planning to buy a different stock too. So that I am not putting all of my money on one type of stock. Variety they say is the key.

Craving, Craving Go Away

I had one bad food decision after another last weekend. I lost control over the portion that I ate from the free Friday lunch. I even got another helping as a snack. Then for dinner, I went to a birthday party and ate fatty foods like crispy pata and kare-kare even if I was full from the big lunch that I had.

Now I should get myself back on track. My office schedule had returned to regular hours. I do not have time to work out. I was a bit under the weather last weekend so I didn't get to swim some laps.

I am craving for a Starbucks drink or a donut from Krispy Kreme. I need to get this craving out of me. That's why I am blogging it as a way to get it out. I'll drink tea instead of the calorie laden frappucino. I'll eat yogurt with graham crackers instead of a trans-fatty pastry. I need to have great self control to beat this craving.

I will also distract myself with my other projects such as the certification exam and stock watching. I will defeat this unnecessary urge to eat something sweet...

Something Russian This Time

Now that I have finished the Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer, I have picked up from the paper bag of books (where I kept the books that I borrowed) the book Lolita. This was written by Vladmir Nabokov, a Russian writer who lived in the US. This is the first time that I will read something from a Russian. Kinda looking forward to it.



After being disappointed with the Book of Fate, I am hoping that this will bring something new to the table. Something where I could learn something new.

Here Comes July

Today is July 1. I should be taking my Salesforce consultant certification anytime now. Yikes. Haven't really preparing myself for it. However I have stepped up and said to management that I will be taking it on the first week of July.

Let's cram... hehehe

A Bump On The Road

I am scared again. Scared of what might happen. I do not want to blog any detail of what I might think may happen. This is not the place. The reason for my saying this is the effect that may result from it. I love having some goals that I look forward to achieving. With the possible onslaught of stresses and problems might stop me from continuing with my goals. I just hope that I will keep myself strong for the coming storm. May God help me.

Salesforce Certification Part 2

I have talked it over with my boss that I will be taking my second Salesforce certification by the first week of July. It is time that I should give myself a deadline for this. I should not prolong the agony of reviewing.

Now that I have my date set. I now have the motivation that should allow me to target the goal of becoming a certified Salesforce consultant. That should bring me up a level in my company when I get to achieve this. So time to work on this life project.

On Track

It feels good to be back. Bringing myself back on the health wagon is one great idea that I haven't had for a long long time. It is good to feel this fit again. I feel my blood pressure returning to normal (although I haven't checked it). I liked that I am watching my diet again. I have been avoiding calorie laden drinks and sticking to water. It is great that there is this water drink now available commericially that has a bit of fruity taste. It takes care of my sweet cravings. More so, it has L-Carnatine that will help me shed off the fat that I have accumulated for the past months. I have bought yogurts as my snacks. It is also great that there are now a number of new flavors to choose from. It just shows that the market is now aware that a lot of people want to become healthy. One just has to be smart to see through marketing gimmicks and know what really is good for the health.

I have made one big step on my fitness project. I need to keep this up even when my work schedule changes. I want myself to remember this feeling, the feeling of going on the right health track. Keep it up.

6 Books Down

Wow, 6 books in two months. I think that is a record for me. I have never gone through that number of books so quickly before. Not to mention that the books that I read were not short ones. I just would like to give myself a pat on the back for a job well done.

I would also like to thank my friends for lending me their books. It would be a quite expensive hobby if I would buy new books. I could only afford books on sale right now. :)

Six Pack Abs, Here I Come

Reading through the Men's Health forum really inspires me to continue with my healthy project. Knowing that a lot of people goes through the same goal as you makes you want to achieve it more. I sure do hope that I cam keep this momentum going. I am afraid that once I return to my normal work shift, I won't be able to continue this. So by blogging this down, I will give myself the motivation to keep on going.

Hmmm.. let me list down some tips for myself. Tips that I should do when I feel that I am slipping from my goal. Let me call it - 5 Ways to Keep Motivated:

1. Read this blog 5 times.
2. Read the Belly Off stories in the Men's Health Philippines forum and be inspired by their stories. http://www.menshealth.com.ph/board/index.php?board=7.0
3. Drink 2 glasses of water.
4. Open the Log spreadsheet.
5. Do 3 sets of crunches or 1 minute plank.

Ok, I think this is a good start. I should blog any progress that I made so as not to lose sight of my goal.

Go, go, go!

Time For Some Mystery

Done with the Generation X book. Didn't get it why they are comparing it to the Catcher in the Rye. There is no story that I could get out from it. Well, it just might be its style. Maybe if I find some study guide...

Anyway, time for another book. Let us go popular this time. Take a break from those modern classics. I picked up Brad Meltzer's "The Book of Fate". From its summary, it is kinda like a Dan Brown's novel, The Lost Symbol. I hope that it is better than Dan's book.

Write It On Stone

Dedication. It has been a long time since I had one. I have not given my health that much of an importance lately. Sure, I have been going to the gym when my schedule allows me. But my dedication ends when my workout ends. I have thrown caution in the wind in terms of what I feed myself. I could blame the stress and the problems for my lack of control. But I should have not let it affect me that way. So now I am reacquianting myself with dedication.

As I have mentioned in previous blog, my health is one of my project. This is one project that will last through out my lifetime. A project that I should not take for granted, a project that I should keep going. This blog will serve as a reminder for me to continue whenever I fall off the wagon.

I have been receiving email newsletters from the Men's Health group. The tips that they gave are always very useful. The problem is that I do not take them by heart. I'll just read through it and not put them in practice. Well now, that has to change. I will start applying their advices to my life and hopefully see results.

As a start, I need to do the following:
- eat slowly
- avoid sodas, juices and other sugary drinks
- drink lots of water

After I have made these a part of my routine, I will do more changes that will lead me to a healthier me.

Wish me luck.

Bit Disappointed

Had big expectations for the book "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" being a winner of Pultizer Prize and all. Maybe I got lost or something. Maybe I didn't get the message the author wants to convey. I didn't like that he used a lot of Spanish words that I do not know the meaning. If he tries to stress out a point by using non-English words or phrases, well, I didn't get them. I'll try to search for reviews or study guide, on how they have understood it and maybe I could appreciate it more.

Picked up the next book by Douglas Coupland - "Generation X". Another tough read. I thought I would breeze through this one. However the author used big words that I do not easily get even based on its context. He seemed to be coining new phrases as some of them are defined in the sides of the pages. If by the middle of the book I still could not understand it, I might skip this one out.

Getting Ready for the Waterworks

Finished the "For Whom the Bell Tolls". I didn't like it. After reading all those pages, the ending seemed a bit dull for me. The only interesting part was when one of the characters Pilar narrated what happened when they took over one town and killed the pacifist in an almost barbaric ways. Would not recommend this book at much as say "A Tale of Two Cities".

Now, I have picked up the book "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao". (Thanks to a friend for leading it to me.)



So far, it is interesting. There are a lot of references to 70's and 80's stuff which I can relate to. I am only in the third chapter of the book and its drama has already building up. Better ready the hanky because it seems like this book is a tearjerker.

Status Update

It's been a while. I haven't updated my blog with my latest endeavors. I am still reading the book "For Whom The Bells Toll". It is the type of book that you need to read slowly in order to understand the story. I am almost done, hopefully by today. There are a lot and I mean a LOT of books already in queue after this.

The other project that I have been working on is the setting up of our condo. So far, we were able to place some applicances particularly refrigrator, water dispenser and air-conditioner. Maybe I can post some pictures here.

That's all for now. Keeping positive...

Hear Them Live!

Due to the recent success of the Tears for Fears concert here in Manila which very unfornately I was not able to watch, I looked back on those times when I was lucky enough to watch them. I just want to list all of those I have seen, just that I would not forget them. (Everybody ages..)

The concerts that I have seen, not in any particular order...

Jars of Clay (one in SixFlags, NJ and another in Araneta Collesium, Manila)
Duncan Sheik (Aliw Theatre)
Jason Mraz (Aliw Theatre)
Lea Salonga (PICC)
Nickel Creek (twice at Bowery Ballroom, NY)
Howie Day (Bowery Ballroom, NY)
Nine Days / Nelly Furtado (Rutherford Stadium, NJ)
Mutual Admiration Society (Nickel Creek and Glen Philips) (Mercury Lounge, NY)
Switchfoot (SixFlags, NJ)
Mike Francis/Fra Lippo Lippi (Araneta Collesium, Manila)
Vanessa Carlton (Glorietta)
Debbie Gibson (SM Megatrade)

Wow, I didn't realize that I have a good share of concerts watched. Still I would really like to add more to the list. Concerts bring you to a different high. Your ears may ring after but it was worth it.

Hear The Bells Ring

The winner is "For Whom The Bell Tolls"! So that's my next. Still on the reading project, not advancing on the other ones. I think I will finally going to finish this book. I have surpassed the chapters that I have read before. I hope I could finish this one before work begins to pile up again.



Go, go, go!

What's Next?

Done reading "Possible Side Effects" by Augusten Burroughs. It first I thought it was a novel. But after three chapters, I realized that it was a compilation of essays from the author. Every one of them is a snippet and a reflection of an event from the author's life. Some of them are funny. Some of them are a bit cruel in terms on how they would behave towards their parents. And it is a bit sad on how they would use drugs and booze as a way of life.

I did not learn anything from reading this book. I always like discovering something new while reading. Something that would stick to my mind and I could carry it as useful information until I grow old and lose my long term memory. So far, the only thing that learnt from this book was that Jodie Foster is a lesbian.

So what's next? Should I read another book for my project? I wish I could do something else. I am considering reading again "For Whom the Bells Toll" by Ernest Hemingway. I was not able to finish it, forgotten the page where I have stopped and what the story was about. It is a book that is a bit difficult to digest. You have to concentrate to understand the story.

I am also thinking of getting a copy of Dante's Inferno, inspired by the last book that I read, The Gargoyle.

Still I would also want to advance on my other projects. I am thinking of creating some paintings. Or make a short video. Let's just see what I would decide on...

One Great Story

Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson is one great book. You can say that it is a love story but it offers more than that. It is not the typical boy-meets-girl-falls-in-love-lives-happily-ever-after of a love story. The author wove the main story along with some interesting tragic short love stories and Dante's Inferno. I loved the way that all of them suddenly came together near the end of the story. I am not quite fond of the ending but still agreed that it was what the story needed.

I have fininshed one more book for my reading project. Now I am ready to continue with the project with the next book, Possible Side Effects by Augustus Burroughs. I got the chance to watch a film based from one of his books, Running With Scissors. It was different, it has its moments. I think I liked the ending. So I am looking forward to start my read.



Let's start with page one...

One Book Down

Finished the book "The Big Over Easy" last weekend. It was an easy read. You do not need to have a dictionary beside you in order to understand the story. It was about Humpty Dumpty murder investigation. It involves some nursery rhyme characters. It has some funny moments. I liked the whole story but I am not jumping up and down with delight. It was a good start in rediscovering reading.

I am now on the next book. I have borrowed two books from a friend. I can save a lot of money just by borrowing books instead of buying copies for myself. hehehe. Anyway, the books were "Possible Side Effects" from Augustus Burroughs and "Gargolye" by Andrew Davidson.

Since the "Gargolye" book was recommended by two of my friends, I decided to start with this one. So far, it is about a burnt victim who has met a woman who have stuck with him while he was in the hospital recovering. Let us see what else will unfold from the story.



I have a high expection from this book.

So one down for my book or reading project. Hopefully I can post some updates on my other projects.

Joys of Reading

Went to Powerbooks last Friday to look for a book that I can read during my afternoon breaks. Didn't find anything though. I do not have any idea on any good books lately. I am not up to date with the modern authors except for Nick Hornsby and Neil Gaiman.

Texted my friend to give me suggestions on which books I should read. He had given me several authors like Michael Chabon, Andrew Davidson and Jasper Fforde. So off I went to National Book Store to find me a good book.

It is very difficult to find a book in National Book Store. I do not know who arranges the books in their shelves and if they know their ABCs. The books were not in alphabetically order at all. It was hard to find the authors suggested by my friend. And when I did find the author, the recommended book title was not available. I just realized how limited the stock were. It was a bit disappointing.

Anyway, I stucked to Jasper Fforde since he was the only author with several book titles available. I have no idea what his books were about. It was suggested that I get his very first book, The Eyre Affair. Unfortunately, that title was nowhere to be found. So I decided to pick any title from him. I selected "The Big Over Easy", didn't bother to read the back print at all. I found out later that the book was about Humpty Dumpty.



I am now in the Chapter 8 of the book. So far, it has its funny moments. I am a bit curious on where the author will take me with his idea of Humpty Dumpty possibly being murder. I hope it would be a fun ride.

I just realized after I bought the book, scanned its pages and covered it with plastic for protection was that I missed reading a book. I would never have thought about it. I do hope that I can continue on reading books and enjoy every minute of it.

Weaken No More

Got sick during the long weekend. It was supposed to be a fun weekend. I could have probably have done some of my projects but was not able to do even one. I was down with the flu. I was physically unable to do anything but lie on the couch.

However it was not just virus that held me down last weekend. There was also something else. Spiritually I was also weaken. I do not know why when it rained, it always poured. I was reminded again how everything is so fragile. And how people don't realize this.

This is such times when I would sink back and become a zombie for a few days. Everyday would be always hard to wake up. But now I have decided to take back what I have before and not let myself get defeated. It is time to fight back...

Watch the Market

One of the projects that I have left hanging for a long time is my involvement with stocks. I have initially bought one, just one, set of stock and haven't got the chance to build it up. Fortunately or unfortunately, however you would want to see it, the stock that I bought went up. So I kept on thinking what if I already invested more money on it, how much interest will I have gained?

Now I am going to start building this up again. I will start reserving part of my salary for this. Once I reached about 500 units of the stock, I will buy another stock from a different category. My goal is really a long term one. It is really true as they say that the good time to buy is when everybody is afraid. As the stock market beginning to recover and people are become bullish, the stock prices will start to climb up. I do not want to buy stocks at their peaks.

Let's watch how this will go.

Got Salesforce Certified

It is always great to challenge oneself every once in a while. Getting one certified on a software/application used at work is one way. It feels good to know that you have achieved something.

Here is my Administrator certification logo from Salesforce.



As I have said before, getting certified as a Salesforce Consultant is one of my next projects. So got to hit the books...

For Inspiration

I just would like to post this famous poem/prose to serve as an inspiration to one's life. Thank you Max Ehrmann for leaving us with this humble gift.

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952

All At Once

Having a long time off from work always gives me time to reflect. This vacation should certainly been a great time to do some reflection since it IS the Holy Week. However my mind wanders to non spiritual things. I thought about the other projects that I would like to do.

As I have mentioned in my previous post, I am going to create some videos and try to become as creative as my resources permit. I just finished one music video featuring our summer time at the 8 Waves Resort in Baliwag, Bulacan. See the video:

In this video, I have used my Canon Powershot digicam. I don't have any a digital videocam so the resolution of this video is low. I have used Windows Movie Maker as my video editor. The background song that I used is "Summer Sun" by Matt Wertz. The song has a lay-down-at-the-sand-while-listening-to-the-waves vibe to it from me.

That's one for my video project.

So what other projects did I thought about? Well, watching the clips used for this video, I just can't help but notice how big my belly had become. hehehe. It is time for me to have a diet and bring back my six-pack abs. Ok, I lied. I never had a six pack abs before. I always try to work on it but always failed. Due to stresses at work and at home, I often end up eating more than I should. Getting to meet one guy who was featured as one of the Belly Off All Star model in the Men's Health had inspired me to try again. So now, I am going to make it my goal to lose my bulging gut within this year. This is my second project.

Another project is related to work. I had to take a certification exam last week as required by my company. They need us project managers to become certified Salesforce Administrators. Fortunately, I passed it. Now the next step is to become a certified Salesforce Consultant. This is my third project.

Well, enough projects for now. I always try to do a lot of things, not wanting to waste any time. It would need a lot of energy. I just hope that I would not forget my other responsibilities. I would like to say good luck to myself.

The Beginning

Wow, I am now a blogger.. well if just owning a blog page means that, then yeah. I am actually starting one now. Last night, I couldn't get myself to sleep. Probably because I just finished doing night shifts that my body clock is still trying to adjust. My mind kept on wondering about different things from work, marriage, video games, outings, etc. One thought that stayed with me for the longest time is about the projects that I have started but never did really make the most out of. I have done sketching. After filling up a few pages in my sketch pad, I have not picked it up again. I also have been in photography. I have created a solid number of good photo albums but again I have not produced another for quite a while. I would like to return to this but I do not want to look like I am joining the 365 project bandwagon. I would like to do something different.

How about videos? Seemed like a pretty good idea to me. I already have been doing shorts with my son as the main subject. I would really want to produce one hell of an artistic video. One problem though is that I do not have a really good video camera. I have an old analog video camera that uses Hi8 videotapes. I need to have a USB video converter before I can transfer my videos into the laptop for editing. So it looks like I would be stuck using my Canon Powershot as my video camera. It will be very limiting in terms of video features. But hey, being artistic should not be limited to the medium. One's imagination and creativity should surpass whatever limits one medium has. So it is decided. Creating videos will be my new project.

This is what my blog site will be mostly about, the projects that I will try out through out my life. That may be something trivial like learning how to cook a dish or something life changing like getting an operation. Anything that I would like to try out and make my life more fulfilling, I will try to post it all here.

So let us see where this will take us. Enjoy!