Again, I was eleven and unrealistically optimistic. I thought if I can save 20 bucks a day everyday until I was thirty, I’d probably be rich by then. Of course, I didn’t know much about inflation, shopping and being a victim of scammers and thieves. Now that I’ve mentioned it, I think I can still learn a thing or two on the latter.

Everyday, I would walk to that store which is about a block away and deliver 30 pieces of packed ice, the kind you sell for a buck each. And as for my resources, I had free flowing water and use of the freezer courtesy of my parents and the plastic I used was sold for 10 cents each. Not counting my talent fee for making a good knot for sealing the ice, I was making a profit of 90 cents per plastic of ice sold, which is actually a good percentage considering my capital. I can’t remember why I stopped my “business” and if I ever bought anything from my profit, probably a bottle of coke or an ice cream cone.

Oh now I also remember picking up fallen bouganvilla petals and skewering them on a stick like a barbeque. I thought it looked nice and I tried to sell it at 25 cents each. We’re talking peso here guys and 25 cents is equivalent now to $0.005! And even at that cheap price, no one bought from me except for my mom and dad probably and the school janitor who thought it was nice of me to clean the school garden from sticks and fallen flowers.

I used to have a lot crazy ideas, I still do. I think it’s my strength and weakness. When I was seven, I would trace Mickey Mouse using a tracing paper, color it and try to sell it for a buck each. When I was thirteen, I sold beaded bracelets and necklaces which actually wasn’t that bad considering I sold half of them (I only made 10) and half I gave to my friends. I’ve always been entrepreneurial and even though my first biz didn’t make me rich, I learned a couple of things:

1. Find something that you’re good at and exploit your talent.
I was good at knotting ribbons, clothes, shoelaces and anything I could knot. I made the best ice packs with my perfect knots. Hope you got my point.

2. Start small but learn big.
My greatest profit wasn’t monetary obviously. It was learning how to value money, mastering practical math and keeping within my budget.

3. Look for cheap resources and great talents.
Okay, this one I successfully applied to my current project. I got myself a $500+ laptop and started working online. My profit – a house soon to be mine, a flat screen tv I longed for for years and an (almost) pimple-free face from facial sessions with my dermatologist that I wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise.

4. Hide Your Money.
I might be okay with earning money but I’m not good at hiding them. I probably lost a thousand dollars and this coming from a girl who’s been missing her keys for a week only to find out it’s been inside the fridge all along is not very surprising. And I’m not just talking about hiding but also saving your money for the future. So hide it well, hide it that not even you can find it (especially when Forever 21 goes on sale).

5. Fail.
I’ve failed a lot. My failure to success ratio is an embarrassment. But every failure brings you closer to your success. At least I now know that I shouldn’t be messing with Mickey mouse drawings, a flower shop and jewelries.

I’m still struggling and everyday I try to get out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned the difference between risks and smart risks and making the most out of my time. I know I still have a very long way to go to be considered rich even in a third world country like ours but it’s the small things that count and most often those that money can never put a price on – hearing someone say they’re proud of you, an employee grateful that she has work to do and a customer satisfied for a work well done.

Work From Where? The Farm!

Answer: Be a freelancer

2011 was a year of drastic changes, reluctant growth and intensified responsibilities. The first few months were a rollercoaster ride until I decided to finally get off and find a steady ground. I could honestly say (for the nth time) that I have matured.

THE RESTLESS TRAVELLER

I still had the travel bug from 2010, so last year’s first quarter – I was still all over the place. I went to Baguio at 4 AM with no plans of where to go and what to do. After a six-hour travel, my feet brought me and my friends to Sagada which was another six-hour drive from Baguio. No regrets though since Sagada is one amazing place.

I visited Singapore for the second time, mastered the art of train and map navigation (if there are such things) and went to Universal Studios but no, I didn’t try their super rollercoaster.

I went camping at Cagbalete Island which was named after the Balete tree, believed to be home for mythical creatures called Kapre. I was alone in my tent and, not surprisingly, stayed awake all night.

I bonded with Philippine Air Force soldiers in the Gregorio Lim Marine Base and they insisted I learn how to shoot a gun. I figured I’d stick to waterguns instead.

Mt Kalisungan was the last mountain I climbed. I love the view at the top but I’m just not physically made for this extreme sport. I sometimes wish, mountains have secret escalators.

PERSONAL LIFE

Finally ditched my two-year old relationship to give way to a better chance of finding love since my chances of settling down with my ex was nil. Marriage is still a long way down the road but at least it’s now included in my vocabulary and I might be just inches away from my soon-to-be-groom.

I made peace with my Grandpa, the person I used to consider to be my life’s major villain. He was my biggest critic, he cut my allowance and kicked me out of the house. I realized now though that if it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be forced to stand on my own. Now, I’m one of his favourites.

After more than a decade, I spent Christmas with the whole family. It was a bittersweet feeling since our last Christmas as a family was before my Dad died. My sister came home and stayed for a while. We played tricks on our not-so-little brothers and nieces and laughed off.  This was the best gift ever.

WORK

I was invited to work for freelance.com and later on was offered to become their blog’s resident writer.  Now, I also handle their social media accounts. Do check them out.

Me and my team, Assign2Us, were able to increase our production in Elance and oDesk. I found out about Taskarmy and since then have gotten numerous clients as well as ongoing projects.

You can’t have everything go smoothly though. Just recently, Assign2us feedback score went down to 3.94, a far cry from our almost perfect 5 score.  Was it because of an unsatisfied customer? No. Our client PureContent, moved our contractor to a different team thus restarting the contract, and left a feedback score of 3 stars without any comments. After numerous emails, we decided to no longer work with them.

ODesk held a Meet & Greet event for the first time. I was able to socialize with fellow freelancers and oDesk teammates. I also met with oDesk top contractor Bernard Vukas with my partner, Bernadette at the Pinoy Freelancer Christmas Party. Special mention to couple Glenn and Marilyn of Memokitchen.

BUSINESS and INVESTMENTS

Made a couple of bad investments including that of hair extensions but I’m glad to start two new exciting ventures with my friends and family – Cups N Beans, Simplified and Spa+light

Cups n Beans Grand Opening

]]> http://karissajavier.wordpress.com/2012/01/21/2011-the-year-that-was/feed/ 0 karissajavier Cups n Beans Grand Opening http://karissajavier.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/chronicles-of-a-call-center-girl/ http://karissajavier.wordpress.com/2011/11/14/chronicles-of-a-call-center-girl/#comments Sun, 13 Nov 2011 19:20:54 +0000 karissajavier http://karissajavier.wordpress.com/?p=203 ]]> *I wrote this while still working in the call center.

I had my first real job as a technical support representative for a DSL company based in the US. During my first months on the floor, it was just three things – either I don’t understand the customer or the customer doesn’t understand me or we both can’t understand each other. And I had my fair share of the most irritating question a call center agent can ever be asked.

“Are you from India?”

“No Sir. Are you?”

A lot of people think that being in the call center industry is a relatively easy job. That may be true. We sit around all day. No sweating. No tearing a muscle. It may have been a perfect job for someone as unathletic as me. But there’s more to physical stress.

“Please type in H-S-I.”

“What???”

“That is H-S-I.”

“H and then what?

“That is H and then S, as in so help me God.”

Sometimes, it gets too stressful that I would make a sign of the cross before answering the phone. And there were those days that I would feel cold sweat trickling down my body as the phone rings. While inside my mind, I chant repeatedly, ghost call please, ghost call, ghost call…

“Hi, my name is Carrie. May I have –

“Never mind. I just want to know if you really are open 24-7.”

Working as technical support representative requires good problem-solving skills. We are paid to know and resolve issues. There were times when I ask myself, why am I here fixing someone else’s problem when I can’t even fix mine? Add that to the fact that I was never good at Math problems. And what do you get?

“I called in because I can’t get to the internet and now I can’t even turn on my computer!!! So what do I do now?”

“Well, let’s keep our fingers crossed.”

One thing I hate most is the fact that call center agents are regarded by some as no brainers. The phone rings, we answer. The customer asks a question, we answer. And they say that there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. You think answering calls is as simple as hello? Not at all, especially not when all customers think they are always right and always smarter.

“What does the screen say now?”

“It says, ‘Hit ENTER when ready’.”

“Well? Please press ENTER now.”

“Well, miss know-it-all! How do I know when it’s ready?”

Sometimes, the work gets too routinary and you just feel like taking a one-week vacation some place where phones don’t exist. But every now and then, you get a pleasant  surprise. And this is what keeps us going. Not all customers are irate and arrogant. Some are charming and as funny.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, are you single?”

“Uhm, yes… Why?”

“‘Cuz I could marry you right now. You just made my computer work!”

“Oh, let me get my supervisor then and you can ask him for my hand.”

It’s because revenge is sweet.

And there’s nothing sweeter than finding out that the people who bullied you back then are pigs and monkeys now.

So you’re probably thinking I’m just bitter but BULLYING is a serious issue. It can lead to depression, lack of self esteem, poor academic performance and even suicidal thoughts.

I know because I’ve been there.

Let’s go back to the time when I was flatchested, thin as a bamboo stick and had only one pair of shoes.

I would go to school with my wrinkled clothes and uncombed hair. I couldn’t take care of myself back then and I know I probably looked awful and my classmates made fun of me because of that.

The mean girls would hit me with volleyballs.

Boys would throw crumpled papers at me.

One time I had my Coke drink replaced with who knows what.

They wouldn’t let me pass by the door.

A couple of guys would scream, “Yuckkkkkk!” everytime I pass by.

I was set up at the dating booth with the school guard during our Foundation Day!!! Luckily, I was given the option to bail out.

No one knew what I was going through – the death of my dad, financial problems, the responsibility of taking care of my two younger brothers and the wrath of acne! It reached a point where I didn’t want to go to school anymore. Instead, I frequented the mall and the nearby pool hall. I even thought of suicide.

Luckily, I met some wonderful friends (who were also bullied) and I got through all of it.

It was one of the biggest achievements of my life. And now, I find pleasure every time I log on to Facebook and see that bitch who used to throw balls at me looking like a hippo now or that guy screaming “Yuck” now asking for my number.

So if there’s someone out there who’s being bullied, I hope he/she reads this. Remember, happiness is the best revenge of all. Nothing drives people crazier than seeing someone they used to step on having a good life.

Suck it up – all the insults, the names, whatever they throw at you. Suck it all up and make it your motivation to become better each day.

And remember to look forward to the day when you’d arrive at your school reunion with your head up, smiling and secretly telling yourself – BULLIES THEN, LOSERS NOW.

Today is World Teachers Day so I will make the most out of it by writing some anecdotes about my life’s most memorable teachers and greatest lessons learned.

ABAKADA and 123s

Everytime I look back into my childhood, I remember our old cupboard. Taped on its glass panels are two sheets of paper – one for ABAKADA (filipino version of ABC) and the other for my 123s. I remember sitting in front of it reciting my lessons out loud. I must have been cursed when I was a kid because I prefer books to toys. I would read anything that has words printed on it. I even remember reading my uncle’s adult comics in front of relatives because I ran out of Funny Komiks to read. After I mastered the Filipino alphabet, I moved on to ABCs. I would remember my Dad teaching me every afternoon and reading with me before we go to sleep. He taught me how to pronounce “chimney” and “webbed” and helped me with my multiplications. When I was in kindergarten and didn’t get a perfect score in my exam (it was a BIG deal for me back then), he told me scores doesn’t matter as long as you do your best.

Grade I with Mrs Elias

Quirino Elementary School

To Mrs. Josephine Arcega – Kindergarten. Thank you for being my first teacher. I used to be afraid of teachers and thought that teachers are witches who have chalks instead of broomsticks but you proved that a teacher can indeed become a friend and that I – a teacher’s pet.

Ms. Menor - Grade 1. You scolded me when I answered without hearing your question first and I was so scared of you the lesson remained with me until now. Also, thanks for teaching me at an early stage that 5 is pronounced “five” and not “pive”.

Mrs Elias – Grade 1. You signed me up as a contestant for the Math Olympiad though I’d rather join a beauty contest instead. I never thought I was good in Math but you pressured me and left me no choice, so thank you.

Ms. Peralta – Grade 2. I remember you gave us a hard quiz and after five minutes of trying to figure out the answer, I gave up and started drawing flowers on my paper instead. You walked up to me and told me to keep trying and never give up. I’ve kept that fighting spirit you instilled in me and no, I’m not giving up on my singing career.

Ms. Paraiso – Grade 3. I’m sorry for cutting classes.   Fine, I’m sorry for cutting classes and inviting three other classmates to cut classes with me (but really the carnival trip was worth it!). I didn’t know one of them would have such a big mouth. I’ve always known I have a strong influence on people but you taught me to use it responsibly.

Mrs. Ramos – Grade 4. It was the year I took the acceleration test and I was in doubt I’d be able to make it. I was used to being second best serving as the back up candidate for most school contests and all of a sudden I was competing on a national level. I doubted myself but you didn’t. You believed and worked on me perhaps without an overtime pay. When it was announced that I got accelerated, you were beaming as much as me. My name won’t be printed on a banner at the school gates if not for you.  I wish I could tell you this personally.

Mrs. Magpantay – Grade 5. I didn’t really like you and your beehive hairstyle but when my Dad passed away, you along with many teachers came to comfort me and my family and I can never thank you enough for that.

Mr. Caddarao – Grade 5. It was a few weeks after my dad’s funeral and I wasn’t back to my normal self. I had to pass on a project but missed the deadline. I came to ask you if you could give me extra time. I thought you would shout at me but instead comforted me and told me to take my time. You taught me compassion and understanding which are two of my best assets now.

Mrs. Mabiog – Grade 6. I was flatchested, my classmates were bullying me,  I was falling behind my lessons and was losing my drive and motivation. Instead of letting me sulk in my make believe world, you awarded my Investigative Study as the best entry. Though i didn’t win the contest, you gave me back my self confidence and somehow that kept me going. I still made it to the top 10 of the graduating class.

Quezon City Science High School

QueSci – the regional science high school for NCR and regarded as one of the prestigious sciences triumvirate in the Philippines. Whenever I tell people I graduated from QueSci, they would automatically think I’m smart. Either that or I just look like one. QueSci has some of the smartest students and that’s because they also have the toughest teachers. I salute all teachers from QueSci but I’ll just mention the most memorable here.

Quezon City Science HS

Mr. Almendarez – Earth Science, 1st Year. We learned a lot of good jokes from him and his class was always the most fun. It was a good break from our extensive math and science subjects. When I was on the brink of failing Earth Science, he talked to me and gave me another chance to prove myself. It’s probably one of the reasons why I still dream of hydro and biospheres.

Mr. Lorenzo – 3rd Year.  He is the famous author of the series of quiz books Brain Blitz and a Philippine Champion of the World Quizzing Championship. I’ve always looked forward to being taught by QueSci’s most famous teacher unfortunately, he only taught us on the first day of classes but amazingly memorized all our names. I guess that’s enough to motivate a student to study harder.

Mr. Madriaga – Citizens Army Training. I despise this subject. First, it practically has almost no value to me since I don’t have any intentions (not even in my wildest dreams or nightmares) to become a soldier. Heavens forbid I fight for the Philippines in the next world war or I’ll guarantee we’ll lose even to the citizens of Lilyput. Every Tuesday when CAT classes are held, I’ll go to Sir Madriaga’s office and tell him I’m sick or that I have dysmenorrhea. He taught me not to make excuses and to follow the rules even when I didn’t want to. That’s one lesson I didn’t learn and because of that I didn’t graduate from CAT.

Mrs. Moreno – Filipino, 3rd Year. She was one of those teachers who will push you hard and knock your head even harder. She taught us to make use of our common sense as non-users are often crucified in front of the class. When she gives a commendation, you’ll never forget it, “Listen to Karissa, she talks with sense.”

Mrs. Flores – Research, 4th Year. We were in Fleming, the lowest in the intelligence/hardwork Quesci pyramid but thanks to Mrs. Flores’ guidance and persevering words, we competed alongside the smartest students not just of Quesci but the whole of Philippines in the National Science and Technology Week 2001. We didn’t bag the grand prize but at least we won some bragging rights.

Ms. Balucio – Advisor, 4th Year. We were a big headache and she had no choice but to go through one hell of a migraine because she was our class advisor. She was like a second mother always nagging us to study and come to class on time. When me and my friends took a one-week leave (come on, high schools should have sembreaks too!) right before the NSAT, she called the attention of our parents. The outcome wasn’t that bad considering I got a 99% score on the test.

Technological Institute of the Phillipines

I have to admit I’m not very proud of my college since it’s not one of the top universities here and when I say I graduated from TIP I’m often asked, “Why not UP? Why not MAPUA?” But hey, it’s not the school that makes the student but the students that make the school. And though I have a lot of complaints with TIP like the fact that the Engineering building has five floors with no elevators, I love TIP. I still hate our PE uniforms though.

Engr. Alexie Ballon, Logic Circuits and CCNA. No other professor in TIP can compare to Sir Ballon’s wits, influence and charm. I would often pass projects late, skip studying on exams and would rely on magic ink for test answers but not with him. When you’re in his class, he expects you to excel and become the best version of yourself. He despises mediocrity and would not settle for less than a 100% of your efforts. He wants the best in you that you’re left with no choice but to give your best. He’s such a terror professor he doesn’t even allow students to yawn in his class.

I haven’t mentioned everyone including my teachers outside of classrooms, people who taught me not just theories and postulates but life lessons more important than Gauss’s law of magnetism.

I walked into the seminar room and was greeted by the oDesk team concierge rep, Dan. He asked me for my ticket since it was strictly for invitation only and contractors are required to present tickets upon entering but I told him,”I’m one of the oDesk team members. Guess who?”

I then caught up with Joanna, a fellow oDesker/Assign2us AC and Loy who are both members of this online group, Pinoy Freelancers. Then I went to gossip (in real life!) with my CSS teammates.

with Joanna and Loy

with Pinoy Freelancers members

with Sasha, new CSS member and former Transcom officemate

Mike Barnett, Director of Customer Service then presented some trivia. I didn’t take note of everything but I did remember one:

Filipino contractors have the highest number of logged hours.

*Hah. I just checked my profile and found out I have over 7000 hours logged as of press time.

Rina and Jas had their presentations followed by those of other contractors and it was really great to hear positive and inspiring stories. ODesk has tremendously changed peoples’ lives and that’s more than the financial improvement it has brought to a third world country like the Philippines. I work with different freelance sites but oDesk is the one closest to my heart.

If oDesk was a guy, I’d marry him right away!

After the oDesk team dinner (Inhale girls!)

After the event, oDesk team buffet dinner at Racks El Pueblo.

This is supposed to be a wacky shot but I was the only one who had a funny face. Daya!

October 2010 with a college friend- one of my skinniest moments

After almost a year of not eating rice and finally slimming down to a size 2, I find myself struggling to fit into my old pair of jeans. It’s not a big wonder considering my current lifestyle; waking up at noon, eating junk foods for breakfast, working, napping, eating, sleeping then eating (again in my dreams!). I don’t have any sports, not even a virtual one! Add the fact that no one calls me FAT anymore. Most of my girlfriends are wider than me and my beau just doesn’t care or so he says.  Besides, it’s the rainy season so all my swimsuits are neatly hidden in my closet.

One of the cons of working at home is that I sit all day watching my tummy grow from big to huge. And it doesn’t help that I’m an emotional eater – meaning I eat when I’m sad, I eat when I’m happy and I eat with every chance I get.

Losing weight means hard work and discipline, which is exactly the problem. I lack both.

- I tried the no rice diet for a week and felt lighter but the excess weight immediately returned after I consumed cups and cups of rice like a rice-starved prisoner.

FACT 1: I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT RICE.

- I tried to enroll in a gym and paid one year membership fee to remind myself to go everyday otherwise I have to blame myself for wasting my hard-earned money.

FACT 2: I’M STILL BLAMING MYSELF UP UNTIL NOW FOR WASTING HARD-EARNED MONEY.

- I tried those slimming capsules, slimming tea, Nesvita and all other L-carnitine drinks (whatever that is), green tea capsules and all other capsules except space capsule (corny) and I probably lost an imaginary one or two inches off my waistline but the thing is it immediately comes back after drinking iced tea and coke.

FACT 3: SLIMMING DRINKS WON’T WORK UNLESS YOU WANT TO DRINK BIGUERLAI EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

- Being a Limewire addict, I also downloaded Hiphop abs and Pilates workout videos but I kept pressing the fast forward button everytime I have to lie on my back, do a legsplit or an egg roll and when I have to touch the back of my knee with my tongue.

FACT 4: WORKOUT VIDEOS ARE JUST FOR YOUR EYES AND SHOULD NEVER BE TRIED AT HOME.

And so I didn’t attempt to lose weight until recently. I don’t know whatever has gotten into me but I just decided that – this is it! I went to Fitness First Eastwood and spent a day at the gym. The trainer weighed me and to my utter shock I found out I’m already 125 lbs. My second fattest moment was when I was working at Sykes back in 2006 and I was only 118 lbs then. She also measured my body fat index and I was only 2 points away from the risky stage. That day I just told myself to do it.

I bought a 2-piece swimsuit at Tiendesitas, wore it and took pictures of myself using my cam (I will die first before I’ll show it to anyone and by then I’m sure no one will want to see a dead person wearing a swimsuit 2 sizes smaller). I then disgusted myself by looking at my layers and layers of flabs. While doing that, I kept telling myself that four months later, I will fit beautifully into those little pieces of clothes. I also looked at my friends’ pictures (specifically Andrea and Tracy looking oh so thin and criticized how fat I look when I’m with them).

TIP 1: Find something that will inspire/disgust/encourage you enough to lose weight. Ex. Paste your picture wearing only your undies besides Heidi Klum’s own 2 months after she gave birth to her second child.

I started buying fruits and compromised with myself regarding my diet – I will eat rice only during breakfast and lunch. Everything that I eat after 6 comprises of fruits, biscuits and other light stuff. I never believed in denying myself of what I want to eat but I remind myself that there is always a right time and that you can’t have it all (in one meal).

TIP 2: Make a deal with the devil (devil=yourself). When it comes to losing weight, you are your own worst enemy and best friend. The choice is entirely up to you.

Although I’m so lazy to go to the gym, Fitness First offers classes such as Latin, Bellydancing, BodyJam, etc. which to me is a lot more fun than carrying weights and doing situps. I realized that as long as I am enjoying the time I spend at the gym, it all becomes less of a work out and more of a leisure time. Add the fact that I work out alongside Asi Taulava, Carlos Morales, Mike Enriquez and er– other hunky guys — this is the wisest decision I made so far.

TIP 3: Do something that you truly enjoy until there’s no more “work” only fun, fun, fun! If you really can’t find any form of exercise or work out that you enjoy, go to a hypnotist who can make you believe that you really are strolling in Paris shopping for Louis Vuitton bags when in reality you are sweating out cleaning your room (all day) and your neighboor’s room (all night).

Because of the hunky guys in FF, my gay friends are also hooked to working out in the gym. They became my new gym buddies. They tell me when I’m being lazy, when I’m not doing enough work, when I’m cheating, etc. etc. They also stop me from eating rice at night. And they hit me in the head when I stray from my routine and do something stupid like eating 3 donuts from Krispy Kreme.

TIP 4: Find a gym buddy or weight loss guru who would torture you when you a) forget to exercise b) eat chocolate c) sleep all day. Remind yourself not to kill your friend when he takes away your super supreme pizza.

I’m not criticizing anyone and I don’t have anything against fat people. It’s just that I prefer myself leaner and able to pose wearing swimsuits without looking like an overripe banana. And I think I owe it to myself to be fit, fabulous and sexy. Also, I’m not advertising Fitness First (for those who wants to enroll I can refer you to my agent, just text me). There are a lot of other ways to work out. You can jog in Circle, Rizal Park or in your neighborhood. You can also attend cheap 20-peso workout classes in Greenhills and QC Circle during mornings. You can ask your friends to play badminton or patintero or taguang tsinelas. Walk instead of taking the jeep. You can also work double time and walk with your arms from your home to your office. There are a lot of ways to lose weight. It’s never an easy task so you should really, really and let me repeat – really, be determined. Think: DIET, EXERCISE and DISCIPLINE. You have to want it bad enough just as much as you want kaldereta and rocky road ice cream.

Oh and lastly, don’t think about food too much.