This weekend, I spent approximately 7k. 3 days, 2.3k per day.

• Friday – Ponti + Taxi = 700
• Saturday – Grocery + Gas = 2000
• Sunday – Divisoria = 4000

Whataweekend. Payday just hit me and I’m already broke. Somebody keep me away from my wallet. :(

A bit iffy about my new Project Manager. I mean I’m happy we’re no longer outsourcing to Yellowasp (I know they’re really good but they’re a pain to work with). So far I’ve had 4 Project Managers for CCP and yeah, maybe we are a pain to work with too; but 2 out of those 4 I really didn’t have a problem with (the 4th one didn’t work with us extensively so I really can’t say much about working with him). Why? Because of the following reasons:

1. They gave feedback when feedback was needed - especially during emergencies. especially when feedback was needed immediately. especially when I have abso-fucking-lutely no idea what was going on.
2. They explained things pretty well - I’m amazing (and humble too) so most of the time I know what’s going on (nothing like a little Google to help you in times of ignorance). But sometimes Google = information overload. Plus there are jargons to look up so what was originally a one item research usually becomes a 10 item research. So I appreciate a little 101 when there are issues that are not for the kids who did Basic Math in college. Oh and please, don’t use highly-technical words. It doesn’t make anybody sound smarter, nor like you know what you’re talking about. Using big words won’t impress me and make me stop asking questions or pestering anybody.  If you can’t explain it, then it means you don’t understand it well enough yourself. 
3. They didn’t promise anything - In my book, PMs should never ever ever promise anything. Especially since last time I checked, we are still in a world where “anything can happen”. Deadlines can be pushed, Requirements change, Earths quake and a sneeze from the other end of the world can so much as cause a hurricane on the opposite end. So don’t promise me anything. Don’t promise me that the site will be fast and there will no longer be any downtimes. Don’t promise me that you know what you’re doing. Because sooner or later those promises will come and bite you in the ass. And in this team, honesty is always the best policy.
4. They consulted - They didn’t decide to do things on their own. They didn’t change specs just because they thought it would be better. They asked. Because in the first place, it’s not their place to do so without consulting with the business owner first. At the end of the day, it’s my project, it’s my business – I make the decisions (or in some cases I consult with other people who should be making the decisions). Granted that in some cases, your way can be better or it makes more sense – OK. But at least have the decency to consult with me. Coz in the project food chain, business owners trump project managers in the decision making.
5. They were trustworthy - Sometimes it’s all about the hips. There’s a certain aura that is needed for Project Managers. It’s this aura that makes people trust you and trust what you’re saying. When I ask for something, I want to feel that I’m sure I will get what I asked for (on time and correctly). If you don’t think you can deliver it on time, then say so. If you have questions, then ask them. Because when you don’t do any of those and you come back to me late, and with the wrong requirement – then I will never ever trust you again. And when I don’t trust you, I don’t want to work with you.
6. They recognized that I am the business owner - Bypass me and I will wring your neck. I don’t care if you consulted with the CEO (of the other company, to be exact). He doesn’t make the decisions for this project, I do (and by I, I mean after I’ve consulted with our big boss, the marketing head, and the rest of the team involved with the project). So yeah, even if you’ve consuted with him, it doesn’t change the fact that I no longer need to know what’s going on. In fact, I need to know what’s going more than he does. And you need me to know what’s going on, because at the end of the day, I have a say in your evaluation.

So basically my new PM isn’t any of the above. But I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt. It’s only been less than a month. If he doesn’t change after we’ve talked, then I will strangle him.

I recently made my list of things to do before I’m 30. I’ll be 30 in 3 years and several months so the pressure is on! I realized that most of the things on my list are travel related.

Some things on my list.

1. Sleeper train across South East Asia
2. Backpack across Europe
3. A month in a different country – or at least a month travelling.
4. Bagel in New York
5. Batanes
6. Japan
7. Volunteer (Immersion style)

Day 1 of my HK escapade version 2011.

part 2 of a major backlog…

(if goldilocks and red ribbon had a kid…)

someday i will conquer the world.

I know I just got back from HongKong 2 weeks ago, and I still owe pictures from that trip. Just 2 weeks ago, and I already miss being there. The MTR, the people whoozing by you, everybody dressed so chic, the weather in February, the public transportation… H&M (hahaha).
I think I may love HongKong more than I love Singapore. Except that Singapore is much cleaner. And people spit less.
(I still love Manila the most though despite its many problems).
I wonder what’ll happen and how much I’ll fall in love with New York when I finally get to visit the place.

I have so much to blog about!

1. My sister’s looming Canada move
2. My Hongkong trip
3. Turning 25 in a little over a month
4. The worst kind of people you can work with
5. My quest for the still elusive perfect brogues
6. My plans for 2010
7. A plan to move to Canada
8. My quest for chunky jewelries
9. And my Project 365 backlog.

I can’t believe it’s only February. It feels November already. I’ve been up to my eyeballs with work, but surprisingly I’m enjoying it. I haven’t complained yet (the year is still young), except about difficult work mates – so I’m taking that as a good sign. I’m surprisingly optimistic about this year. Let’s hope it lasts :)

But for now let me end this post with.. Oh Hongkong, I miss you already.

But next destination should be Cambodia or Vietnam. It’s not yet time to revisit Thailand, I think.

I love being this cheery. It’s a good feeling.

I’m leaving for Hong Kong on the 28th. It’s really cold there this time of the year so I’m looking forward to be a trying hard fashion victim, and layer! I’ll finally be  able to layer my sweaters, cardigans, dresses, tights. And wear a scarf and a pair of boots and not die of heat stroke! Naturally, I’m excited.

And as early as January 16 (just yesterday), I’ve started and almost finished, packing.

yes, I’m crazy.

And since I’ve just gotten a Lookbook.nu invite from Rica, I made sure that the clothes that went into that bag are worthy of being put up to scrutiny by the Lookbook population, ALL made up of photographers, bloggers, and models (and sometimes all three combined)  from lands that do not exist.