Thursday, June 25, 2009

Birthdays, updates, and randomness

Hi everyone!

Since last time not much as happened. Working in the call centre for the past few weeks brought back memories, particularly because Katherine and I were on the same shift. One day we even had Paul supporting us from back home...OLD SKOOL ASQ UNITE!

I felt like i got in a good rhythm working nights and very much enjoyed being able to walk back to the hotel in order to have breakfast for lunch.

This week I've been back in training and it could not have happened a minute too soon. New class, new material, and yet very familiar. I always enjoy the first week with a new class; sensing the vibe of the group, testing the waters, trying to figure out personality types...it's one of the biggest reasons I enjoy training so much.

That's about it for shop talk. Probably shouldn't say much more, except it's still a re-donk-u-lous amount of work. On here I pretty much write about the one day every two weeks (average) we all get to let our hair down.

Since last time I've done a bit of shopping, went to another beach, and solidified plans for my suit. It will be done on Monday! HUZZAH!

Last weekend at the beach Charlene and I got on a seadoo and only got thrown twice. I hadn't been on one since I was 14 and it was an absolute blast.

The other week Tyler made his way out here and brought me my camera. It looks like the curse is over and I can finally take pictures (and we all know how great I am at taking pictures). Thanks again to Paul for sending it with a package of camera goodies all in a ziplock bag. Along with Tyler also comes a bit of freshfaced energy which really has helped to perk up my spirits. The guy never runs out of steam and wants to do and try EVERYTHING. I appreciate that, even if I've been told multiple times to watch out for him.

I also finally made it out of the hotel to a bar called "The Wine Shop" the other weekend. It was very pub-esque and offered some decent, but not great, tapas, live music, and a decent mixed drink selection. I helped myself to a rusty nail to remind me of home but after one the waitress kept sending me rusty nails regardless of how i changed my order. Somehow I persevered. The music was not to my liking; a smathering of 70's and 80's pop and disco hits, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and company thoroughly. I shall be back soon.

While over here I have also embarrassed i-tunes a bit and picked up some fantastic new albums including the latest from the Revolting Cocks, False Icons, and The CLSM. Paul has also ensured that I keep up and current with all the trendy stuff including a Notorious BIG/Frank Sinatra mash up album. I always appreciate new music.

While being over here and thus, unable to enjoy my glorious records I have also started searching the net and found some awesome free hardcore labels such as Zombfree at:

http://ninjacolumbo.co.uk/zombfree/

Paul, check this one out! I'm not sure if Redline, Boots, or Doner check my blog but hit up the link for some free tunes and also a great album by Michael J Rocks.

While watching tv here randomly today I saw a local entertainment show talking about, believe it or not, a megarave that occurred here back in Jan. It had some familiar names such as Max Graham, Krafty Kuts, and Mat the Alien (http://www.cebuurbanmusic.com/). Not really my speed but I enjoyed that a bit of my ol' culture comes here once in a while. I really enjoyed how the reporter described one room as being "R&B" when it was more of a hip hop, dubsteb, and jungle. I wonder if she meant "rukkus and bass"?

It's now the 26th here and I guess that makes me 28. Most of you are probably wondering what shenanigans I have planned, but there's nothing (unless the ladies have something in mind)! I'm working late and then have to go to bed so we can all go to Bohol Island (http://www.bohol.ph/) fresh on Saturday Morning to view some natural beauty and some creepy little lemur/monkeys. I guess it's time to start using this camera.

EZ

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Further in the Cebu

I know, it's been a few weeks. I think it's a combination of working a lot, laziness, changing shifts, and settling in a bit. Anyways...

Since last time we went to the beach and I did get to work on my tan. Unfortunately i was wearing my big sunglasses and iended the day looking like a reverse racoon. After a few chuckles, Trina came to my rescue witha bit of aloe vera lotion(something which is in short supply here fore some reason). By the time i headed back to work all my agents could see was my sun-touched face; no pasty peepers in site.

The following weekend we all went island hopping and it was a right trip! Clear blue water, warm sun, cold beer, picturesque beaches...you get the idea. We all went for a snorkle and it was a blast. Lots of tropical fish, some urchin, a few starfish, and one long sea snake! We enjoyed an excellent seafood lunch with our Wipro hosts in a sea-stranded hut before heading to our final destination.

Approaching the beach a few of us decided to jump off the boat and swim to shore. The current was strong but it didn't seem too far a distance. As we swam closer we realized that the beach was surrounded by vegetation and rocks. It must have been quite fun to watch all the weterners drag ourselves to the shoreline belly first in order to get to the actual beach.

The rest of the afternoon was spent laying around and sipping beer until one of the Wipro staff saw some other beach bums throwing a football around. Before I knew what was happening i was attempting to frantically explain the basic rules of football to an unknowing crew of Indians and Filipinos. I kept thinking, "wouldn't my father and Matt Cassie be proud". Luckily (for me) we just ended up throwing the ol' pigskin for a bit.

Other goings on includes my upcoming made-to-measure suit. I will be going for a final fitting sometime in the next few days and if it all turns out I will be sure to get a few more made (including a smoking jacket which i've wanted for years). Apart from that, it's been a lot of long hours and hard work for the entire crew here. Trust me, there is a ton to do, but luckily the team is well suited for the demand (right Marilyn ;)).

Last week i did get smacked in the face with a bit of home-sickness when those wonderful Boodang guys booked me for a rave, in Edmonton, on my birthday. It just reminded me of home, my fam, crew, music, subculture...GEEZ! Furthermore, a rather crap-tastic internet connection has recently hindered my Skyping capabilities. Still, the whole crew here has done a great job supporting one another and i have talked to the rents, Paul, and Boots. I also received a message from Marty of Boodang. He was very encouraging and hopefully I'll get some DJ Lego time at the next rave up when I get home. Also, a large record order from IMO helps to ease the sickness (take care of my babies for me, Pinkboots). BRING ON THE NEXT BATCH OF TRAINING!

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